Colleen M. O'Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS, clinical nurse specialist, head & neck cancers, coordinator, nursing evidence-based practice, The James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University, discusses the importance of navigation for patients with head and neck cancer.

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Colleen M. O'Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS, from The James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University, discusses the importance of navigation for patients with head and neck cancer.

Colleen O'Leary on the Importance of Navigation for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Colleen M. O'Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS, clinical nurse specialist, head & neck cancers, coordinator, nursing evidence-based practice, The James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University, discusses the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis.

Colleen M. O'Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS, The James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University, discusses the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis.

Colleen M. O'Leary on the Management of Oral Mucositis

Colleen M. O'Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS, clinical nurse specialist, head & neck cancers, coordinator, nursing evidence-based practice, The James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University, discusses chemotherapy safe handling.

O’Leary says nurses that are handling chemotherapy must adhere to the guidelines in order to stay safe. These nurses must be experienced chemotherapy nurses and must implement independent double-checks.

Guidelines should apply to both the in-patient and ambulatory setting, O’Leary says. Following the guidelines is essential to keep both patients and nurses safe.

Colleen O'Leary Discusses Chemotherapy Safety 

Colleen M. O'Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS, clinical nurse specialist, head & neck cancers, coordinator, nursing evidence-based practice, The James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University, discusses evidence-based practice in oncology nursing.

O’Leary says oncology nurses are looking into a variety of areas to improve, including how to best educate patients. Specifically, gynecologic oncology nurses are working to better educate patients on sexuality, as this can be an uncomfortable subject for both patients and nurses.

Other areas of interests include improving central line treatment, product issues, and improving nurses themselves, O’Leary says. A study was conducted at The James that set up aromatherapy at the nurses’ station to help decrease stress. If proven to be beneficial, aromatherapy could be used in patients’ rooms, O’Leary says. 

Colleen M. O'Leary Discusses Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nursing

Colleen M. O'Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS, clinical nurse specialist, head & neck cancers, coordinator, nursing evidence-based practice, The James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University, discusses evidence-based practice at her institution.

Oâ€™Leary says she is responsible for coordinating evidence-based practice projects, quality improvement projects, and research projects. She has created a process for evidence-based practice projects to define roles, ensure that the right people are involved, and that literature reviews are done correctly. A talk at the 2013 ONS Connections Conference clarified that there are necessary steps to make an evidence-based practice change.

At The James, all clinical nurse specialists are required to go through a week-long immersion program to become evidence-based practice mentors. When a new evidence-based practice project is created, a mentor is assigned, Oâ€™Leary says, though they need to remember that it is not their project. As a part of their residency program, nurses are required to do an evidence-based practice project. 

Colleen M. O'Leary, RN, MSN, AOCNS

Articles

Colleen O'Leary on the Importance of Navigation for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Colleen M. O'Leary on the Management of Oral Mucositis

Colleen O'Leary Discusses Chemotherapy Safety

Colleen M. O'Leary Discusses Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Nursing

Colleen M. O'Leary Discusses Evidence-Based Practice Projects