As the year 2020 comes to a close, health care providers around the globe may be looking back at the challenges they have faced and the struggles they continue to withstand as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues.

Cancer survivors are reflecting, too, and many of them are eternally grateful for the care that they received from their oncology nurses. Our sister publication, 

, asked its readers of patients, survivors, and caregivers about special nurses who made the difficulties of cancer treatment more manageable. The r

, and we featured a selection of them in this issue’s Social Hour column.

Our cover story addresses another global epidemic of decades ago: the spread of 

. Although effective medications allow patients with HIV to live long lives, the disease still poses some challenges in the cancer space, from stigma to drug-drug interactions. Oncology nurses can be instrumental in providing better care for patients with cancer who also have HIV or AIDS.

Also, in this issue, you’ll hear from nurse practitioners on the optimal management of 

 as the space continues to change and more patients and clinicians opt for oral therapies over a trip to the clinic. These nurse practitioners are experts in their field, and those who work in California can now do so without a physician’s oversight. This new legislation brought controversy for some and celebrations for others. Read about it in our Medical Economics article.

Finally, after reading our continuing education section that features updates from the 2020 ONS Bridge Virtual Conference, don’t forget to head online and take the online quiz, worth 1 credit hour.

Oncology nurses rose to the challenges that 2020 brought, and I know that they will continue to strive for the best patient care in 2021 and beyond. Thank you for reading.

Articles

As the year 2020 comes to a close, health care providers around the globe may be looking back at the challenges they have faced and the struggles they continue to withstand as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues.
 

Patients Recognize Nurses' Dedication

Oncology nurses are a rare breed. They not only stay abreast of the constantly changing world of oncology to ensure the best treatment for their patients, but also provide another level of care, showing love and support to patients with cancer and their families. Nurses change people’s lives, but for them, it’s just another day’s work.

Every year, CURE Media Group, which is operated by MJH Life Sciences, the parent company of 

, honors these heroes through the Extraordinary Healer® Award for Oncology Nursing. And although this year’s event was not in a ballroom filled with nurses and live music, the passion of the winners shone through just the same during the virtual event. 

Christine Santure, BSN, RN, received the Extraordinary Healer Award

 for launching her Caring for the Caregiver program at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Farrat, BSN, RN, CCRN-K, also was honored. She was the recipient of 

’s first Finest Hour Award, which recognized her dedication in the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Both women were nominated by their colleagues, who saw their commitment to patients. Also in this issue are highlights from the 

School of Nursing Oncology™ annual meeting. Read the 5 articles in this issue, and then head to gotoper.com for a continuing education quiz worth 1 credit hour.

Although the Extraordinary Healer® and Finest Hour awards are exciting accolades, oncology nurses should be honored every day. We at 

 thank you for all you do. As always, thanks for reading!

We Honor Oncology Nurses for Their Dedication

For many oncology nurses, caring for patients with cancer is the driving force inspiring them to come in to work, day after day. But issues with hospital or clinic administration plus the global coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic are causing health care professionals to experience burnout or compassion fatigue. Thankfully, research on burnout has come a long way in recent years. In 

 we explore this research and analyze how COVID-19 is affecting stressors put on oncology nurses. A special callout in the story lists steps that nurses can take to prevent or lessen the impact of burnout.

Another anxiety-inducing factor that some oncology nurses face is the financial burden of paying back student loans from nursing school and/or higher nursing education. Our feature story sheds light on this issue, while also providing resources for eligible nurses to reduce—or eliminate&mdash;their debt. We will hear from a nurse who found value in furthering her education, even though it came with a hefty price tag.

” column, seasoned nurses as well as patients offer advice to new oncology nurses who are just starting their careers. Words of wisdom focus on making connections with patients and their families, taking the time to explain medications and their adverse events, and finding time to disconnect from work.

Finally, head over to our continuing education (CE) section, which highlights 5 articles from the 2020 American Society for Clinical Oncology Virtual Program. Do not forget to go online and take the quiz for 1 CE credit hour.

I hope you find the information in this magazine informative and helpful. As always, thanks for reading.

For many oncology nurses, caring for patients with cancer is the driving force inspiring them to come in to work, day after day. But issues with hospital or clinic administration plus the global coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic are causing health care professionals to experience burnout or compassion fatigue.

Nurses Prevail Over Stressors Like Burnout, Educational Costs

This year has been tough for many Americans, but it has also highlighted the dedication of nurses and other health care providers across the country. I believe there is no better time than now for designating 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Nurses have been tireless in adapting the ways in which they provide cancer care, while ensuring patients continue to receive the best possible treatment.

For many, telemedicine has become a new normal, and these changes that have occurred in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic could be long-lasting ones. Although telemedicine has its strengths, there is a downside to not meeting patients face-to-face. Even more debatable is the use of in-home care for patients with cancer. In this issue’s “Social Hour” column, hear what readers have to say about these novel methods of treatment.

Before a patient receives any agent to treat their cancer, clinicians must first decide on the best treatment regimen. For many disease types, 

 is the first step in this process. Our cover story discusses the phenomenal work that 2 nurses are doing in this space. And not only does genetic testing help determine the best drugs for patients, but it can clue family members in on potential risks, creating the opportunity for earlier treatment or cancer prevention. Read more about prevention in our feature story.

Don’t forget to head over to our Continuing Education section to read up on best practices for treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, head online and take the quiz, which will count for 1 CE credit.

From new methods of care to staying up to date on the latest research and treatment regimens, nurses continue to prove their adaptability. I hope you find this issue enlightening. As always, thank you for reading.

I believe there is no better time than now for designating 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Nurses have been tireless in adapting the ways in which they provide cancer care, while ensuring patients continue to receive the best possible treatment.

Nurses Continue to Prove Their Adaptability

Throughout the early months of 2020, healthcare workers came into the forefront of the news as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) swept the nation and became a worldwide pandemic. Nurses were among the group of professionals on the frontlines fighting the disease, often risking their own health and safety to do so, especially as hospitals across the country faced shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical gowns, face masks, and gloves.

Our feature story highlights the PPE issue, as well as 

guidelines that the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) put in place

 during these trying times. Day after day, oncology nurses came to work to provide optimal and often life-saving care for patients with cancer-many of whom may be at increased risk for contracting COVID-19 due to the cancer treatments that can weaken the immune system.

Another group at risk for poorer health outcomes—at any time&mdash;is patients with disabilities. They face barriers to cancer screening, and once diagnosed, they may have difficulties accessing and navigating the healthcare system. This issue’s

highlights the dedicated nurses who advocate for this patient population, ensuring they live longer, healthier lives.

To date, 2020 has been a challenging year; many major healthcare conferences have been canceled or moved to a virtual format, including the ONS Annual Congress and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. However, in the midst of uncertainty, know that we at 

 will continue to bring our audience the best, most up-to-date information in the field.

As always, thank you for reading. And now more than ever, thank you for your tireless dedication to your patients.

Nurses were among the group of professionals who were on the frontlines fighting the disease, and often risking their own health and safety to do so.

Oncology Nursing During Trying Times

Because of the oncology nurse’s intimate role on the care team, patients often come to trust their nurse’s perspective, which positions the nurse as a go-to resource for all of the patient’s treatment related questions.

Whether they’re wondering about a drug’s adverse events, new treatments on the horizon, or alternative therapies, patients may expect their oncology nurse to help answer all their questions or at least point them toward the right resources. That is why it is vital nurses educate themselves on the latest insights in the rapidly changing field of oncology.

We strive to help oncology nurses with this in every issue of 

®, which is why our cover story breaks down relevant information in the use of 

. We interviewed experts in this field about the realties around the controversial topic, and when it is right to recommend marijuana use to patients, and how to break the stigma associated with marijuana.

Nurses are also tasked with understanding more about oncology outside their own specialty because of an unfortunate reality: The 

 creates a ripple effect across the field of oncology, cutting down nurses’ time at the bedside with their patients, sometimes compromising compassionate care. In this issue’s feature story, we focus on this adverse effect of the nursing shortage and how clinics can help address it.

It’s no secret that nurses are overburdened, so in these pages, one nurse addresses the issue of clinics forcing older nurses out of the clinic before they’re ready to retire and how clinics can instead step up to treat their employees fairly.

In their role as a resource, nurses also serve as advocates on their patients’ behalf, and can speak to issues their patients face with an insight other oncology professionals do not have. In this issue’s 

 you will read a nurse’s perspective on how African American women with breast cancer do not receive the same awareness and benefits that white women with breast cancer do.

 focuses on late-breaking studies and data from coverage at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress 2019. Be sure to take the online quiz and earn 1 free hour of continuing education credit.

I hope you find this issue both enjoyable and informative, and as always, thanks for reading!

Oncology Nurses Must Keep Up-to-Date to Deliver the Best Care

The words oncology nurses use when talking to patients and their loved ones can have a major impact on the quality of care. Using proper terminology for substance misuse disorders and being compassionate to parents whose child is facing a cancer diagnosis, for example, can set the tone for the patient-provider relationship.

In this issue’s cover story, we explore the tragic opioid crisis that is sweeping the nation and oncology nurses’ role in tackling the issue. “Nurses should have mindful social interactions with parents who have heard the dreaded words, Your child has cancer.”

 interviewed experts in the field about the stigma around opioid use, risk mitigation, and patient education strategies, as well as when it is—or isn’t&mdash;appropriate to use opioids. The article outlines key strategies for safe drug administration, which has great potential to affect patients whom nurses see day in and day out.

Although nurses should be cognizant of how they discuss opioid use with their patients, they should also have mindful social interactions with parents who have heard the dreaded words, Your child has cancer. In our feature story, we discuss the importance of compassionate care, not only with the child with a diagnosis but also with the family members and caregivers.

Nurses must be sympathetic to parents who are facing this difficult time and ensure they understand the ins and outs of their child’s diagnosis, as well as any care or consideration they should provide at home. This often requires patience, as many loved ones can have trouble digesting information after hearing the word cancer.

Also, in this issue, you’ll hear one oncology nurse discuss the reality of having cancer and how she finds motivation and inspiration from the amazing people she treats every day. And for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re offering a continuing education (CE) section specific to the disease. Be sure to take the online quiz and earn 1 hour of CE credit. I hope you find this issue both enjoyable and informative. As always, thanks for reading!

Here's what you can expect from the latest edition of Oncology Nursing News®!

Putting Compassionate Care at the Forefront of Oncology Nursing

From advancements in treatment to new ways to monitor adverse events (AEs) and symptoms, the world of oncology is constantly changing. Although it is important that oncology nurses keep up with the evolving cancer space, there is also opportunity for them to spark change in the field.

In this issue’s cover story, we explore r

esearch opportunities for oncology nurses in radiation

, a type of therapy that benefits about 60% of patients with cancer. You will hear from nurses who led research to better understand the AEs that come with radiation to treat gynecologic cancer, as well as others who are pioneers in the field. Because nurses bridge the gap between advocate and provider, they are in the perfect position to recognize patients’ needs and seek solutions for those undergoing radiation therapy.

Also in this issue, we discuss novel technologies—from smartphone apps to web-based programs&mdash;that are becoming increasingly popular in the management of AEs. As patients look more toward home monitoring of their symptoms, oncology nurses must understand how to interpret the data and still ensure that patients get the proper care that they need. Finally, our continuing education (CE) section focuses on some of the exciting advancements that were presented at the 2019 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium. Read the articles and nurse perspectives, and don’t forget to log on to OncNursingNews.com to take a quiz and receive 1 CE credit hour.

®, we constantly strive to bring oncology nurses the latest information to improve their practice. We hope that you find this issue, too, to be useful and inspiring.

Because nurses bridge the gap between advocate and provider, they are in the perfect position to recognize patients’ needs and seek solutions for those undergoing radiation therapy. 

Nurses Must Keep Up With Cancer Care's Constant Change

®,we welcome our new editor in chief, Deborah A. Boyle, MSN, RN, AOCNS, FAAN, whose extensive nursing knowledge, combined with her experience as a writer and editor, will lead us into a new era of publishing excellence. Her first article, “

Oral Oncolytics Are Changing Nursing Practice

,” cuts to the heart of an issue of concern to many nurses: how their jobs are changing due to the use of oral therapies for cancer.

Our cover story highlights an innovative program that has been growing for years to fill the gap that exists in 

nursing education around end-of-life care

. The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) was born from a desire to ensure that patients at the end of their lives receive appropriate pain relief and comfort. In addition to this goal, another has emerged over the last several years: providing palliative care for patients earlier in their cancer journey.

Pam Malloy, MN, RN, FPCN, FAAN, project director and co-investigator at ELNEC; Betty Ferrell, PhD, MA, RN, FAAN, FPCN, CHPN, who helped found ELNEC; and others share how the program educates nurses about palliative care, the benefits of early implementation, and ways to address barriers that might prevent patients from achieving their objectives with the time they have.

This month’s feature article reveals what oncology nurses say when others ask, “

” A new Careers column spotlights nurses who were inspired to choose their profession because of experiences they had as patients with cancer. In another new column, Voices, Jean Sellers, MSN, RN, administrative clinical director, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares her personal experience as a caregiver to her father during his illness and how a compassionate nurse opened her eyes to what a “good death” could look like. Articles from our partners explore videoconferencing for distance caregivers, and how to identify anxiety and depression in men with prostate cancer.

This issue’s Continuing Education section covers news and developments from the 2018 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in the areas of myelodysplastic syndrome, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

As always, we hope you find this issue educational and informative. Thank you for reading, and feel free to share these articles with your colleagues on social media using the hashtag #OncNurseConnect.

“This month’s feature article reveals what oncology nurses say when others ask, ‘Isn’t your job depressing?’”

Palliative Care Is Not Just for End of Life

A surprising demographic is drawing the attention of clinicians working in the lung cancer space: patients aged just 20 to 40 years at diagnosis. Many are women. Many are fit. They don’t smoke. Why is this population getting lung cancer? Our cover story explores this mystery, describing the challenges faced by this particular demographic and how the oncology community is supporting these patients.

Sharon Cavone, BSN, RN, OCN, and others explain how clinicians are attempting to identify lung cancer in young people at an earlier stage. They describe some of these patients’ unique issues, what resources are available and which are lacking, and nurse navi&shy;gators’ vital role in helping these young patients along their lung cancer journey.

This month’s feature article highlights the great lengths to which hospice staff went to grant a terminal patient in Southern California his final wish—to show his 6-year-old daughter snow.

Fast Facts for the Frontline explores complementary therapies for prostate cancer. Professionally Speaking provides nurses with ideas for advising patients on how to talk with their children about cancer. Also, A nurse from Duquesne University describes how she designed a study to learn more about the inter&shy;personal communication components of navigation for patients with breast cancer.

This issue’s Continuing Education section covers news and developments in the areas of liver cancer, lymphoma, brain cancer, kidney cancer, and multiple myeloma.

In her last Nurse’s Notes column, retiring editor in chief Lisa Schulmeister, MN, RN, FAAN, seeks to inspire nurse writers to share their expertise.

has grown into an established publication that informs, enlightens, and enhances the knowledge and professionalism of its readers. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Lisa for her 12 years as editor in chief of our publication.

As always, we hope you find this issue engaging and informative. Thank you for reading.

This letter from the Chairman and CEO of Oncology Nursing News gives an overview of the contents of the December 2018 print issue of the magazine.

Mike Hennessy Sr