Nurses Caring for Cancer Patients:

From Community to Capitol Hill ALEC STONE, MA, MPA

HEALTH POLICY DIRECTOR

ONCOLOGY NURSING SOCIETY

APRIL 24, 2015

Nurses: Most Trusted Healthcare Providers

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional association of more than 35,000 members committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Together, ONS and the cancer community seek to reduce the risks, incidence, and burden of cancer by encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting early detection, and improving the management of cancer symptoms and side effects throughout the disease trajectory.

Oncology Nurse: The Point of Contact

ONS Health Policy Agenda

Federal Policy Agenda 2015:

◦ improving cancer symptom management and palliative care;

◦ advancing and ensuring access to quality cancer prevention and care;

◦ strengthening nursing workforce contributions to safeguard public health.

From Bench to Bedside Oncology nurses work in education, evidence-based research, hospital administration, and patient care.

NINR: Research, Prevention, Care

NINR engaged the community to develop its focus and define its agenda.

The Strategic Plan describes five main areas of focus:◦ Health Promotion and Disease Prevention◦ Advancing the Quality of Life: Symptom Management and Self-Management◦ End-of-Life and Palliative Care◦ Innovation◦ Developing Nurse Scientists

Building on the Strategic Plan, past scientific accomplishments, and current research, four key themes have evolved. These themes include:◦ Symptom Science: Promoting Personalized Health Strategies◦ Wellness: Promoting Health and Preventing Illness◦ Self-Management: Improving Quality of Life for Individuals with Chronic Illness◦ End-of-Life and Palliative Care: The Science of Compassion

Public Health: Prevention and Treatment

Early Detection and Screening

Tobacco Cessation

HPV Vaccinations

Access to Opioids

Pain Management

Palliative/End of Life Care

Patient Navigation

Electronic Health Records

Advocacy: Hitting Capitol Hill

ONS, as an organization and as individuals, advocate on behalf of people with cancer to ensure their quality of life and their access to exemplary care throughout the continuum of life. We advocate on behalf of the nursing profession and the oncology specialty to ensure respect and recognition, access to education, safe working environments, and fair reimbursement. ONS also serve as advocates for public policy, particularly in matters of health.

Current Legislation in Congress H.R. 398: Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act of 2015 Rep. Renee

Ellmers S. 297: Frontlines to Lifelines Act of 2015 Sen. Mark Kirk S. 704: Community Based Independence for Seniors Act Sen. Chuck Grassley S. 674: 21st Century Women’s Health Act of 2015 Sen. Patty Murray S. 473: Saving Our Next Generation Act Sen. Tom Udall S. 205: Trafficking Awareness Training for Health Care Act of 2015 Sen. Bill Cassidy S. 275: Medicare Home Infusion Site of Care Act of 2015 Sen. Johnny Isakson S. 629: Making the Education of Nurses Dependable for Schools Act Sen. “Rob”

Portman H.R. 1342: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2015 Rep. Greg

Walden H.R. 977: Making the Education of Nurses Dependable for Schools Act Rep. Aaron

Schock H.R. 1006: Building a Health Care Workforce for the Future Act Rep. Raul Ruiz H.R. 1602: Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of

2015 Rep. Jan Schakowsky H.R. 379: National Nurse Act of 2015 Rep. Eddie Johnson S. 578: Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2015 Sen. Susan Collins H.R. 605: Medicare Home Infusion Site of Care Act of 2015 Rep. Eliot Engel H.R. 952: Put a Registered Nurse in the Nursing Home Act of 2015 Rep. Jan

Schakowsky H.R. 72: Breath of Fresh Air Act Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Nurses in Government

President Barack Obama meets with nurses and Members of Congress in the Oval Office, prior to a health care event, July 15, 2009.

CMS Marilyn Tavenner

HRSA Mary Wakefield

6 Members of Congress

Coalitions and Teamwork

American Nurses Association (ANA)

Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC)

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CFTFK)

Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition (HPNEC)

National Coalition for Cancer Research (NCCR)

National Coalition for Cancer Survivors (NCCS)

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF)

Nursing Community (NC)

One Voice Against Cancer (OVAC)

Pain Care Forum

Activism in Action