By Margaret (Peggy) Rosenzweig, PhD, FNP-BC, AOCNP®, FAAN
ONS Scholar-in-Residence
As the ONS Scholar in Residence, I have recently had the opportunity to experience firsthand the essential role of nursing research in shaping patient care. As mentioned in my blog post last month, I had the ability to attend the National Institute of Nursing Research’s (NINR’s) 40th Anniversary Scientific Symposium, themed “Advancing Nursing Science to Improve Health for All: NINR’s Impact,” to present a poster representing ONS’s work.
The symposium was a truly lovely reflection on the impact that the NINR has on the nation’s health. During this time of vulnerable funding, it served as a reminder of the institute’s importance in advancing the concerns of patients and their families. Inspirational presentations addressed topics such as translating science into solutions, population and community health, prevention and health promotion, systems of care, and the unique impact of community voices. The speakers exemplified how nurse-driven approaches identify critical issues, foster collaboration, and create measurable change. The investigators’ commitment was evident. Their research trajectory was not without challenges, but their innovation and tenacity enabled them to pursue what they knew to be important and their generous mentorship has advanced research for generations.
I also had the privilege of attending the Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology (APSHO) conference on behalf of ONS, held at the National Harbor in Washington, DC. The opening panel, The Power of a Unified Voice: Optimizing the Advanced Practice Role Through Society Collaborations,” included representatives from the host organization APSHO, the Association of Cancer Care Centers, the Association of PAs in Oncology, the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, and ONS.
The panel discussed how to advance the role of the advanced practice provider (APP) broadly, but specifically focused on the APP role in clinical cancer research. As the scholar-in-residence, I represent ONS in this multiorganization collaboration throughout the year, focusing on the development of a publication depicting the many ways that APPs can take a leading role in the oncology clinical research process.
There are multiple suggestions for increasing the research capacity of APPs in clinical care, including addressing structural institutional barriers prohibiting non-physicians from assuming leadership roles on research projects, better research training in formal education and after graduation, dedicated administrative time, and collaboration with affiliated or local universities for ongoing research mentorship.
Because APPs are deeply embedded in every aspect of oncology care, their clinical expertise and close relationships with patients position them uniquely to shape and strengthen clinical research. APPs can help ensure that clinical trials reflect the critical needs and priorities of patients and families while also leveraging their strong clinical relationships into awareness of, and support for, participation in available studies. This is genuinely exciting work because it brings research directly to patient care.
Together, these two experiences reminded me why nursing research and leadership are so vital to the future of cancer care. At both conferences, I saw how nurses, whether lifelong scientists, educators, or APPs, are at the center of translating discovery into action. The energy and vision across both meetings were truly inspiring.
I left both conferences renewed in my belief that ONS is a powerful force for connection, innovation, and the advancement of nursing science, and that we each must seek opportunities to increase the visibility of our specialty and role and make meaningful connections to further the profession.