Announcements

Good morning, CTONS!

We have 3 types of scholarships that members are able to apply for in 2025! Last year, we awarded over $11,000 in scholarship funds to our local oncology nurses to help further their education, cover testing costs, and purchase study resources. If you know an undergrad student, there is a specific scholarship available for them as well.  Specifics and updated criteria can be found in the attached documents under "Discussions" or on social media. Please reach out to anyone on the Board if you have questions or email us (ctonsboard@gmail.com).

Due Dates

2025 ONS Congress Scholarship: March 9th, 2025

Quarterly Scholarships: March 24th, 2025 / June 23rd, 2025 / September 29th, 2025 / November 24th, 2025

Undergrad Student Scholarship: November 24th, 2025

Best,
Elizabeth Wade BSN, RN, OCN 

The annual awards are back! Please help us recognize our members that are doing great things. This years categories are Rookie of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Publisher/Community Outreach (descriptions below). Awards will be presented at the End of Year Celebration on December 6th, 2024. Please submit your responses by November 25th, 2024. Looking forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks!

Submit your nominations here!

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Awarded to any nurse with less than 2 years experience who has shown a special interest and dedication to oncology practice.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Awarded to the member who has dedicated their career to oncology nursing with contributions to ONS and/ or a local hospital/organization to further the development of oncology nursing or improved patient care. 

It is time to vote on our 2025 Board!

Please see the position statements for our nominees.

Emily Keen for Nominations Chair

I am excited to express my interest in the Chair position within the Central Texas Oncology Nursing Society. My extensive experience in oncology nursing has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to our community and support the mission of the Society.

I have worked at a charge nurse at St. David’s South Austin on the Bone Marrow Transplant unit, and as a preceptor learning unique leadership and clinical skills while managing complex patient care. In addition, my experience as a desk nurse at Texas Oncology South Austin has given me valuable insight to outpatient oncology nursing. This role has sharpened my organizational and communication skills, enabling me to liaise effectively between patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

I am passionate about advancing oncology nursing in our region and believe my combination of clinical experience, leadership skills, and dedication to mentorship makes me a strong candidate for the Chair position. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community and contribute to the advancement of oncology nursing in Central Texas.

Maddie Domino for Secretary

As a dedicated oncology nurse with a strong foundation in leadership, I am excited to apply for the Secretary chair position within the Central Texas Oncology Nursing Society. My experience as a class representative in nursing school honed my communication skills, allowing me to effectively liaise between students and the nursing association, ensuring everyone was informed and engaged. Additionally, my role as a preceptor at both the hospital and clinic enabled me to mentor nursing students and new nurses, fostering a collaborative learning environment that promotes professional growth.

Moreover, leading the COVID clinic required strategic planning and organization, as I managed vaccine inventory and supply orders while ensuring seamless operations. This experience deepened my ability to lead under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.

These roles reflect my commitment to nurturing future nursing leaders and my passion for advancing our profession. I am eager to leverage my skills and experiences to enhance our society’s initiatives, ensuring we continue to support and advocate for oncology nurses and the patients we serve.

Please follow the link below to cast your votes by 11/6/2024 at 2359. The new board will be introduced at the CTONS End of the Year Celebration on 12/6/2024.

Please click this link to access survey

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Haley Bisson, BSN, RN, OCN
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Dear CTONS Members,

The nomination period for the 2025 Board of Directors is open. Candidate applicants for the ONS Board of Directors should be voting ONS members. A member in good standing is one who is a registered nurse engaged in or interested in oncology nursing; and has paid the annual required member dues. Student, associate, and international tiered members may not vote or hold ONS office. 

All candidates must:

1. Meet the qualifications as required for the office desired.

2. Demonstrate a commitment to the ONS core values.

3. Submit a completed candidate application to the nominations chair by October 11,2024 no later than 5:00 P.M.

All term lengths are 2 years. Each application will be reviewed by the board of directors and the most qualified candidates will be slated. You can become part of the vital group of leaders who shape the future of CTONS and this is also a way to contribute to your professional organization.

I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and nominate yourself or someone for a leadership role!

The following positions are available for nominations : Secretary and Nominations Chair

Thank you,

CTONS Board

CTONSBoard@gmail.com

CTONS Candidate Application

Good morning, everyone!

The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) will be having an Oncology APRN specific CE course in Washington DC on November 14-15. Please see info below and the course brochure if you're interested.

**Reminder that the next scholarship deadlines are 9/30 and 11/29. This is a qualifying CE event.

ELNEC Oncology APRN - Apply Here

Best,
Elizabeth Wade
Chapter President

_______________________________________________

ELNEC Oncology APRN:
Preparing Oncology Advanced Practice
Nurses as Generalists in Palliative Care

Thank you for your interest in attending this course. We are grateful to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for funding this course and for promoting palliative care education in oncology settings. The purpose of this course is to educate oncology nurses as generalist palliative care providers and leaders.

This NCI sponsored education project provides funding for the following:
• Course attendance: registration, course materials (including text books), breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the two days
• Two nights of lodging that will be paid directly by ELNEC to the hotel (The Watergate Hotel)
• Up to 13 CEs (includes 4 CEs designated pharm)

Qualifications to apply include:
• Advanced practice oncology nurse
• At least five years of experience in oncology (the five years does not need to be as an APRN)
• Must have a Masters or DNP degree
o Those with a PhD may apply as long as 100% of their work time is in a clinical setting
• Up to two participants per unit at each institution will be accepted.
• Must not be an official member of a palliative care team.
• Because this grant is funded by the National Cancer Institute, we are unable to accept any international applicants. All participants must work at an institution in the United States.
• Due to the requirements of the grant, applicants must be currently employed.

Note: If you are not eligible to attend this course, please visit the ELNEC website for other course options.

Participant Commitments:
• To earn CE credit, participants must attend the entire course, sign-in daily and complete a daily course evaluation. Certificates will be emailed within 10 days of the course. *This is subject to change & you must be present all 2 days to receive CEs – no exceptions. Plan travel accordingly.
• Agree to attend one-hour webinar monthly for one-year post-course.
• This project requires mandatory completion of follow-up evaluation surveys at 6- and 12-months post-course.

All additional information about this project is available in this course brochure. Once accepted, participants will receive further information. For all questions regarding assistance in completing the application or the overall project, please contact the ELNEC team at ELNEC@coh.org or Haley Buller at hbuller@coh.org.