Nurse Practitioner SIG Mission Statement

The ONS Nurse Practitioner SIG is dedicated to promoting high professional standards and fostering the professional development of oncology nurse practitioners in their role as advanced practice nurses.

• Define the role and scope of practice of oncology nurse practitioners.
• Promote the image of nurse practitioners in oncology.
• Act as a vehicle for communication among nurse practitioners in oncology.
• Promote the formulation and implementation of guidelines for nurse practitioners in oncology.
• Facilitate a forum for continuing education programs for the nurse practitioner in oncology and ONS members.
• Support and encourage the development of oncology nurse practitioner programs in institutions of higher learning.
• Encourage and facilitate research related to healthcare delivery by oncology nurse practitioners (i.e. quality of care, patient satisfaction, cost effectiveness).

Activities

The Nurse Practitioner SIG has worked on several projects to fulfill its mission statement. The NP SIG publishes three newsletters a year updating members on political and clinical issues impacting NP practice. Several additional newsletters have been published jointly with the CNS SIG, reflecting shared issues and concerns. The NP Job Description, developed in 1996, continues to be utilized by nurse practitioners and by those seeking to add NPs to their staff. The NP SIG membership directory has been revised (1997-1998) to include professional demographics that will facilitate networking. Recognizing the value of computer technology as a networking tool, the NP SIG Online Work Group is currently developing an NP SIG web page. We are developing a brochure on the role of the nurse practitioner in oncology for patients, consumers, and potential employers. A questionnaire was sent to the membership to determine its content. The NP SIG continues to be a voice in expressing the needs for continuing oncology education at the advanced level. The NP SIG sponsors educational and discussion sessions for the APN at ONS Congress and Institutes of Learning sessions.

Benefits/Communication

The SIG meets during the ONS Annual Congress at the SIG Planning Meeting and the SIG Networking Session. Nurse Practitioner SIG leaders communicate regularly with members through written communiques, newsletters, and by letters and phone calls. The newsletter features timely articles of interest to oncology nurse practitioners, announcements of educational offerings, political and legislative issues, practice updates, and reports on SIG projects and activities. An annual NP SIG membership directory is given to each member for further networking potential.

Membership Requirements

All SIG members must be members in good standing of the national Oncology Nursing Society. ONS members receive one free SIG membership. Additional SIG memberships are $15 each. Anyone interested in NP issues may join including students, educators, and researchers.