Oncology Nursing During Trying Times

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—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 cover story 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 Oncology Nursing News® 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.

Mike Hennessy Sr.

Chairman and CEO