The ONS recognizes the importance of networking for oncology nurses and so they have a member directory and chapters throughout the country that can help oncology nurses connect in their regions with other oncology nurses. Networking is important for all nurses. The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) (2019) cites studies done by Yale, Cornell and UCLA that show that 70% of jobs are found through networking, and the same is true for nurses (ACRM, 2019). Networking not only helps with career advancement, it also provides support systems for nurses when things do not go well. Nursing is physically and mentally challenging especially oncology nursing where patients are often sick and dying. Having others who understand the experience really helps. Networking also helps nurses to keep up with the trends and advancements in an ever changing specialty (ACRM, 2019). This helps nurses stay on top of changes that may come to their workplace.
The ONS can keep nurses up on the latest trends in many ways. First of all it has a list of resources that nurses can use. If nurses want to network with other oncology nurses, there are 35,000 members of the ONS to which they have access. They also have volunteer opportunities where oncology nurses can meet other oncology nurses and share ideas about what is going on in their field. There are also opportunities to teach and mentor, provide advocacy for patients from the hospital room to the halls of congress. The ONS is also a member of several coalitions of nurses that work together to improve patient care and access to care. They have a monthly newsletter and a website with information available any time.
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