An Inside Look: Get to Know the Nurses Behind the 2024 ONS Congress®
ONS Congress® returns this spring with the intent to blaze a trail for cutting-edge oncology education and bring together oncology nurses from all over the world. The 2024 ONS Congress Planning Team has been working hard over the past few months to bring extraordinary educational sessions and speakers to Washington, DC, for the 2024 ONS Congress.
We asked the 2024 Planning Team, which comprises dedicated volunteer nurses, to share what they are looking forward to at the conference, what fuels their passion, and insight into planning the 49th Annual ONS Congress.
Colleen McCracken, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CHPN, OCN®
Planning Team Chair
System Educator–RN
Froedtert Hospital
Milwaukee, WI
As the chair, could you provide a glimpse into the extraordinary educational content the team is crafting for the conference? What do you hope attendees will take away from the event?
The 49th ONS Congress is currently being planned by a team of incredible oncology nurses from across the country. The conference planning is based on ONS member feedback, hot topics, and looking toward the future of oncology care. The conference aims to have something for everyone in attendance. Whether you are an inpatient or outpatient nurse, an educator, researcher, or advanced practice provider, you are sure to find a topic to meet your educational goal. The use of artificial intelligence, innovation in nursing, or the Cancer Moonshot are only a glimpse of topics to spark your passion for oncology care.
After this conference, your fire will be reignited to bring back innovation and new ideas to your colleagues and healthcare institutions.
What fuels your passion for oncology nursing?
My colleagues and patients fuel my passion for oncology nursing. Although I have been an oncology nurse for 20 years, I am still constantly learning from my colleagues and patients. In order to provide the best care, I need to stay engaged and up to date on current practice.
How do you try to inspire or mentor the younger generation of nurses?
As a nurse and educator, I try to inspire the next generation of nurses and fuel their passion for nursing. Nursing is a profession I am so proud and honored to be part of, and I want new nurses to feel this fire and excitement. Mentoring new nurses to think outside the box and utilize evidence-based practice that changes the way we provide care, inspiring educators to create innovative methods to reach all types of learners or students to feel excitement, and just being present during critical moments in our patients’ lives—these are all ways we can and do make a difference in oncology care.
Grace Cullen, DNP, FNP-BC, ACHPN, AOCNP®, RN-BC
Planning Team Member, Advanced Practice track
Nurse Practitioner
Detroit VA Medical Center
Detroit, MI
Which session are you most looking forward to attending?
The session on concomitant use of THC/CBD products and cancer-directed therapy.
How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in oncology nursing?
By attending continuing education events.
Is there a unique source of inspiration or role model in your life that has blazed your trail and dedication to oncology nursing?
My patients, as each of them teach me a unique perspective on life.
Erin Kopp, DNP, ACNP-BC, BMTCN®
Planning Team Member, Advanced Practice track
Director of Advanced Practice
Nurse Practitioner
City of Hope
Duarte, CA
What made you want to be part of this year’s planning team?
As a nurse practitioner who specializes in oncology, I have looked to ONS for educational and professional development resources. With limited opportunities to step away from my clinical responsibilities to attend national conferences, I have always had to prioritize and choose one per year. In the past, I felt that the content directed to the advanced practice provider (APP) didn’t always address my needs or the needs of my colleagues. Rather than sit back and opine to others, I decided to raise my hand and apply to be a part of the planning team. I was blessed to be chosen, and I have committed to representing the APPs in this unique field.
What fuels your passion for oncology nursing?
There is one simple answer to the question of what fuels my passion: it is an honor to influence the trajectory of care for any human being that is suffering. I have been in nursing for more than 25 years, and I have always been driven by my hope to mitigate the negative impacts that illness leaves on the mind, body, and soul. I am lucky enough to find fulfillment in the ever-changing landscape of oncology, and I feel grateful every day that I can apply my interests and skill set to do what I truly love.
What do you hope attendees will take away from the Advanced Practice track sessions at the 2024 ONS Congress?
I hope that the attendees of the Advanced Practice track sessions come away feeling empowered in this space. After spending time engaging with colleagues and experts in the field, I want everyone to see how critical the role of the APP is and how many options there are to contribute to the betterment of patient care. If every attendee could walk away from this conference with their interest piqued in what the future holds for APPs in oncology and a refreshed commitment to this profession, then we would have done our job.
Audrey Hopper, BSN, RN, BMTCN®
Planning Team Member, Clinical Practice track
Nurse Navigator Breast Surgical Oncology
Indiana University Health Schwarz Center
Carmel, IN
What made you want to be part of this year’s planning team?
I have been an ONS member for many years, and I have learned so much from all the amazing nurse leaders and volunteers in my career of more than 16 years. One of the most impactful moments of my professional career was attending Capitol Hill Days in 2016, visiting the White House, and speaking with the Vice President. I use the ONS resources often, and I rely on our local central Indiana ONS chapter for support and education. Honestly, it made sense for me to apply so that I could give back to the organization that has given me so much over the years. To be part of the ONS Congress planning team was a "reach goal" of mine, and I have loved the experience and growth. I have been pushed to broaden my oncology scope and to find speakers who will inspire attendees while also taking away meaningful education to use in my practice right now. It is very fulfilling work.
What do you hope attendees will take away from the Clinical Practice track sessions at the 2024 ONS Congress?
I hope attendees walk away with real lessons that are immediately applicable. I also hope that attendees are inspired by the speakers and that they walk away with new information that advances their practice.
Is there a unique source of inspiration or role model in your life that has blazed your trail and dedication to oncology nursing?
Many nurses have inspired me throughout my career, and I am especially moved by nurses who are advocates and civically engaged. I would say my biggest source of inspiration is my mom, who is also an oncology nurse. She has taught me to live a life of empathy and authenticity. She is probably the nicest person you will ever meet, and if you are her patient, you will be ferociously protected and cared for. Through her and her oncology nursing friends, since my first job in oncology at 18 years old, I have been surrounded by nurses my whole life. They have taught me how to be professional and caring, and I stand on their shoulders when working to advance our profession. It is my goal to elevate the next generation of nurses by fueling their passion and helping them find their voice to move our profession forward.
Becky Jones, MSN, MEDSURG RN-BC, NPD-BC, FABC, ONC, OCN®
Planning Team Member, Clinical Practice track
Clinical Educator
UH Seidman Cancer Center
Cleveland, OH
Which session are you most looking forward to attending?
I am looking forward to the Clinical Track Session titled “Benefits of an Early Mobility Program for Hospitalized Cancer Patients.” This session describes the process of implementing a mobility program for hospitalized patients with cancer and discusses how implementing a non–physical therapy professional to mobilize patients can improve patient and staff satisfaction. What a game-changer for nursing!
How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in oncology nursing?
I read the daily ONS Community blogs to see what is going on around the country. I also read Oncology Nursing Forum and Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing that I get in the mail.
What fuels your passion for oncology nursing?
Knowing that I can make a difference in someone's life. I truly believe it is a privilege to be a part of their lives. I am currently an educator and teach others how to make a meaningful impact in their patients' lives.
Stacey Clements, RN
Planning Team Member, Management/Staff Education track
MSN Student
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
What fuels your passion for oncology nursing?
My passion for oncology nursing is fueled by the sacred nature of the work we do and the strength I draw from my faith. The experience of cancer can be such a vulnerable and traumatic one, no matter the diagnosis or projected outcome. When a patient hears the word “cancer” for the first time, they are forced to consider their mortality in a way they never have before, and our role as a nurse becomes about so much more than just the medical care we give. It becomes about going on a journey with another soul, building a therapeutic relationship with someone, and honoring the space they have allowed us to share with them. It becomes about providing the highest quality care we can give and about being a source of compassion and light to someone who may feel like they are walking through the darkest season of their life. It is an absolute privilege to stand in such a space with another human being, and I pray I have the strength to remain in it for many years to come.
What do you hope attendees will take away from the Management/Staff Education track sessions at the 2024 ONS Congress?
I hope that attendees will come away from these sessions inspired and revitalized. The Management/Staff Education track sessions directly address some of the greatest difficulties we see in nursing today. While these sessions can’t promise to hold all the solutions, they are vital conversations that have the potential to catapult us forward. I’m so excited for our attendees to hear from this year’s incredible assortment of speakers and to glean from their cutting-edge perspectives.
How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in oncology nursing?
I am an avid reader and podcaster, and I am constantly seeking out new evidence-based sources of information to build my knowledge. Beyond the rich assortment of information that I get from work and school, I am a regular reader of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing and the Journal of Clinical Oncology, and I listen to the Oncology Nursing Podcast by ONS. For general nursing and career development, I really enjoy the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, the SEE YOU NOW podcast, the NPD Forecast podcast, and the Digital Health Today 360° podcast.
Denise Portz, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, AOCNS®, APNP
Planning Team Member, Management/Staff Education track
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
What made you want to be part of this year’s planning team?
I have been an oncology nurse for over 28 years and have been active in my local chapter, Southeastern Wisconsin, for many years. Every time I attend an ONS Congress, I am so revived and excited to bring back what I have learned to my institution. Now that my children are grown, I felt it was time to get involved and give back to ONS at a national level.
Which session are you most looking forward to attending?
I am leading a project at my institution to standardize the chemotherapy and immunotherapy education given to patients with cancer across our system. I am very excited to attend the session “Nurse as Educator: Facilitating Patient Centered Learning” to learn about resources to be an effective nurse educator.
Is there a unique source of inspiration or role model in your life that has blazed your trail and dedication to oncology nursing? How do you try to inspire and mentor the younger generation of nurses.
I have been blessed with many nursing role models throughout my career. Jeanie Rosiak and Mary Pat Johnston come to mind as mentors who have inspired me to advance my career and to be involved with ONS on a local and national level. I would like to think that I am inspiring the younger generation of nurses, as well, with my involvement and dedication to oncology nursing. I love oncology nursing and believe that oncology nursing is always changing and never boring!”
Bridgett Harr, DNP, APRN-CNP, AOCNP®
Planning Team Member, Radiation track
Nurse Practitioner
Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Main Campus
Cleveland, OH
What fuels your passion for oncology nursing?
Helping our patients during one of the scariest and most uncertain times they may face.
How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in oncology nursing?
ONS has many great resources to stay up to date, in addition to the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society for Radiation Oncology.
What have you learned by being a member of the ONS Congress content planning team?
I continue to be amazed at the work that gets put into ONS Congress before setting up speakers and during troubleshooting and coordinating. It truly takes a village to help things run smoothly.
Holly Tenaglia, DNP, APRN, AGCNS-BC, OCN®
Planning Team Member, Radiation track
2025 Planning Team Chair
Lecturer
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
What have you learned by being a member of the ONS Congress content planning team?
I’ve learned that all oncology nurses can make an impact. This year, I’ve been particularly impressed with the new speakers in my track, as well as the depth and breadth of the abstracts that have been submitted this year. You can truly feel the enthusiasm that ONS members have for their patients, communities, and profession.
What do you hope attendees will take away from the Radiation track sessions at the 2024 ONS Congress?
In addition to the content that we are bringing to their sessions, I have two major goals for this year’s radiation track. First, I want radiation oncology nurses from all around the country to feel seen. We were intentional with inviting speakers from all parts of the country, different types of practices, and varying years of practice to show that everyone has expertise to share. Second, we would love for up-and-coming radiation oncology nurses to become more involved in the track. We have some newer speakers that have stepped up, and we hope that they inspire others to do the same.
Is there a unique source of inspiration or role model in your life that has blazed your trail and dedication to oncology nursing? How do you try to inspire and mentor the younger generation of nurses?
As a participant in the Young Leaders Pilot Program last year, I can say that mentors and fellow mentees have inspired me to continue growing as an oncology nurse. Because of the faith they placed in me, I try to pay it forward with others. I forward meeting invites to new graduates that tell me they are interested in oncology, and now, as faculty, I’m able to share my experience and make connections for those interested in joining our amazing field.
Susan Storey, PhD, RN, AOCNS®, FCNS
Planning Team Member, Research track
Assistant Professor
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN
What made you want to be part of this year’s planning team?
I have attended ONS Congress for many years and have benefitted greatly from the conference. I felt like it was time for me to show my appreciation to ONS by serving on the planning team. Through this service opportunity, I have met new colleagues with similar interests.
Which session are you most looking forward to attending?
I am most looking forward to the Research track sessions. We have top-notch speakers coming to discuss timely topics in current research.
Is there a unique source of inspiration or role model in your life that has blazed your trail and dedication to oncology nursing?
I have been fortunate to have several mentors to inspire and encourage me into and along the career path in oncology nursing. However, it is the memory of the patients and the families that I have had the privilege of caring for throughout my career that are the main inspiration to continue my work to improve the lives of cancer survivors.
Meagan Whisenant, PhD, APRN
Planning Team Member, Research track
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
What do you hope attendees will take away from the Research track sessions at the 2024 ONS Congress?
I hope Research track attendees will find opportunities to learn about cutting-edge oncology nursing science from experts, while also networking with potential collaborators and colleagues. ONS Congress provides a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from others who are passionate about solving oncology care problems.
What fuels your passion for oncology nursing?
My passion for oncology nursing science is driven by my own experience as a clinician and desire to provide the best possible, evidence-based care.
How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in oncology nursing?
I use the many resources provided by ONS to stay up to date with the science, including publications and conferences.
We are immensely grateful for the dedication and expertise that this team is bringing to the 2024 ONS Congress. Register today to join them in igniting the extraordinary possibilities. You can also utilize our justification toolkit to help communicate the benefits for you, your supervisor, and your institution in attending ONS Congress or apply for an ONS Congress scholarship through the Oncology Nursing Foundation.
Interested in joining a future ONS Congress planning team? Applications will be available on the ONS Communities in February 2024.