Oncology Nurses Chapter

ONC Jumble Sales 2010

2010-08-24T16:01:00.002+08:00

We are raising funds for charity and education!
Come and give us your support!
Lots of great stuffs at super low prices.
See you there :)

Ong Shu Xin

Senior Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Vice-Chairperson, Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

September 11 - Women's Cancers: Unveiling The Unspoken

2010-08-19T17:45:00.002+08:00

Dear all,

Oncology Nurses Chapter has once again co-organised another exciting learning forum for all!

For more details:

Download PDF - Women's Cancers: Unveiling The Unspoken

Ong Shu Xin

Senior Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Vice-Chairperson, Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

Thank you to all committee members and Welcome new members!

2010-07-15T11:49:00.003+08:00

Firstly, let me thank Shu Xin for keeping the Blog going since it started years ago... It is tedious to maintain this amidst the busy schedule but you had done a good job! I believe our new members will add in their creativity and spice up the website ;) Keep it going all!

As mentioned, ONC had our election in May 2010 and a new committee had been formed.

I would like to thank Sis Sara for continuing her stint as our senior advisor. It takes lots of passion and she is our example to follow. I quote her words in my own understanding: "When people asked me about speciality, Oncology is the best. I am biased. When people asked me about the best hospital, my hospital is the best" ;) I think I am very biased too ;) ONC is the best and oncology nursing is the best and of course, our hospitals are the best too ;)

Next, I would like to thank is Wan Hua and Shu Xin. They knew that a few of us in the previous committee are going back to school and thus agreed to take up the nomination to be the next commander in chief for ONC. I applaud their love for ONC and their pride in keeping things going. While we are furthering our studies to prepare us to be Advanced Practice Nurse and ONC is preparing the next group of successors to take on the new roles, we knew that you will keep the fire burning bright bright.

Big big thanks to all in the old com and the new com too ;) For the hard work and support to keep things going and for taking on the new roles. This is voluntary and I thank everyone for their time and efforts for oncology nursing. I always tell people that oncology nursing has good camaraderie and it is always a pleasure to work with oncology nurses in all events. We have lots of humanity for mankind and ONC nurses are always considering others' needs - spoken and unspoken.

As we aspire to meet the challenges of the next generations to come, the new com of ONC will continue to give their best to take ONC to greater height!

Ednajoy

Another Chapter!

2010-05-23T16:09:00.008+08:00

We had our AGM after the seminar and many of us are excited about our new positions.

With a new team in place, I have set up a new design for ONC Blog. And soon, this will be taken over by our new team members to bring it to greater heights :)

Can't wait for things to start rolling!

Do take some time to complete the above poll to let us know what you would like Oncology Nurses Chapter to do for you :)

Ong Shu Xin
Senior Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

Oncology Nurses' Chapter 20th Anniversary Seminar 22nd May 2010

2010-04-30T14:58:00.003+08:00

Compassion Fatigue in Oncology Nursing

2010-02-28T23:06:00.005+08:00

Interventions to Manage Compassion Fatigue in Oncology Nursing
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
Volume 13 Number 2, 2009

Authors
Nancy Aycock, RN, BSN, OCN®, CHPN1, Deborah Boyle, RN, MSN, AOCN®, FAAN2
1 St. Dominic Hospital, Jackson, MS2 Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ

Abstract
Work-related stress emanating from close interpersonal contact with patients with cancer and their families may result in physical, emotional, social, and spiritual adversity for oncology nurses. The negative result of this cumulative distress has historically been referred to as burnout. However, this dated term does not truly depict the result of the longitudinal workplace ramifications of sadness and despair on nursing staff.

This article proposes that the phrase compassion fatigue replace the outdated notion of burnout in describing this phenomenon. Although not clearly and uniformly described in the literature, this occurrence is seen regularly in clinical practice and is conceptually known by nurses. Limited information is available about interventions to manage compassion fatigue; therefore, a national survey was conducted to identify resources available to oncology nurses to counter this phenomenon. Participants provided information about the availability of interventions in three major categories: on-site professional resources, educational programs, and specialized retreats.

The availability of resources ranged from 0%-60%. Survey findings, along with narrative comments by respondents, provide relevant information for oncology nurses and their employers. By recognizing the perils of inattention to this frequent nursing phenomenon and the scope of existing workplace options that may augment nurse coping, oncology nurses' recognition and management of this entity may be enhanced. Organizations also may be encouraged to periodically inventory their support and lobby for workplace interventions to manage this critical work-related issue.

(Abstract is extracted from Oncology Nursing Society Website: http://ons.metapress.com/content/976x01q6v568710m/)

Poem by Ms Farida Khan - The ONC Way

2010-01-29T10:47:00.004+08:00

Oncology Chapter has a Way;
We will Do what we Say;
We are not easily Swayed;
Who is the one who Say;
We cannot Stay;
ALL of us are in this Play;
United as a Clay;
Close to getting the PaY!

Updated by Ms Eleanor Wong
SRN, BCN, Onc Com Member, SNA, SP
Fri 29 Jan 2010

Compassion Fatigue - Do you have it?

2009-09-20T21:39:00.003+08:00

My Personal Reflections:

Feeling "numb"?

Feeling "sick of working"?

I read this interesting article from ScienceDaily and I would like to share with the rest of you.

Compassion fatigue is a syndrome that all of us health practitioners must watch out for. We could be rushing through our routines and feeling somewhat "numb" or "burnt-out". These senses of "I am tired of everything" or "my patients are dying anyway" are warning signs that we should watch out for!

I strongly believe that stress management is not just for cancer patients, but also for the professionals who are caring for them. We need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others well.

Talk to your supervisor especially when there are major events which happened e.g. death of a patient whom you have taken care of, sudden death, anger flare-ups from caregivers/patients. It is helpful to share your feelings and express how you feel.

Having been through this personally, I realised the importance of self-reflection. This allows me to identify my own emotions and to have insight about how i feel especially when I am heavily involved in a niche area of cancer counselling. Talking to someone senior and one whom I trust helps! It's extremely vital to de-stress and spend time to myself. Putting my feet up for a session of relaxing spa or massage deserves a 5 stars rating for its healing efficiency.

To me, the trick is to find joy, no matter how small or simple, amidst the challenges we face!

If you would like to share your feelings, do leave a comment too :)

Ong Shu Xin
Senior Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

Assessing Nurses' Attitudes Toward Death and Caring for Dying Patients in a Comprehensive Cancer Center

2009-09-02T21:31:00.008+08:00

Michelle Lange, BSN, RN, OCN®;
Bridgette Thom, MS;
Nancy E. Kline, PhD, RN, CPNP, FAAN

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: To assess how nurses employed in a comprehensive cancer center feel about death and caring for dying patients and examine any relationships between their attitudes and demographic factors.

Design: Descriptive quantitative.

Setting: A 432-bed comprehensive cancer center in New York, NY.

Sample: A convenience sample of 355 inpatient and outpatient oncology nurses.

Methods: Voluntary and anonymous completion of the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD), the Death Attitude Profile–Revised (DAP-R), and a demographic questionnaire.

Main Research Variables: Years of total nursing experience, years employed at the cancer center, previous experience with caring for dying patients, age, gender, and attitudes toward death and caring for dying patients.

Findings: Statistically significant relationships were noted among age, nursing experience, previous experience with caring for terminally ill patients, and scores on the FATCOD and DAP-R. Nursing experience and age were the variables most likely to predict nurses' attitudes toward death and caring for dying patients.

Conclusions: RNs with more work experience tended to have more positive attitudes toward death and caring for dying patients.

Implications for Nursing: Based on the data collected in the study, less experienced oncology nurses will most likely benefit from increased education, training, and exposure to providing and coping effectively with end-of-life care.

My Reflections:

Working in a comprehensive cancer center, my work involves caring for cancer patients and their families throughout the entire continuum of cancer journey. Facing death squarely in my face was indeed challenging when I first started out. Filling full of optimism and enthusiasim, I care for my patients wholeheartedly. It is truly difficult to raise the topic of death and dying.

However, I learned from my patients that it was very important for us to initiate the discussion. My patients felt that they were given permission and that it was alright to talk about this taboo topic. And so, I knew that I have a duty of care towards my cancer patients. Patients should be allowed to share difficult feelings especially when their family members avoid/deny them of such opportunities. This sensitive psychosocial care is part of the holistic cancer care that health care professionals envisaged.

Being able to care for dying patients requires experiential learning and that innate sense of empathy. This goes hand in hand with our pledge to 'Do No Harm'. Hence, I am putting my hands up to support the study's discussion. Further education is necessary to empower us to cope with end-of-life care. We have to break away from these feelings of awkwardness and helplessness which are high walls of barriers. Let's reflect. We need the missing Midas touch in this end-of-life equation.

Ong Shu Xin
Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

Breast Cancer Awareness Month BCAM 2009

2009-08-25T21:22:00.077+08:00

Oncology Nurses Chapter (ONC) is proudly in partnership with Reach To Recovery (RTR). As the person leading this initiative, I can't put to words about how excited I am about this joint-collaboration to promote Cancer Survivorship.

When I was invited me to take on this initiative, there were tonnes of ideas going through my head. After reviewing the literature, I knew at once what I wanted to do. I want to empower my cancer patients to participate in their own self-care.

I wanted to open up opportunities for cancer patients to share and work through their feelings. Hence, I chose to have an expressive session with the participants. The objective for this group session is to allow patients and caregivers to have a safe place to express their inner feelings. Many a times, we may not be able to share as much with our loved ones because of the fear of burdening them or we may not have a person to confide in.

A group session is a very strong supportive platform for patients and caregivers to know that they are not alone. Participants have all the liberty to choose and decide what they want to do. They are in charge, and yes, that is my objective, as I want them to be in control of their own unique situations and feelings.

Moving forward requires the knowledge to be able to do so, and hence, patients should also be equipped with tips on surveillance care. I am so happy to be able to invite Serene, NUH's breast care nurse, to be part of this initiative. Together with one another, patients can learn about what they can do to help themselves, to be in control of the situation.

I am so thankful that Sophia, our CGH comrade, is leading our survivors sharing session. Together with 2 distinguished guest speakers who are breast cancer survivors themselves, I hope to put forward a bio-psycho-social approach to this ONC-BCAM initiative. It is surveillance care (BIO), expressive care (PSYCHO), and survivors sharing (SOCIAL) respectively. I believe in the importance of patient-centric care and hence, I believe that cancer care does not end with just medical treatments. Together with Team-ONC, I hope to put forth my efforts to push cancer care to an even greater heights.

My dear survivors,
you may have been denied the chance to share about how you feel;
you may have been holding on for your love ones;
or you may have been alone all this while..

But I do not want you to be alone. You should never be alone in this journey.

We are all here for you.

Ong Shu Xin
Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

ONC is on Twitter!

2009-06-21T22:05:00.007+08:00

https://twitter.com/OncologyNurses

Super cool (:
Twitter us now!

Ong Shu Xin
Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

Educational Forum on Cervical Cancer Prevention

2009-06-11T12:18:00.002+08:00

Hello To All

2009-04-28T16:03:00.007+08:00

Hello Everyone,

It's been sometime since any one of us had posed an entry. I am also one of the culprit who always say that we do not have adequate time. Yes time is really not enough for us to use but as long as we make an effort all of us can and will do it as I have done today.

Perhaps yes it's 'cos I have a little more time now. I am 'cooling off' after spending some 30 years of working day after day except for during 'off days' and 'annual vacation days'. I have most of the time been putting my patients, friends and a lot other matters before myself. Some changes had taken place and I am now looking at life which is a journey from a different angle and perspective. Affirmed that we need to prioritize what's best not only for others but also ourselves. So pals do take good care before we become burnout.

Smell the flowers, look around and enjoy the goodness that's in our life too - our family, friends, whatever that had been given do us and thank the Good Lord for them.

Will be back soon !! So keep sending your post to tell us what's in your mind...... It's great to share with others too

Eleanor
SRN, ONC, SNA
"The time to change is when things are going well. Geoffrey Moss

Novartis Oncology Nursing Excellence Award 2008

2008-11-30T23:53:00.006+08:00

Dear fellow oncology nurses,

While the working com members are just recovering from the hard work over the last many months & last weekend, here are some snaps from the ceremony for you! With thanks to Leong Huei of Momentz for his kind support in photography! The photos are telling us stories about the inspirational evening ;-)

http://www.momentz.biz/events/ONE_Awards/Gallery.html

We would like to thank the following persons:

Dr Balaji (Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs) and Mrs Balaji for their presence to grace the event
Ms Pauline Tan (Chief Nursing Officer - Ministry of Health) for her presence & support
Dr Lim Soon Tai (President of Singapore Society of Oncology) for his continuous support for oncology nurses
Dr Sethi for the beautiful speech & our panel of judges for their hard work in selecting the best among the many excellent nominees
Dr Benjamin and Ms Kamala for their inspirational speech
Dr Emily Ang, our founder of ONC, for her presence, her support and her dedication to oncology nursing
Michelle, Lewis & Pei Wen from Novartis Oncology for their presence, for the Novartis educational grant and their administrative support for this event
Sam, Eric and Alex and others from Launch for their support and the many tips for our event
Annabelle who did up all the balloon crafts - Flowers, rings, bracelets, hearts etc.
Leong Huei & Partner for the superb capture of our event on photos
Distinguished guests and every one for their presence and support for oncology nursing
Our Oncology Nurses Chapter Working Committee chaired by Fiona - For the time and efforts, care and united spirit to coordinate this event for Oncology Nursing
All who had contributed big and small ways to this event...

The spirit of oncology nurses - our commitment for professional oncology nursing, our loving care to our fellow mankind and our cancer patients continues...

Ps: Do feel free to drop us some notes about your inspiration from the dinner so that you can inspire others too ;-) We welcome new ideas and thoughts!

Cheers,
Ednajoy

Genetics in Breast and Colon Cancers

2008-10-26T23:19:00.007+08:00

Hello everyone!! It has been quite a while since we started the blog. We hope that more members and nurses will pop by to contribute ideas and thoughts...

The past few months had been busy with lots of oncology related activities... We had just completed a talk on Genetics for breast and colon cancers. The responses were overwhelming and we would like to apologise to colleagues who were turned away in view of limited seats.

Some pictures to remember this wonderful session with good speakers: Dr Koh, Dr Ang, Ms Carol.

Our ONC committee is also working hard to bring you more events for oncology...

2008-09-28T20:48:00.002+08:00

Visit to Japan for INFJ scholars

2008-09-28T20:42:00.002+08:00

Planning in progress to gather all INFJ scholars to visit Mr. Ogura in Japan in Dec 08 or April 09. Interested staff , please email to Ong Ah Eng at ongaheng2003@yahoo.com
INFJ scholars: lets keep in touch.

Posted on behalf of Grace Lim

Gynaecologic Oncology Support Group

2008-09-21T23:46:00.014+08:00

Warm invitation to the inaugural gathering of the Gynaecologic Oncology Support Group

We are:
T otally
E empowered
A ctively
L iving !

The Teal Ribbon is the awareness symbol of gynaecological cancers of which ovarian cancer is the most harmful.

If someone you know or is close to you has been diagnosed with cancer of the female organs or if it is just to find out more info, do join in for a time of sharing, support and lots of hugging.

Together we will... ..... Live Life Well, Live Life Loud, Live Life Fully & Live Life Proud!

Date: 11th Oct 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 2 - 4 pm Venue: NUH, Kent Ridge Wing, Ward 86 (Level 8), Multipurpose Room
For Registration or information please contact: SSN Jocelyn Low @ 92367373 or email @ joce_lmc@yahoo.com.sg

Organised by Division of Gynaecologic Oncology & Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Posted by
Ms Jocelyn Low, Senior Staff Nurse (SSN), Dept of O& G
Registered Oncology Nurse,
Oncology Nurses Chapter, Singapore Nurses Association (SNA)

What I tell parents when their child as cancer...

2008-09-08T22:56:00.002+08:00

As a Paediatric Oncology Nurse & doing something I truly love from the start, I tell parents what I feel as a nurse, as a human being, as a woman & try filling in their shoes as parents (I know it's not the same as being parents yourself cos I am not a parent YET)..

Parents worry about their children everyday. If the child get sick, parents get panicky. Who wouldn't? With all the silly, nonsensical, God-knows-what VIRUSES, PARASITES, FUNGUS, BACTERIAS, parents have every right to worry.

I try to keep it real as possible, and only tell them what they want to know. Nothing more unless indicated. It's not good to overwhelm parents too much information at one go. Because they're already trying to cope with the fact that their child has Cancer. So give them what they need..Most importantly, give them TIME..they need it most. Remember, not all parents accept the news the way u want them to.. As a nurse, be patient.

1. Cancer is not contagious and they must not try to seperate the child with his/her other siblings just because he/she has cancer. It is NOT AIDS.

2. Parents shouldn't blame themselves when they're child has cancer. For what? For their past mistakes? Thinking God wanna give them retribution or curse them? Hmmm, think again..

3. Most childhood cancer can be cured because CHILDREN BEING CHILDREN. They're extremely resilient. You'll be suprised that the kids are so much stronger than adults.

4. Your child is different from other people's child. Even with the same diagnosis. So you can take all the experience they have about their child but don't compare. Comparing will only make you feel less competent. And feeling negative is so not the way to go.

5. Give yourself time. To learn to cope with the disease. But you must tell yourself TO COPE WITH THE SITUATION. Because if you start to fall apart, don't expect your child to be extremely strong. Your child needs you to recover his/her strength again.

6. Encourage your child. Talk to him/her that you're going to be there with him/her. So that he/she won't feel alone & debilitated. Touch him/her. Actions speaks louder than words.

7. Don't threaten your child "If you're not gonna eat your medicine, the dr/nurses gonna poke you with a needle". Hello? Not helping w the situation, here. They're already so afraid of the freaking needle, do you need to make them feel that way? And we don't like feeling that we're such bad people.

8. Know that the effects of chemotherapy are going to change your child physically & emotionally. Extremely important. So you don't be shocked by your child's sudden tantrums or becomes darker.

9. Take a break if you have to. Even when you tell me no, I know you want to badly. You're a human not a machine. You can't go on 24/7, 365 days. You know you have to be strong for your child. So you need to have short break for yourself so you don't fall flat on your face. Burn-out is a horrible thing.

10. Be hopeful, have faith, hold on to what you got. It is what keeps you going everyday. Not the medicine, not the doctors, not the situation. It's hope.Be a nurse but be a human being. What you don't see, doesn't mean it's not there.Who says being a nurse is easy?

Contributed by:
SN Nurul Ashirin
Senior Staff Nurse
KKH

Hello oncology nurses out there

2008-09-04T00:17:00.002+08:00

Dear colleagues and friends...

My first posting on our very first oncology nurses chapter blog.. let's join in the fun of posting.. I loved to be a nurse and not any other nurse but an ONCOLOGY NURSE. I am sure alot of oncology nurses out there share the same joy of being one.. It's meaningful and enriching. I learnt a lot from my patients and its really fulfilling.. Let's continue to shine and be a good oncology nurses that make a difference wherever we are..

Cheers...

Fiona
Oncology Nurses Chapter

More pictures of 15th ICCN 2008

2008-08-24T02:55:00.006+08:00

When Joy passed us the login for our ONC blog, she said that I love to post ;-) And YES! I love to share about what we are doing as an oncology nurse and as a member of the Chapter. We are very blessed to care for cancer patients and fellow nurses! We are SPECIAL! So do join us to unite our efforts for professional oncology nursing ;-)

Many of this special group of nurses came to Singapore from 18 to 21st August 2008 to attend the 15th ICCN 2008. They brought with them gifts of knowledge and insight to share with fellows. I am one of the fortunate fews who have the opportunities to meet and learn from our fellow experts. We get to network and build little bridges for knowledge to cross the borders.

Besides learning from the experts, we also got to hear from our friends from low resource countries. They shared about their needs for training and specialised oncology training. They re-alighted the passion of fellow oncology nurses who want to cross the borders to share their knowledge. We at Oncology Nurses Chapter would like to look at how we can work together to plan some self-sponsored trips across the borders for our oncology nurses.

There are many interesting events and plans in mind for ONC. We believe that every member are gifted in their own ways. Members can lead or support event with their special gifts and the ONC team stand united behind one another through mentorship, partnership and comradeship. We would like to invite more nurses working with cancer patients to join us and to make a difference! Do drop me a note if you would like to join and participate in the fun team for 2009 ok..

Cheeros,

Ednajoy aka Lay Poh

RN, Adv Dip in Nursing (Oncology), BHSN

Chairperson - Ocology Nurses Chapter (Singapore Nurses Association)

Correspondence: ednajoyn@gmail.com

It is my duty (adapted from dawn butler-pennsylvannia)

2008-08-22T23:49:00.004+08:00

I walk through those doors with pride,

Whose life will I save tonight?

Someone is waiting for me,

Someone is alive because of my duty.

Sometimes we cry cause we can't save them all,

God sometimes won't let us interfere when he calls.

The tear I wipe away with my own hands,

The life ending of a gentle old man.

The night seems so dark and the morning so bright.

Being a nurse you see life in a different light.

Who will I save tonight?

Who will hold my hands during their last breath with no fright?

I don't know who those special people are

But I will meet them with every call

I will hold them tight and help ease their pain

I will hold them up when they feel faint.

I will be strong when I am needed.

That is my job, I am a nurse

That is my duty... ...

Contributed by
NC Noraisha
NUH
Fri 22 Aug 2008

The above poetry about the 'duty of a nurse' is I am sure very near to all zee hearts of you nurses out there like Noraisha and myself. I salute all you Nightingales out there.
Hip Hip HuRRay ! Keep up the good work...

Eleanor Wong aka Wan Hua
Oncology Nurses Chapter, SNA
Committee Member, ParkwayHealth Rep & I/c Sponsorship
Snr Mgr, CanHOPE, a cancer counselling service & hotline
ParkwayHealth
Fri 22 Aug 2008

'Show Off' about attending the 15th ICCN Conference

2008-08-21T23:33:00.004+08:00

Hello Everyone, today the final day of the 15th International Conference on Cancer Nursing (ICCN) held in Suntec Convention Centre ended with a big applause from participants which numbered to almost 600 delegates from about at least 30 countries around the region. It's the first time in the ICCN's 27-year history that the conference makes it's journey to an Asian City and that's beautiful SINGAPORE a sunny island set in the sea.
Have a check at our pix to show that we the group of Oncology Nurses were very happy to have the opportunity to attend this exchange of ideas and experiences; sharing, learning ; networking to create partnerships and last but not least returning to our place of work with newfound energy and motivation to continue our commitment to Oncology !!

Yeah :>))
Wan Hua aka Eleanor Wong, Oncology Nurse
Oncology Nurses Chapter, SNA
Committee Member, ParkwayHealth Rep & I/C of Sponsorship
Sr Mgr, CanHOPE, a cancer counseling service & hotline centre
ParkwayHealth

Charity Bazaar!

2008-08-04T18:30:00.009+08:00

Catch those exciting moments at:

HERE!

Ong Shu Xin
Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

Unveiling The Hidden Trail

2008-06-06T22:43:00.006+08:00

19 January 2008

Once again, I've signed up myself for another ONC's seminar. Before I saw the flyer, I've already heard Eleanor so happily sharing the upcoming topics. It got me all excited because the topics were aptly relevant to my work.

Our department, CanHOPE, sees cancer patients from all walks of life, each with a different story to tell. Some have successful tales to share, some are sad ones, while some have simple happiness. Our work is truly psycho-oncology nursing. While being nurse advocates, educators and caregivers, we are counsellors to them as well. We build rapport, and listen to their deepest emotions that they may be so afraid of sharing with others. We hold their hands and lend them a shoulder when they cry. We wake up in the early morning hours when they panic and call, we reassure them and provide them with a ever present pillar of support.

With topics such as psychosocial oncology and sexuality issues involving cancer patients, I saw many fellow nurses gathering together in the lecture theatre. Some of them were even wearing their uniforms still. Despite being all tired after work, all of us made our way to the red-cushy auditorium.

The sharing from fellow healthcare professionals was truly beneficial and well-received. And and and!!, I even pluck up my courage to join Oncology Nurses Chapter, after being inspired at how the committee is keen to make changes in our nursing world. Having educated in the western culture, I witnessed the vast differences in the status and autonomy that nurses are enjoying in those countries as compared to my home country, Singapore. I can't help but wonder why. Singapore is priding itself as a medical hub, however, why is nursing advancing a tad slower than I hope it is? So I am truly glad that keen nurses are coming together to want to make a difference. It may seem small in the beginning, but i believe with determination, we will be able to create significant changes.

Enough of wordy wordy inputs! Let's see some pictures! See if you can spot yourself in there!

Wow!! Nurses who are keen to learn more ^_^

Look who we see here! Our lovely secretary, Chin!!!

Additionally, our chairlady, Ednajoy, shared:
"We saw a turnout of more than 200 nurses from various area of nursing. Everyone were excited to learn more about the interesting topics: Paediatric onco, geriatric onco, psychosocial in onco, sexuality in onco. All the speakers were expert in their own field. Participants have an afternoon of fun learning and interaction with the speakers. Our generous sponsors also shared their new oncology related products and gave away many little souvenirs. Our participants went back filled with refreshed knowledge and inspired thoughts in their mind, delicious refreshment in their stomach, generous doorgifts in their bag, CNE points in their SNB account and a few lucky nurses went back with extra vouchers in their pockets."

Do join us for future events!! I love crowds! The more the merrier :) See you!

Ong Shu Xin
Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Suicide, Grief and Bereavement Work
Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

SNA Update

2008-04-17T22:25:00.004+08:00

Please await patiently for new changes!!

It's going to be very exciting!

Nurses working in oncology areas, please feel free to post us your views and suggestions! We will be looking forward to your comments.

Ong Shu Xin
Counsellor, Registered Nurse
Certified Quit Smoking Consultant
Oncology Nurses Chapter
Singapore Nurses Association

Rekindling the FIRE

2008-01-19T08:27:00.000+08:00

Dear Friends,

It's been such a long time I have not visited our own ONC Blog that I have created with a wonderful friend and colleague. It's also timely that I give credit to all our active committee members who have worked so hard to ensure that the ONC Fire gets rekindled by brainstorming for ideas to bring education in Oncology not only to Nurses but to people and caregivers in the Community.

Hence today Sat 19 Jan 2008 will be another big step for us Onco Nurses also as we prepare for the day's Seminar entitled "Unveiling the Hidden Trail...Addressing the Unique Challenges in Oncology Training". This seminar too would not have been successful without the continuous support of all our Sponsors. A toast to them...CHEERS !

During this Year we hope to involve more new 'blood', plan more actvities and educational forums, symposium etc with a new group of committee members who will be elected today. So whoever is at the helm will have a tough job to carry on the burning fire and unrelentless spirit of hope that we Oncology Nurses in the committee had been struggling to fulfill all these years.

I wish for 'World Peace',abundant health, love, hope and faith for all and may we continue to keep this ONC fire burning 'alive'.

Cheers :)
Eleanor
Treasurer, ONC, SNA
Manager, Nurse Counsellor, CanHOPE, a cancer counselling service & hotline visit website for more info http://www.canhope.com.sg/
19 Jan 2008

Oncology Nurses Chapter: Oncology Seminar on Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs

2007-05-25T22:51:00.000+08:00

Oncology Nurses Chapter: Oncology Seminar on Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs

Oncology Seminar on Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs

2007-05-21T15:36:00.000+08:00

Hello Fellow Committee Members, Oncology Nurses Chapter. I'm sure all of you are as excited as me about the day's event. Thanks for all the effort to make the day possible. We still have a lot of work to do on that day but I am confident that all of us will be able to accomplish our assigned duty. So keep it up and will meet all of you on that day.

Wong Wan Hua Wong Eleanor
Treasurer, Oncology Nurses Chapter, SNA
Manager, CanHOPE Cancer Counselling Centre & Hotline

A New Beginning

2007-05-11T17:17:00.001+08:00

Hello friends, fellow Oncology and non Oncology Nurses. Finally we have our own space to 'air' our views. So it's a new beginning. I would like to invite all the nurses out there to visit this blog to share any information and interesting comments, suggestions and events/activities that you all have.

I am part of a group of dedicated Onco Nurses in the Oncology Nurses Chapter (ONC), Singapore Nurses Association. With the dedication of our Chairperson and some fellow Onco Nurses, we have revived the Chapter and are making plans to bring Oncology Nursing to a further height. If you have any suggestions for the Chapter to grow please do post your views. We, the Onco Nurses Chapter Committee would be more than happy to take it up for review.

Let's hope that we will grow steadily.
Yahoo!
Wong Wan Hua Eleanor
Treasurer, ONC, SNA
Oncology Nurse, Singapore