In 1965, advanced practice nurse Loretta Ford, EdD, RN, PNP, NP-C, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, along with pediatrician Henry Silver, MD, cofounded the United States’ first nurse practitioner (NP) program in pediatric care at the University of Colorado. They created the program in response to the needs of underserved women and children in rural Colorado. I had the great opportunity to meet Ford at the June 2024 American Association of Nurse Practitioners annual conference in Nashville, TN, when we discussed my passion to introduce the NP role to many South American countries. 

Since Ford and Silver’s initial vision, the global need for advanced practice providers (APPs) has driven an increase in specialty programs. Like pediatrics at that time, today’s patients, survivors, families, and caregivers have many unmet needs. The currently estimated number of cancer survivors in the United States has reached 18.1 million, which is about 5% of the population. By 2040, the number of survivors is expected to increase to 26 million. As those numbers grow, however, the country is facing an anticipated shortage of oncologists. Given the aging of the oncology workforce, the current number of training positions, and the time and resources needed to expand the workforce, the nation will likely be unable to meet the future demand with the expected supply of oncologists. Compounding this issue, cancer care is becoming increasingly more complex as new treatments and technologies make it challenging for many providers to keep up with emerging evidence and retain vast amounts of knowledge, which contributes to burnout.

Some potential solutions suggested are:

The APP role, including NPs and PAs, has expanded in oncology. Many APPs now work in subspecialties like radiation oncology, surgical oncology, cancer prevention, and survivorship—areas that all previously lacked an APP presence. Furthermore, 54% of oncologists who already work with NPs or PAs have higher weekly visit rates than those who do not.

ONS’s vision is to lead the transformation of cancer care and is committed to supporting the needs of NPs who are crucial in bridging gaps in patient care. As the president of ONS, my professional home, I am proud of the organization’s long history of setting the competencies and standards of practice for oncology NPs. Many ONS resources were particularly critical as I transitioned into my NP career.

Just a few examples of ONS’s support are:

By staying informed about these resources and continuing to engage with ONS, NPs can feel well-supported and equipped to deliver excellent oncology care, aligning with ONS’s mission.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all NPs for their dedication and unwavering support. Your commitment not only enhances the quality of cancer care but also drives the ongoing advancements in our field. Together, we are making a significant impact.