I don’t know how many times this year I’ve thought to myself or heard someone say, “When will 2020 be over?” The pandemic, social unrest, political polarization, and natural disasters have made 2020 a year in which many of us have wondered, “What else?”
The risks and burden of the pandemic on our healthcare systems and communities will not diminish at the stroke of midnight on December 31, nor may we be welcoming in the new year in our traditional ways. As we acknowledge and grieve the continually mounting number of deaths from COVID-19 and lives lost from fires, hurricanes, and police actions in 2020, a new year offers the promise of improvement.
ONS staff appreciate the work our members do. Many have told me they joined the staff because of a family experience with cancer and respect for the oncology nurses they met. They are proud to serve you and ensure that you have the resources you need in your practice.
This year, they pivoted quickly to make sure you had resources to manage patient care during the pandemic, creating and compiling information on ONS’s COVID-19 page. They redesigned our annual ONS CongressTM into our inaugural ONS BridgeTM, in which more than 4,100 nurses participated. Many of you collaborated with staff to produce new core products: guidelines, courses, books, and podcasts aligned with our strategic priorities for 2020–2022. The ONS Center for Innovation developed and tested solutions for nurses that will launch in 2021. Your Board of Directors has led throughout this year with courage and caring stewardship.
As 2020 ends, the staff and I thank you for your commitment to the profession as an ONS member. We wish you and your families happy holidays and a new year of health and happiness.