For more than 25 years, caring for people with cancer has meant something very special to ONS member Clara Beaver, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, AOCNS®. In 1991, her grandfather was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, working in oncology has been near and dear to Beaver’s heart. Today, she works as a manager of patient care services in the ambulatory clinics at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, MI.

Funding for ONS Congress

In May 2016, Beaver was able to attend ONS’s 41st Annual Congress in San Antonio, TX, through the help of a Congress scholarship from the ONS Foundation. While in San Antonio, she explored all that Congress had to offer, attending educational sessions and expert presentations and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow oncology nurses. And the learning didn’t stop when Congress ended: after returning home to Detroit, Beaver was also able to share her experiences and newfound education with her coworkers and colleagues.

“As the manager of a busy infusion center, it’s important to understand the trends in chemotherapy treatment. There were many Congress sessions that helped with this,” Beaver said. “One of the best sessions was on the new USP 800 guidelines and what they mean for infusion nurses. I enjoyed bringing back the latest and greatest research to the staff.”

Paying It Forward

Beaver recognizes the importance of supporting the educational goals and research projects of oncology nurses. “Our field is changing every day. We see almost one new drug a month on the market to care for patients, and educational opportunities for nurses are vital,” Beaver noted. “Supporting nurse scientists as they complete research at the bedside helps to build the evidence-practice bank for oncology nurses everywhere.”

Recently, one of Beaver’s colleagues received an ONS Foundation grant for her own research. “She’s able to complete her research for the education of radiation patients thanks to ONS Foundation funding,” Beaver said. “It’s going to make a difference for patients.”

As both a recipient and donor to the ONS Foundation, Beaver has seen firsthand the impact of paying it forward—both for herself and her colleagues. “By donating, I’m not only helping the nursing staff but also the patients we care for every day,” she said. “I’m always honored to see those nurses who have been able to accomplish their dreams and goals through the ONS Foundation. It makes the donations worthwhile for me and my family.”

Ways to Give Back

Through the gift of donations, Beaver experienced the practical, evidence-based education at ONS Congress. By bringing that experience and education back to her practice, she and her colleagues worked to improve the cancer experience for their patients. A contribution to the ONS Foundation can help nurses just like Clara grow and evolve in their care for patients with cancer. Learn more about how you can help nurses just like Clara achieve their career goals and elevate their care.