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    Innovative Oncology Nurses Break Down Communication Barriers for Patients Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
    Special Populations
    Innovative Oncology Nurses Break Down Communication Barriers for Patients Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
    March 10, 2023
    How I Practice Mindfulness as an Oncology Nurse
    Nurse well-being
    How I Practice Mindfulness as an Oncology Nurse
    March 03, 2023
    Clinical and Pharmaceutical Nurse Educators Collaborate to Bring Training to Nurses and Improve Patient Care
    Oncology nurse education
    Clinical and Pharmaceutical Nurse Educators Collaborate to Bring Training to Nurses and Improve Patient Care
    January 13, 2023
    Oncology Nurse Uses Retirement to Help Patients and Healthcare Professionals Understand Pancreatic Cancer Biomarker Testing Results
    Pancreatic cancer
    Oncology Nurse Uses Retirement to Help Patients and Healthcare Professionals Understand Pancreatic Cancer Biomarker Testing Results
    November 11, 2022
    The Life of Marie Curie and Her Contributions to Oncology
    Cancer treatments
    The Life of Marie Curie and Her Contributions to Oncology
    November 07, 2022
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    Safety

    NIH Researchers Make Progress Toward a Possible HIV Vaccine
    Cancer risk prevention

    NIH Researchers Make Progress Toward a Possible HIV Vaccine

    An experimental HIV vaccine increased participants’ broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) precursor B cells that enable the body to develop bnAb-producing B cells and fight HIV, researchers reported in study results published in December 2022. The progress comes more than a decade after researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Vaccine Research Center first discovered the rare class of antibodies.

    March 23, 2023
    COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Will End in Late Spring 2023
    COVID-19

    COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Will End in Late Spring 2023

    After more than two years of heightening response and awareness in every corner of U.S. society, the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency (PHE) and national emergency is sticking around a few months longer. Originally set to expire on March 1 and April 11, respectively, both will finally come to an end on May 11, 2023, the Biden-Harris administration announced in January.

    March 06, 2023
    Nearly 25% of Patients With Cancer Are Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
    Research

    Nearly 25% of Patients With Cancer Are Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

    Anger is a common emotion for both patients and their partners when facing cancer, but in almost a quarter of relationships, that anger turns psychologically or physically violent. According to the results of a new study published in Supportive Care in Cancer, both genders report acts of abuse from their partners during the cancer journey.

    February 08, 2023
    How Nurses and Administrators Can Respond to the Prevalence of Violence in Health Care
    Culture of safety

    How Nurses and Administrators Can Respond to the Prevalence of Violence in Health Care

    As a clinician in inpatient cardiovascular and acute care nursing and as a healthcare administrator, like many of my colleagues across the nation, I have encountered many violent situations in the workplace. Healthcare workers account for 73% of all violence-related nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, and nurses bear the brunt of that statistic, with 44% reporting physical violence and 68% reporting verbal. In fact, in 2022, more than two nurses were assaulted every hour. The rate of violence-related injuries is higher in health care than in all other occupational settings. But data often reflects reported incidents of violence. Its true prevalence is likely much higher because workers may believe that violence is part of the job and don’t report events, and not all events cause an injury.

    February 07, 2023
    Violence in Nursing
    Clinical practice

    Violence in Nursing

    Across all nursing specialties and settings, 60% of nurses reported experiencing an incident of workplace bullying and incivility and 29% confronted at least one incident of violence in 2022, according to the American Nurses Foundation 2022 Workplace Survey report. And it’s escalating—violence against hospital employees and healthcare professionals has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, with 44% of nurses reporting having experienced physical violence and 67% verbal abuse between February and June 2020 alone.

    February 07, 2023
    CMS Releases Memo on Workplace Violence Requirements for Hospitals
    Nurse well-being

    CMS Releases Memo on Workplace Violence Requirements for Hospitals

    To combat the increasing incidence of healthcare workplace violence, hospitals must “identify patients at risk for intentional harm to self or others, identify environmental safety risks for such patients, and provide education and training for staff and volunteers” so that workers can deliver care in a safe setting, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ (CMS) Quality, Safety, and Oversight Group (QSOG) and Survey and Operations Group (SOG) said in a November 2022 memo.

    January 26, 2023
    Smiths Medical Issues Urgent Medical Device Correction Letter About Potential Issues With CADD™ Infusion Sets
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    Smiths Medical Issues Urgent Medical Device Correction Letter About Potential Issues With CADD™ Infusion Sets

    On January 5, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that Smiths Medical issued a December 12, 2022, urgent medical device correction letter to notify customers of two potential issues with CADD infusion system infusion sets because of potential under or no delivery and false no-disposable-attached alarms.

    January 12, 2023
    Spectrum Laboratory Products, Inc., Issues Voluntary Recall of Epinephrine USP, Bulk API, Because of Product Discoloration
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    Spectrum Laboratory Products, Inc., Issues Voluntary Recall of Epinephrine USP, Bulk API, Because of Product Discoloration

    On January 9, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that Spectrum Laboratory Products, Inc., issued a voluntarily recall of three lots of epinephrine (l-adrenaline), USP, used to manufacture or compound prescription products, at the user level because of customer reports that the product is discolored.

    January 12, 2023
    Hospira, Inc., Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall for One Lot of Vancomycin Hydrochloride Injection, USP 1.5 g
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    Hospira, Inc., Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall for One Lot of Vancomycin Hydrochloride Injection, USP 1.5 g

    On December 22, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer company, issued a voluntarily recall of one lot of vancomycin hydrochloride injection, USP, 1.5 g, single-dose flip-top vial, at the consumer level. Hospira, Inc., issued the recall because a report of two glass particulates observed in a single vial.

    January 04, 2023
    Oncology APRNs Are Change Agents for Tobacco Cessation
    Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN)

    Oncology APRNs Are Change Agents for Tobacco Cessation

    Whether by cigarette, pipe, cigar, or vaping device, tobacco use is a major risk factor for the development of many cancers; increases cancer mortality, risk of recurrence, and second primary cancers; adversely affects treatment outcomes for surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; and affects other chronic health conditions. Initiating smoking cessation at the time of a lung cancer diagnosis improves overall survival by 30%–40%, yet 40%–50% of smokers continue to use tobacco after diagnosis.

    December 27, 2022
    FDA and DOJ File Permanent Injunctions Against Six E-Cigarette Manufacturers
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    FDA and DOJ File Permanent Injunctions Against Six E-Cigarette Manufacturers

    The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, filed complaints for permanent injunctions against six e-cigarette manufacturers in October 2022. It was the first time FDA initiated injunction proceedings to enforce review requirements for new tobacco products.

    November 16, 2022
    More Than a Shot in the Arm, Policymakers and Providers Must Support a Sustained Case for Vaccinations
    Safety

    More Than a Shot in the Arm, Policymakers and Providers Must Support a Sustained Case for Vaccinations

    One hundred twenty years ago, the U.S. Congress initiated the country’s first steps “to regulate the sale of virus, serum, toxin, and analogous products,” passing the 1902 Biologics Control Act to codify, oversee, and regulate a burgeoning field. By 1906, the legislation expanded to the Food and Drug Act, which formally established the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    October 20, 2022
    Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC, Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Sodium Bicarbonate Injection Because of Vial Breakage
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC, Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Sodium Bicarbonate Injection Because of Vial Breakage

    On October 13, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC’s, voluntary recall of 49 lots of sodium bicarbonate injection, USP, 8.4%, 50 mEq/50 ml vial, 20-count carton, to the consumer level because of potential vial breakage and flying glass when pressurized while preparing for administration.

    October 14, 2022
    Eugia US, LLC, Recalls AuroMedics Acyclovir Sodium Injection Because of Particulate Matter
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    Eugia US, LLC, Recalls AuroMedics Acyclovir Sodium Injection Because of Particulate Matter

    On September 27, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported Eugia US, LLC’s, voluntary recall of AuroMedics acyclovir sodium injection 500 mg per 10 ml (50 mg/ml) single-dose vial to the consumer level because of reported presence of a dark red, brown, and black particulate inside the vial.

    October 03, 2022
    Workforce Violence Requires Legislative Support
    Safety

    Workforce Violence Requires Legislative Support

    Health care is a hazardous professional industry. As a calling more than a career, providers understand the risks associated with patient interactions. Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory of nursing calls for nurses to tailor a patient’s surroundings to their treatment plan, and that includes creating a safe space for patients and providers alike.

    September 22, 2022
    Help Caregivers Control the Chronic Stress of Cancer Care and Manage PTSD
    Caregiver support

    Help Caregivers Control the Chronic Stress of Cancer Care and Manage PTSD

    Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after individuals experience an event that goes beyond their usual stressors, affecting a broad range of people. It is associated with exposure to death or threatened death, including a sudden, catastrophic event due to a medical incident. A cancer diagnosis’s significant psychological stressors can affect not only patients, but their caregivers as well.

    September 15, 2022
    New HHS Office Will Fight Environmental Injustices That Affect Health
    Cancer risk prevention

    New HHS Office Will Fight Environmental Injustices That Affect Health

    To address and protect the health of communities disproportionally affected by pollution and other environmental problems, the Biden-Harris administration created a new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office in May 2022.

    July 28, 2022
    Critical Care Nurse Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s Highest Civilian Honor
    Nurse empowerment

    Critical Care Nurse Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s Highest Civilian Honor

    Reinforcing the public perception of nursing as the most trusted profession, President Joe Biden awarded Sandra Lindsay, DHSc, MS, MBA, RN, CCRN-K, NE-BC, a critical care nurse, a Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2022 for her work in the COVID-19 pandemic.

    July 26, 2022
    The action against JUUL Labs Inc. is part of initial efforts to minimize the harm of tobacco and vapes on the public. This order comes after FDA announced two proposals prohibiting menthol in cigarettes and characterizing flavors in cigars in April 2022.   Smoking and vaping cessation efforts have long been a priority for ONS. At least a dozen of cancers can be tied back to tobacco use, making advocating for regulations and cessation crucial for preventative care.
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    FDA Orders JUUL to Stop Selling All of Its Products

    Under its authority to regulate vaping and e-cigarettes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered JUUL Labs Inc. to stop selling and remove all of its current products from the market after the company’s applications failed to provide sufficient evidence about the products’ toxicologic profiles.

    July 25, 2022
    Biden-Harris Administration Launches Initiative to Protect People’s Health From Climate Events
    Health promotion

    Biden-Harris Administration Launches Initiative to Protect People’s Health From Climate Events

    The well-established connection between climate change and health is back in the spotlight, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS’s) Office of Climate Change and Health Equity launched a new observational initiative in May to identify strategies to protect the public.

    June 27, 2022
    FDA Reports Nationwide Recall of Senna Syrup 8.8 mg/5 ml Because of Microbial Contamination
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    FDA Reports Nationwide Recall of Senna Syrup 8.8 mg/5 ml Because of Microbial Contamination

    On January 12, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported Lohxa’s voluntary recall of one lot of senna syrup 8.8 mg/5 ml unit-dose cups to the consumer level because of microbial contamination.

    January 13, 2022
    CMS, HHS Issue Emergency Regulation Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for Healthcare Workers
    COVID-19

    CMS, HHS Issue Emergency Regulation Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for Healthcare Workers

    In an effort to protect patients and control the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have issued an interim final rule requiring all staff at certain Medicare- and Medicaid-certified healthcare facilities to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

    December 01, 2021
    FDA Authorizes Booster Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Certain Populations
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    FDA Authorizes Booster Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Certain Populations

    On September 22, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use as a single booster dose administered at least six months after completion of the primary series in individuals aged 65 and older, individuals aged 18–64 at high risk for severe COVID-19, and individuals aged 18–64 whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk for serious complications of COVID-19 or severe COVID-19.

    September 27, 2021
    Oncology Nursing Society Response to Mandated COVID-19 Vaccinations for Nurses and All Healthcare Professionals
    COVID-19

    ONS Response to Mandated COVID-19 Vaccinations for Nurses and All Healthcare Professionals

    On July 26, 2021, the American Nurses Association (ANA) signed onto a statement released by a large group of healthcare systems and other associations in support of healthcare employers mandating nurses and all healthcare personnel be vaccinated against the COVID-19 coronavirus. This is in response to increasing circulation of COVID-19 variants and lagging vaccination rates. Although ONS was not listed on the statement as a supporting organization because of a late request, ONS agrees that vaccinations are critical for healthcare providers, particularly those caring for immunocompromised patients.

    July 30, 2021
    OSHA Issues Emergency Temporary Standard to Protect Healthcare Workers From COVID-19
    Healthcare safety standards

    OSHA Issues Emergency Temporary Standard to Protect Healthcare Workers From COVID-19

    “Frontline healthcare workers have a nearly 12-times higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19 compared with individuals in the general community,” according to the results of a 2020 study. Although U.S. vaccination rates continue to increase and infection rates continue to decrease, national government entities such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are releasing new guidelines to help protect those who are putting themselves at risk for transmission so they can care for others.

    June 21, 2021
    Share These Resources to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Rates
    COVID-19

    Share These Resources to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination Rates

    President Joe Biden committed to getting at least 70% of U.S. adults their first dose of the COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine and achieve 160 million fully vaccinated American adults by July 4, 2021. However, one in five Americans reported that they aren’t planning to get vaccinated. To dispel public fear and increase understanding, several U.S. health agencies provided multiple resources to educate patients and providers on vaccine distribution and efficacy. 

    May 19, 2021
    Surveys Show PPE Is Still in Short Supply
    Personal protective equipment (PPE)

    Surveys Show PPE Is Still in Short Supply

    A perhaps unexpected phenomenon the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic created around the world was countless supply shortages. Most at worst were inconvenient (e.g., yeast shortages from pandemic breadmaking) or humorous (e.g., toilet paper memes), but one that oncology nurses experienced far too close to home was downright deadly: lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies for handling hazardous drugs.  

    April 16, 2021
    FDA Warns Against Wearing Face Masks With Metal During MRI Exams
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    FDA Warns Against Wearing Face Masks With Metal During MRI Exams

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert on December 7, 2020, informing patients and healthcare providers that patients may be injured if they wear face masks with metal parts and coatings during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. Metal parts (e.g., nose pieces, nanoparticles, or antimicrobial coatings that may contain metal such as silver or copper) may become hot and burn patients during MRIs. 

    December 10, 2020
    Why All Oncology Nurses Should Be Environmentalists
    Oncology nurse influence

    Why All Oncology Nurses Should Be Environmentalists

    Research shows that climate change is associated with profound disruptions to biodiversity and changes in biogeochemical flow, but what does the health of our planet have to do with oncology nursing? 

    November 27, 2020
    How Nurses Can ‘Curb the Spread’ and Support Themselves
    COVID-19

    How Nurses Can ‘Curb the Spread’ and Support Themselves

    As the United States reopens and social distancing moves into different phases, concerns remain about containing the COVID-19 coronavirus. Anxiety and stress are high as nurses and other healthcare professionals who are caring for COVID-19 positive patients are worried about their own health and the health of their families. A paramount fear is inadvertently spreading the virus to ourselves or our loved ones.

    June 05, 2020
    Share Your Comments About Hazardous Drugs With NIOSH
    Oncology drug research

    Share Your Comments About Hazardous Drugs With NIOSH

    As part of the update process for the List of Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking public comments on the draft documents through June 30, 2020.

    May 12, 2020
    COVID-19 patient education
    Clinical practice

    COVID-19 Talking Points for Patients With Cancer, Caregivers, and Family Members

    To keep our communities safe and the most vulnerable people healthy, everyone needs to stay at home as much as possible. But patients with cancer and survivors must take extra steps to help maintain their health and safety. These patient education talking points can help people with cancer, as well as their family members and caregivers, stay well while staying at home.

    May 12, 2020
    'Lost on the Front Lines'; Physicians Campaign Congress; Policymakers on COVID-19
    COVID-19

    'Lost on the Front Lines'; Physicians Campaign Congress; Policymakers on COVID-19

    Healthcare workers in the United States accounted for 20% of all deaths caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic to date. The Guardian and Kaiser Health News partnered to document every healthcare worker who’s died from COVID-19 in response to the absence of a reliable nationwide database.

    April 21, 2020
    Fear on the Front Lines of COVID-19 in the United States
    COVID-19

    Fear on the Front Lines of COVID-19 in the United States

    As oncology nurses in Chicago, IL, on the front lines of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in the United States, fear, anxiety, anger, and frustration are just some of the emotions that have been festering in me and my coworkers since the beginning of 2020. It seems like an endless era, and I’m scared: for my patients, coworkers, and family. 

    April 17, 2020
    Democrats Draft Fourth COVID-Response Bill; Trump Extends Social Distancing; Some Legislation Perpetuates Nursing Shortage
    COVID-19

    Democrats Draft Fourth COVID-Response Bill; Trump Extends Social Distancing; Some Legislation Perpetuates Nursing Shortage

    On March 30, 2020, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives began drafting a fourth COVID-19 coronavirus relief package to include substantial infrastructure investments, said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi said the legislation could be ready for a vote by late April.  

    April 06, 2020
    State Governors Lead U.S. Response to COVID-19
    Safety

    State Governors Lead U.S. Response to COVID-19

    Although the United States federal government is coordinating the nation’s public health campaign against the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the states—and the governors in particular—are coordinating across the country and party lines to implement containment plans using all the public and private tools at their disposal. 

    April 06, 2020
    White House: We Need the American People’s Help to Fight Coronavirus
    Safety

    White House: We Need the American People’s Help to Fight Coronavirus

    With almost daily public briefings, the White House is taking a more aggressive approach to communicating updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus to the American population.  

    April 01, 2020
    CDC Releases Healthcare Professional Preparedness Checklist for COVID-19
    Safety

    CDC Releases Healthcare Professional Preparedness Checklist for COVID-19

    Although many federal health agencies are involved in the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, central to every discussion has been the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Charged with the safety of the American public’s health, CDC is spearheading the United States’ epidemiologic approach, including how healthcare workers should recognize, test for, report, and respond to the coronavirus. 

    March 31, 2020
    FDA Requires New Health Warnings for Cigarette Packages, Advertisements
    Health Policy

    FDA Requires New Health Warnings for Cigarette Packages, Advertisements

    Change at the federal level takes time and perseverance. Thanks to great effort from the smoking cessation community—including ONS—the federal government is updating package and advertising warning for tobacco products for the first time since 1984. Advocates have been calling on agencies to exercise authority over tobacco products along with their marketing and distribution, and on March 17, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule requiring new health warning labels for cigarette packages and advertisements.

    March 25, 2020
    HHS Changes Regulatory Action During COVID-19 Pandemic
    Health Policy

    HHS Changes Regulatory Action During COVID-19 Pandemic

    The alarmingly quick spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus has put a strain on the U.S. healthcare system, including the availability of personal protective equipment and other safety resources. The speed at which the virus spreads requires an even swifter response from federal agencies, government officials, and public health experts to combat the disease. To cut the red tape and accelerate data collection, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has used statutory authority under the Paperwork Reduction Act to survey Health Resources and Services Administration healthcare institutions to understand the current COVID-19 response, challenges institutions are facing, and ways to help.

    March 24, 2020
    ONS Meets With Trump; COVID-19 and Patients With Cancer; Senators Weigh COVID-19 Action
    COVID-19

    ONS Meets With Trump; COVID-19 and Patients With Cancer; Senators Weigh COVID-19 Action

    Alongside 11 other national nursing organizations, ONS Chief Executive Officer Brenda Nevidjon, MSN, RN, FAAN, participated in a meeting with President Trump, Vice President Pence, and other leaders from the administration at the White House on March 18, 2020, to discuss the nursing community’s needs and response to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic. Administrators from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Coronavirus Task Force also attended.  

    March 23, 2020
    Proper PPE Procedures for COVID-19
    COVID-19

    Proper PPE Procedures for COVID-19

    Although many oncology nurses are well versed in donning and doffing (removal) of personal protective equipment (PPE) for administering hazardous drugs, but not infection control. Additionally, nursing colleagues in other specialties may not wear PPE as part of their daily practice. As the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic changes that, oncology nurses should understand PPE use for infection control to promote safety for nurses and patients.   

    March 17, 2020
    Emotional Coping Strategies for COVID-19
    Clinical practice

    Emotional Coping Strategies for COVID-19

    The COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic is turning the world, inside and outside of the hospital, upside down. Not only are oncology nurses seeing high demands at work, but changes and restrictions are being instated at home as well.

    March 16, 2020
    Prescription Drug Proposal; COVID-19 Safety Legislation; Drug Costs Outpace Inflation
    Health Policy

    Prescription Drug Proposal; COVID-19 Safety Legislation; Drug Costs Outpace Inflation

    Drug pricing is a top legislative issue for Congress, and amid rising COVID-19 concerns, health policy topics are more pressing than ever. On March 5, Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) introduced the Lowering Prescription Drug Prices for America’s Seniors and Families Act of 2020, which would allow Medicare to negotiate prices after a drug’s patent expires as well as cap out-of-pocket prescription spending for seniors at $3,100 per year.

    March 16, 2020
    Telehealth Visits During COVID-19
    Clinical practice

    Telehealth Visits During COVID-19

    With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for practicing social distancing to slow the national risk of transmission of COVID-19 novel coronavirus, oncology nurses must take increased precautions with patients with cancer who are at increased risk for contracting or experiencing poorer outcomes from COVID-19. Patients require communication and education in these uncertain times.

    March 13, 2020
    FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Nivolumab and Ipilimumab Combination for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Nivolumab and Ipilimumab Combination for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

    On March 10, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab (Opdivo® and Yervoy®) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. 

    March 12, 2020
    BD Issues Class I Recall of Alaris System Infusion Pumps
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    BD Issues Class I Recall of Alaris System Infusion Pumps

    On February 4, 2020, BD announced a recall of all lots of affected models of its Alaris System pump modules because of multiple system errors, software errors, and use-related errors. On March 6, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration identified it as a class I recall, its most serious level of recalls, because of the possibility of serious injuries or death.

    March 10, 2020
    Educational Framework Offers Guidance for Oral Chemo Safety at Home
    Safety

    Educational Framework Offers Guidance for Oral Chemo Safety at Home

    One aspect that ambulatory oncology nurses must consider in the greater staffing conversation is the time spent on educating patients and caregivers about oral chemotherapy safety in the home setting. Developing an educational framework to guide those conversations not only ensures that all critical information is covered but also that it’s delivered in a standard and efficient process. 

    March 10, 2020
    Supreme Court ACA Case; Cancer Moonshot; COVID-19 Outbreak
    Health Policy

    Supreme Court ACA Case; Cancer Moonshot; COVID-19 Outbreak

    As part of its focus to dismantle the 2010 healthcare law, the GOP repealed the Affordable Care Act individual mandate in 2017. Republican state attorneys general then challenged the law’s constitutionality in a series of lower court cases, and the most recent has been lingering in federal courts for more than a year. On March 2, the Supreme Court agreed to take up the issue, marking the third time the law will be heard at the highest court in the country.  

    March 09, 2020
    COVID-19 Fact Sheet and Implications for Patients With Cancer
    Clinical practice

    COVID-19 Fact Sheet and Implications for Patients With Cancer

    COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus (a large family of viruses that can cause cold-like illnesses) first identified in December 2019. It is a respiratory illness and can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets during close contact. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020.

    March 04, 2020
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