Welcome to CANO/ACIO! Since our beginning in 1984, we have been leading nurses in one of the most exciting, demanding and rewarding specialties in nursing! We have been there to support nurses in the delivery of cancer care through its mission, vision, dynamic strategic plan, educational opportunities, and financial support. Each year we recognize amazing nurses who by their peers are considered excellent role models in education, clinical practice, research, and leadership. We have been there to enhance the level of care to our patients and clients by establishing standards of care and associated competencies. We have been there to provide a voice for oncology nursing locally, nationally, and internationally. In fact, more than 25 CANO/ACIO members represent CANO/ACIO on 18 national and/or international committees and working groups. These voices ensure that CANO/ACIO influences health policy by advocating for patients with cancer and their families on your behalf. Internally, the Council of Chapters affords members a strong voice in shaping CANO/ACIO as an organization, ensuring that CANO/ACIO truly is there to support nurses providing cancer care, whether in a specialty area such as an ambulatory oncology clinic or on an in-patient general medical unit. Oncology nursing is not just about those nurses who have chosen to specialize in cancer care but also those nurses who provide cancer care to people wherever they may be and whenever they may need it, be it in the Emergency department or at a community health center.
Over the next two years, CANO/ACIO will continue its efforts to support nurses providing cancer care. The launch of the video, “Igniting the Passion” is an example of CANO/ACIO’s commitment to recruit nurses to the specialty of Oncology Nursing. The promotional poster made available in 2007 is another way that CANO/ACIO has aimed to heighten awareness to the specialty area. The development of the patient information section on the CANO/ACIO web site allows the public to get to know us better, while addressing their needs. Getting to know our members and their needs has been of paramount importance to us. Several surveys in the last two years have been testimony to that! We heard our members tell us that providing national direction about chemotherapy administration must be a priority for CANO/ACIO. In 2008, it will be one of our priorities. Other priority areas will be growing and evolving the SIGS, building our partnerships with the public and other key stakeholders in cancer care, and igniting the passion for oncology nursing as CANO/ACIO strives towards its vision of being an international voice for oncology nursing.
Plan now to celebrate the work that you do by participating in the 5th annual Canadian Oncology Nursing Day (COND) on April 2, 2008. Think about what you do. Think about what your nursing peers do. Think about how your patients and their families feel because of the difference that you make in their lives. Make the time on April 2 to share your passion. Take the opportunity to ignite the passion about Oncology nursing in others. Celebrate at work, in your community, and in your municipality. Recognize your peers for what they do. Ask your mayor to declare to officially be Oncology Nursing Day in your area. Learn about more ways that you can participate in celebrating this day by checking the COND section on the CANO/ACIO web site.
Join us in Newfoundland from September 14-17, 2008 to celebrate “Ordinary days. Extraordinary people.” The 2008 CANO/ACIO annual conference promises to be an enriching educational experience, a wonderful networking opportunity, and a great chance to meet old friends, and make new friends. Plan now to share your passion about Oncology nursing in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
How is CANO/ACIO membership of benefit to you? Maybe you read articles in the journal (CONJ) and/or attend educational sessions at the annual CANO/ACIO conference which influence how you deliver care, focus your research, or show leadership? Maybe you take advantage of the reduced conference registration fee? Maybe you take pride in knowing that your voice is part of the more than 900 CANO/ACIO members advocating for your patients and for national policy for oncology nursing issues and cancer care? For some, the real value gained from CANO/ACIO membership is being able to network with colleagues across the country who share the same passion for oncology nursing as you do. Not a member? Join CANO/ACIO today. As part of a national body, your voice combined with over 900 CANO/ACIO voices can influence the direction of cancer care, and shape the health and welfare of our patients, their families and our communities. CANO/ACIO’s voice is only as strong as its membership. The larger our membership, the stronger our voice. Become part of a national body, join ACIO/ACIO today. Remain part of a national voice. Be a proud member.
Your CANO/ACIO Board looks forward to working with you over the next two years to ignite the passion, the share the passion, and live the passion in Oncology Nursing!
Kim Chapman, R.N., M.SC.(N.), CON(C.)
President, CANO/ACIO
Established in 1984, the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology/Association Canadienne des Infirmières en Oncologie (CANO/ACIO) is the national organization that supports Canadian nurses to promote and develop excellence in oncology nursing practice, education, research and leadership. CANO’s mission is to lead nursing excellence in cancer control for Canadians, with a vision of being an international nursing leader in cancer control.