Oncology Nursing Society Recognizing Teams Pursuing Excellence in Caring for Patients and Families
The ThedaCare Cancer Care Program has been recognized with the Outstanding Employer Award by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Every year, ONS grants recognition to oncology nurses, employers, and researchers. The honor was recently announced at the 47th annual ONS Congress.
“We are humbled to be recognized as an outstanding employer, and it is a true testament to the dedication of our team members,” said Kim Schwab, Interim Director of ThedaCare Cancer Care and Infusion Services. “They have exceptional knowledge and skill, and are passionate about the work they do. That culture of compassion attracts team members who genuinely care about each and every person.”
ONS is a professional association that represents 100,000 nurses and is the professional home to more than 35,000 members. ONS is committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. According to ONS, the Outstanding Employer Award acknowledges employers who honor and show exemplary support for their oncology nurses.
“The selfless dedication, engagement and compassion our team members bring to work every day is inspiring,” said Schwab. “I’m incredibly proud of how they find ways to care for their patients beyond just ‘cancer care’ and personalize it to the individual, getting to know every person to provide care that matches their needs.”
“Oncology nursing is a challenging role in the best of times,” said Nancy Houlihan, MA, RN, AOCN®, ONS President. “The last two years have presented new challenges with rapid change in cancer care delivery systems and escalation in growth and dependence on technology. Oncology nurses continue to pursue excellence and quality in education, research, leadership, and evidence-based clinical practice to ensure the best outcomes for people with cancer.”
Brenda Van Sambeek, RN and Clinical Team Leader at the ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center (RCC), said she nominated ThedaCare for the Outstanding Employer Award because of the organization’s support of oncology nurse certifications for specialized care.
“While it is our team that is being recognized with this award, we must also recognize our patients and families who trust us with their care every day,” said Van Sambeek. “We want our patients to know that we are here for you and your family. When you walk through our doors you will find a team of caregivers who will align with your goals and fight alongside you. Your care is what drives us, and we will walk with you through your journey.”
The ThedaCare Cancer Care team provides patient-centered and coordinated care – from the diagnosis of cancer, through treatment and into survivorship. In recent years, the Cancer Care Program has expanded services, bringing new technology to the area, recruiting the best caregivers, securing grants for clinical trials and research and achieving multiple certifications, accreditations and awards. ThedaCare cares for 10,000 patients a year at the Regional Cancer Center. In addition to the RCC, there are outreach clinics that continue coordinated care for patients throughout Northeast and Central Wisconsin. Patients have the opportunity to receive care in Berlin, Neenah, New London, Oshkosh, Shawano and Waupaca.
“Patients and their families can be confident in knowing they have access to comprehensive and coordinated cancer care in our communities,” said Schwab. “We are fortunate to have such a great program in Northeast and Central Wisconsin.”
About ThedaCare
For more than 110 years, ThedaCare® has been committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 600,000 residents in 17 counties and employs approximately 7,000 health care professionals. ThedaCare has 180 points of care, including seven hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique best lives. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, finding solutions together, and encouraging health awareness and action. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care.
For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media. Members of the media should call Cassandra Wallace, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
