Coordinator's Message
ONS 28th Annual Congress Provides new Energy and Ideas

Jo Ann C. Owen, BSN, RN
Broomfield, CO
joann.owen@med.va.gov

The ONS 28th Annual Congress was an invigorating yet exhausting event. I have the utmost admiration for all the volunteers and staff who work each year to make both Congress and the Institute of Learning (IOL) events memorable. Our SIG members continue to work to meet our current strategic goals. (The unofficial minutes of the PNI and Complementary Therapies Planning/Networking Meeting appear later in this newsletter).

Our first strategic goal is to promote understanding of the scientific basis guiding mind-body research and clinical practice among PNI and Complementary Therapies SIG members and all of ONS. We consistently have submitted instructional session topics with a focus on evidence-based practice for ONS Annual Congress and IOL. Individual SIG members have presented research in their fields and have shown creativity in poster presentations.

The SIG’s second strategic goal is to foster ONS members’ expertise in the use and evaluation of established mind-body interventions. Attendance at the popular “Rejuvenation Sessions” increases each year at ONS Annual Congress. ONS members lined up in the hallway waiting for us to open the doors on the first day this year. The crowd never lulled. Chair massage was the most requested activity. Once people observed others working with the yoga, tai chi, and Reiki therapists, they were more willing to try something new to increase their circle of experience.

Our third strategic goal is to promote networking among PNI and Complementary Therapies SIG members. Our editors do an amazing job pulling together articles from the membership and producing a well-balanced newsletter that is full of flavor and ideas to spark creative juices. We now have the opportunity to learn more about our SIG by going to our Virtual Community, which is administered by Coordinator-Elect Gwen Wyatt, RN, PhD. Check it out if you have not already done so, and also advise your nursing colleagues to visit the site. The Virtual Community is quite a marketing tool and can be used to find information about event announcements and available resources for questions related to PNI and complementary therapies.

Great ideas were exchanged at the planning and networking session at Congress. The event included brainstorming for new topic submission ideas, reviewing our SIG’s strategic goals, and determining the SIG’s direction for the future. Your voice needs to and should be heard. Many people left their business cards on the message board at the meeting and are interested in collaborating on projects or topic submissions. Wouldn’t it be exciting to join efforts with the Survivorship, Quality of Life, and Rehabilitation or Spiritual Care SIGs?

Another way of networking would be site recognition with our own logo. I ran across a picture of a chambered nautilus shell that consisted of pieces with geometric angles. To me, it represented the many layers of PNI and complementary therapies and how each piece is dependent on the others to create the whole, just as patients need to have their minds and bodies in harmony to promote healing. Let Gwen Wyatt or me know your thoughts via e-mail. (See SIG Officers page for contact information.)

A questionnaire will be mailed to SIG members this year. The shared information will become a resource guide for members and nonmembers who have questions about specific complementary and alternative medicine practices. This also can encourage members with similar interests to network and possibly build work groups or submit topics for ONS Annual Congress or IOL.

I attended the pre-Congress SIG Leadership Orientation Workshop. SIG coordinators learned about the available ONS National Office support, leadership responsibilities and resources, and SIG operations basics, such as newsletters, communiqués, Virtual Community Update, SIG meetings at ONS Annual Congress, and Congress topic submissions and poster presentations. The day continued with presentations about the ONS Health Policy update, ONS Foundation, and the nomination process used by ONS. The day was intense, but SIG members left the meeting knowing that support is available at every turn.

I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to serve in a leadership role with our SIG. Let your interest be known by contacting Gwen or me via e-mail.

We were the first SIG to create a gift basket for the annual ONS Foundation raffle. The Guided Imagery and Complementary and Alternative Modalities books, edited by SIG members Denise Murray Edwards, CS, ARNP, MA, MEd, MTS, and Georgia M. Decker, MS, RN, CS-ANP, AOCN^®, CN^®, were offered with a teacup and assorted teas.

Finally, we are forming a work group to create a publication to help the public and our colleagues discern among all the choices in complementary therapies that are available in a consumer-driven market. This publication will focus on evidence-based practice. Four additional work groups are needed to help move our SIG forward. One group will be responsible for the Rejuvenation Sessions, another group will identify and award individuals and groups, a third group will review the current strategic plan and propose changes for 2004, and a fourth group will focus on marketing and increasing our SIG’s membership. If each member chooses one of these five work groups to share his or her time and talent, the groups could have a chat room on the Virtual Community and conduct brainstorming sessions. The momentum would be tremendous, and we could accomplish so much more in half the time that these projects normally would require. Let your interest be known by contacting Gwen or me via e-mail.

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ONS Nurse Experiences the Benefits of Shiatsu Massage

Pat Snowden Dittig, RN, MSN, CRNP
Pittsburgh, PA
psdittig@earthlink.net

I joke that I won my shiatsu therapist in a raffle. The ladies auxiliary in the hospital where I worked in radiation oncology held a fund-raiser, and I was pleased to win the “Pamper Yourself” basket that included a certificate for a free massage. Eleven months later when the certificate was ready to expire, I decided not to waste the opportunity. At the time, I knew nothing about shiatsu massage.

At the Center for Complementary Medicine in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Shadyside Hospital, I completed a health history form. Stephanie Ulmer, BA, CST, dressed in loose white pants and shirt, gracefully led me to a private room with a mat covered with a sheet on the floor. She told me that I only needed to remove my shoes and nothing else, which was a relief. I found it easy to relax while lying on my back with soft nature sounds playing in the background as she covered me with a white sheet to my shoulders. Kneeling on the floor beside me, Stephanie began by centering herself and scanning my body without touching me. Then, gently but firmly, she began using her thumbs to press along the twelve channels (meridians) of my body, starting with my arm. I was amazed that some places were very tender and sensitive to her pressure. These areas represented blockages of Ki (vital energy) that may have been caused by trauma, misuse, or genetics. Ki is an interaction of the body, mind, and spirit, all inextricably intertwined. She worked on me methodically with gentle pressure, and I felt wonderful afterward. I wanted to learn more about this refreshing, healing complementary therapy, and I knew that I needed to treat myself to this great source of stress relief on a regular basis.

Shiatsu therapists use thumbs, fingers, and palms to apply pressure to clients’ skin to promote and maintain their health. The physiologic basis of shiatsu treatment is not yet fully understood but is thought to catalyze and stimulate people’s natural healing forces to correct any physiologic malfunctioning. Shiatsu theory is based on the ancient Chinese concepts of yin and yang (i.e., the balance of opposing energies). For example, shiatsu therapists, by applying continuous steady pressure, work with both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to rebalance their effects upon the body. Sympathy and compassion for patients are very important factors in diagnosis and treatment and are important to avoid reducing treatments to superficial fingertip techniques. Shiatsu massage is not intended for pleasure but to work with people’s life forces, and it affects the spirit, mind, and body.

Stephanie is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and is a member of the American Organization for Bodywork and Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). Various local programs and national organizations offer certification in Shiatsu or the broader area of bodywork. The Center for Complementary Medicine at the UPMC Shadyside Hospital offers a certificate upon completion of a minimum of 156 hours of study with an additional 8 hours of practicum work. However, national certification requires additional training, usually a minimum of 500 hours of education. [Editor’s note: To be nationally certified by the NCBTMB, a person must complete a minimum of 500 hours of formal training at an established school of massage or bodywork or the equivalent. Visit the NCBTMB Web site for more information.] National certification in Asian Bodywork Therapy by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) also requires a minimum of 500 hours of entry-level Asian Bodywork Therapy education or completion of an apprenticeship of at least 500 hours. Membership as a certified practitioner in the AOBTA, a national nonprofit professional association, requires documentation of a minimum of 500 hours. More information also is available at NCCAOM’s Web site.

After each treatment that I received, I felt lighter with a refreshing sense of well-being. I was able to better handle the stresses of my workplace. I received surgery and radiation therapy for treatment of breast cancer about 10 months after I started shiatsu therapy. I was in top condition and tolerated treatments well. As the long-term side effects of stiffness and numbness in my right arm became evident, shiatsu was effective in helping my body restore almost normal sensation and range of motion. “Winning” Stephanie in a raffle was the best prize I have ever received!

Bibliography
Masunaga, S., and Ohashi, W. (1977). Zen shiatsu: How to harmonize yin and yang for better health. Tokyo: Japan Publications, Inc.

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Psychoneuroimmunology and Complementary Therapies SIG Planning/Networking Meeting Minutes


Note. The following article contains a link to a PDF file formatted for viewing with Adobe^® Acrobat^® Reader^®. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, click here to download it for free.

Click here for the ONS 28th Annual Congress PNI and CT SIG Planning/Networking Meeting minutes.

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ONS Research Agenda Priorities Now Are Available
Donna Berry, PhD, RN, AOCN^®
Seattle, WA
donnalb@u.washington.edu


The 2003-2005 ONS Research Agenda Priorities now are available and are being distributed to ONS members and their colleagues. The more than 20 members of the Research Agenda Conference identified priority research topics in five content areas of oncology nursing practice and science. SIGs will find the document useful in planning to integrate research evidence into practice and generating new questions for investigation. The Research Agenda effort was supported by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Nursing Research via the R13 mechanism. Barbara Given, PhD, RN, Gail Mallory, PhD, RN, and I are coinvestigators on the five-year R13 conference grant. Log on to ONS Online to access the ONS Research Agenda.

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ONS Organizations Announce New Panel Members and Board Officers


Meet the New ONS Consumer Advisory Panel Members
ONS has announced the newest members of its Consumer Advisory Panel (CAP). The CAP is a group of people from around the country who represent the public at large for ONS.

Carolyn Benivegna, an ovarian cancer survivor from Naples, FL, is the president and founder of the Ovarian Cancer Advocacy Organization and has created an ovarian cancer support group.

Luther Chergosky, from Endwell, NY, is a two-time cancer survivor. He has volunteered his services for more than 10 years at the annual United Health Services Oncology Nurse Teaching Day. A member of the startup committee for the Relay for Life and the Breast Cancer Walk, he serves as a presenter for the “I Can Cope” series, “Me Too”, and the Prostate Cancer Support Group. He also is a volunteer board member for the American Cancer Society.

Maureen Murray is a breast cancer survivor. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a member of the National Speakers Association of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Human Resource Association, and Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and serves on the Board of the Executive Women’s Council.

Ann Proffitt was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago and now is a facilitator for a cancer support group. On her recommendation, the only cancer resource center of its kind was opened in the region with the support of the Carson Tahoe Hospital in Carson City, NV. The center received the Pacific Region Award for patient services from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and became a partner of the Cancer Information Service of NCI.

Errol Roy is a survivor of colon cancer, and his wife is a survivor of breast cancer. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a graduate of the U.S. Naval School of Music. He is a university professor who developed two healthcare-related courses that are now on the university’s curriculum, Healthcare Management and Quality in Health Care. Roy is from Gleneden Beach, OR.

Michele Rursch, from Taylor Ridge, IL, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 34. She holds bachelor’s degrees in business and psychology. She is a member of the Young Survival Coalition and presented a poster session at a meeting of the Midwest Psychological Association.

Mary Kay Sanford is a cancer survivor and clinical trials participant who resides in Toledo, OH. She has conducted research related to cancer treatment and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval process for cancer drugs. She has made presentations about various issues related to cancer and has disseminated information about the politics of cancer and cancer drugs to the media.

Virginia Vaughan, an ovarian cancer survivor, is the founder and president of the Delaware National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and a community ambassador for the American Cancer Society. She serves on the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s public relations committee. She received the Healthy Delaware 2010 Hero Award from the Department of Public Health for her use of preventive services.

Other members continuing to serve on the panel are
Mary Kay Bowie, Naperville, IL
E. Loren Buhle, PhD, Media, PA
Karen Graham, Hayward, CA
David Grant Wright, Placentia, CA
Nancy L. Hane, Norman, OK
Janet M. Healy, Vancouver, WA
Andrew J. Schorr, Mercer Island, WA.

Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Announces Its Board of Directors for 2003-2004
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) has announced its Board of Directors for 2003–2004. Three new members joined the Board on June 1, 2003.

Judith K. Sanoshy, RN, BSN, OCN^®, of CorSolutions Medical in Hoffman Estates, IL, was elected to the Board in the 2003 ONCC election. She will serve a three-year term.

Deborah K. LaFond, RN, CPON^®, of the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, was appointed to the Board as the representative to the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses Board of Directors.

Ruth E. Van Gerpen, RN, MS, CNS, OCN^®, of Bryan LGH Medical Center in Lincoln, NE, was appointed to the Board as the representative to the ONS Board of Directors. LaFond and Van Gerpen each will serve one-year terms on the Board.

The ONCC Board also elected officers for 2003-2004. The one-year terms of these officers began June 1, 2003.

President Julie A. Ponto, RN, MS, AOCN^®, of the Mayo Clinic Women’s Cancer Program in Rochester, MN

Vice President Patricia D. Baldwin, RN, MS, OCN^®, of the VA Boston Healthcare System in Boston, MA

Secretary/Treasurer Lori Haefner, BA, MS, of Colorado Springs, CO. (Haefner is also the public member of the ONCC Board of Directors.)

Other Board members include
Donna Betcher, RN, MSN, CPON^®, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN
JoAnn Coleman, RN, MS, AOCN^®, ACNP, of the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD
Georgia M. Decker, MS, RN, CS-ANP, AOCN^®, CN^®, of Integrative Care NP, PC in Albany, NY
Judy E. Lundgren, RN, MSN, AOCN^®, ex-officio of Texas Oncology in Arlington, TX.

ONS Foundation Announces Its Board of Trustees for 2003-2004
The ONS Foundation has announced its Board of Trustees for 2003-2004. Laura J. Hilderley, RN, MS, will assume the presidency, and Former President Brenda M. Nevidjon, RN, MSN, will assume a member role. Barbara L. Summers, PhD, RN, will continue as secretary, and Kevin Sowers, RN, MSN, will continue as treasurer. Eva M. Gallagher, RN, AOCN^®, MA, MS, ANP, is the ONS Board appointee to the Board of Trustees.

Other Board members include
Paula M. Bass, BS
Catherine C. Burke, MS, CS, ANP
Claude P. George, MD, MSc
Pauline Ho, BS, MBA
Teresa S. Houser, BS.

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PNI and Complementary Therapies SIG Officers

Coordinator (2002-2004) Jo Ann C. Owen, BSN, RN 1609 Cedar St. Broomfield, CO 80020-1334 303-438-0638 (H) 303-399-8020, ext. 2363 (O) joann.owen@med.va.gov Coordinator-Elect (2003-2004) Gwen Wyatt, RN, PhD 3918 E. Sunwind Dr. Okemos, MI 48864-5235 517-332-1221 (H) 517-432-5511 (O) 517-353-8536 (fax) gwyatt@msu.edu

Editor Cecilia Barron, PhD, RN, CS 9658 Maple Dr. Omaha, NE 68134-5658 402-391-8476 (H) 402-559-6619 (O) 402-559-4303 (fax) crbarron@unmc.edu Coeditor Pamela Potter, MA, MSN, APRN 900 State St. New Haven, CT 06511-3921 203-624-6992 (H) pamela.potter@mindspring.com ONS Publishing Division Staff Lauren Hricisak, BA Copy Editor 412-859-6322 tempppt@ons.org

Know someone who would like to receive a print copy of this newsletter?
To print a copy of this newsletter from your home or office computer, click here or on the printer icon located on the SIG Newsletter front page. Print copies of each online SIG newsletter also are available through the ONS National Office. To have a copy mailed to you or another SIG member, contact Membership/Leadership Administrative Assistant Carol DeMarco at carol@ons.org or 866-257-4ONS, ext. 6230.

ONS Membership/Leadership Team Contact Information
Angie Stengel, Director of Membership/Leadership
astengel@ons.org
412-859-6244

Diedrea White, Manager of Member Relations
dwhite@ons.org
412-859-6256

Carol DeMarco, Membership/Leadership Administrative Assistant
carol@ons.org
412-859-6230

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) does not assume responsibility for the opinions expressed and information provided by authors or by Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Acceptance of advertising or corporate support does not indicate or imply endorsement of the company or its products by ONS or the SIG. Web sites listed in the SIG newsletters are provided for information only. Hosts are responsible for their own content and availability.

Oncology Nursing Society
125 Enterprise Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1214
866-257-4ONS
412-859-6100
ONS Online: www.ons.org