On this SIG Virtual Community page, you will find information pertaining the Clinical Trial Nurses SIG. Here, you can view myriad resources, download and complete pertinent documents, join in our discussions and much more. Welcome to our SIG Virtual Community.

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Clinical Trials Resource Area
The conduct of clinical trials is the way we investigate scientific advances in oncology. It is the machine which moves our knowledge forward. Cancer nurses are critical to this research process, involved in designing and operationalizing research studies, protecting the rights of patients who choose to participate in research, and safely delivering the treatments. Working in the complex field of cancer research requires advanced knowledge in oncology, excellent patient/family teaching skills, a thorough work ethic, and the ability to work collaboratively with many different kinds of professional staff. The work is cutting edge, exciting and challenging.

Did you know that the Clinical Trial Nurses SIG provides a formal mentoring program for oncology nurse professionals? Joining is easy. To enroll, visit www.3creekmentoring.com/ONS to start the process. Select the mentoring program of interest as well as the following codes when creating a profile:

Mentee group code: 532398
Mentor group code: 361812

Mentoring relationships officially begin once a mentee contacts a prospective mentor (through the online program) and both parties agree to a mentoring arrangement. These relationships are ongoing with the majority of communication occurring by email and through the online program. However, mentors and mentees may also connect in-person or by telephone (at their own expense) as deemed appropriate and convenient for them.

Mentoring relationships can be either short or long in duration. However, participants should be willing to make a minimum commitment of two hours per month to the program. If at anytime an arrangement is not meeting the desired expectations, a mentor or mentee can be paired with another member participating in the program.

Please direct any questions to membership@ons.org.

The ONS annual elections are approaching on January 2, 2009!

IMPORTANT NOTE TO THOSE SIGs HOLDING ELECTIONS IN 2009
Beginning in 2009, SIG elections will be incorporated into the national ONS elections. Voting will take place electronically for everyone with a valid email address. Those without a valid email address will receive a paper ballot.

Please visit the ONS Elections Web Site to learn about the candidates for President-Elect, Treasurer, Board of Directors (2), and Nominating Committee.

Your vote DOES make a difference!... Why?

• It demonstrates your concern about ONS and the future of oncology nursing.
• It strengthens ONS's participation in national dialogues on health care policy.
• It recognizes the talents, hard work, and commitment of the candidates.
• It represents a very important person--a knowledgeable, compassionate oncology nurse!

Electronic Voting Tutorial
Voting electronically is easy! Learn how it's done, so you will be prepared on January 2nd.

Letters from Candidates to Chapters