Top 5 Reasons to Join the Oncology Nursing Society as a Student Nurse

No, I'm not being paid to say this! :-)

1. Advanced knowledge- The Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (free w/ membership) and educational talks provide all the up to date information about what is happening in the world of oncology. This puts you way ahead of other nursing students because oncology is rarely focused on in school in a detailed way. Plus, the information is geared specifically to nursing practice because they assume you’re already a nurse. It’s kind of like getting to peak at the answers before you have to take a test!

2. Real world information- Ask questions to veteran oncology nurses. You may have to be persistent (see previous post) but I guarantee you will have more usable information than if you would’ve tried your luck with Google and message boards (trust me, I’ve already scoured the interweb).

3. Free money and food!!- Yes, this is real! There’s no guarantee that being a member will get you an ONS Foundation scholarship, but it certainly can’t hurt! If you are a poor college student like me, then you can fully appreciate the free food that you get at the educational dinners!

4. Digital updates- Along with the clinical journal which contains the most current research available on a wide array of topics, ONS also sends out weekly emails with training offerings and quick online articles containing new information on important topics. Online classes are also offered for CEUs.

5. The greater good- Nursing organizations like ONS are so important to our (future) profession. It is the sharing of expertise and research that make us empowered as nurses rather than powerless in the face of bureaucracy. ANA (American Nurses Association) is also a very important lobbying group for nurse and patient rights, and they offer an online student membership for free.


For more ways to keep up to date with oncology information and connect with other future oncology nurses, like Student Nurses Against Cancer on Facebook!