WIKIPEDIA

The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (also known as APHON) is the professional organization for pediatric hematology/oncology nurses and other pediatric hematology/oncology healthcare professionals. APHON provides and promotes expert practice in pediatric hematology/oncology nursing to its members and the public at large.

APHON members are dedicated to promoting optimal nursing care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders, and their families. APHON provides the leadership and expertise to pediatric hematology/oncology nurses by defining and promoting the highest standards of practice and care to the pediatric, adolescent, and young adult communities.

History

From an impromptu meeting of four pediatric oncology nurses in 1973, APON (later APHON) was formed. During the past 33 years, the organization has grown to encompass 3,100 members in the United States, Canada, and around the world.

APHON was born out of need. In the early 1970s, there was a need to share practice problems and successes, and knowledge about the pediatric nurse's unique role. There was also a need to create a professional community, one built on mutual support that would foster the intellectual and professional growth and development of pediatric oncology nurses across the country.

Medical and nursing treatment of pediatric cancers was just beginning to be a recognized specialty. A few nurses at a couple of treatment centers wanted and needed to know how their counterparts at other centers managed nursing care issues, and began to network with each other at general pediatric conferences.

In 1973, four pediatric oncology nurses met at one such conference and recognized the value in sharing their experiences. They went on to plan a special interest session for the 1974 Association for Care of Children's Health (ACCH) conference.

That first session was attended by 40 nurses. With a shared enthusiasm, they began to explore ways to continue their communication. The group concluded that they needed their own professional association dedicated to the care of children with cancer. They believed that having their own group would meet their needs better than being a sub-group or special interest group of a larger, more general organization.

On November 3, 1974, APON (Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses) was born. The organization was incorporated in 1976.

APON grew quickly, increasing in membership, offering an annual conference, and developing educational materials. Primary members are RNs, but a small percentage is composed of allied health care practitioners who work in the field including child life specialists, social workers, and pastoral care providers.

To acknowledge that most members care for hematology as well as oncology patients, the membership voted to become APHON (Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses) in 2006. The scope of care definition was expanded to include adolescents and young adults.

Governance

The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses is run by a Board of Directors which consists of the officers and three members of the organization elected by the membership and serve in three-year terms. There are also three at-large members of the Board of Directors who serve for a three-year term or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Six Committees are appointed by the Board of Directors and assist in the operations of the association. The committees are: Education Provider Unit, JOPON Continuing Education Committee, Local Chapter Committee, Nominating Committee, Steering Council, and Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Provider Program.

Pediatric Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Provider Program

APHON's Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Program has been developed to help standardize nurses' education regarding administration of pediatric chemotherapy and biotherapy. The Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Program is a 2-day course designed to provide nurses with the knowledge base needed to safely care for children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy or biotherapy. Nurses will learn both the theoretical knowledge and key principles needed to safely, competently, and consistently administer chemotherapy and biotherapy. Nurses who have successfully completed the APHON Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Providers program will have learned the highest standards and practices and become Certified Pediatric Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Providers. APHON also offers an Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Instructor course for those who want to teach the course at their facility. Renewals are required every two years.

Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing

The Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing (JOPON) is the official Journal of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing. JOPON is published six times and year and offers pediatric hematology, oncology, and immunology nurses in clinical practice and research, pediatric social workers, epidemiologists, clinical psychologists, child life specialists and nursing educators the latest peer-reviewed original research and definitive reviews on the whole spectrum of nursing care of childhood cancers, including leukemias, solid tumors and lymphomas, and hematologic disorders. JOPON covers the entire disease process--diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survival, as well as end-of-life care.

The Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing introduces new and useful nursing care practice and research from around the world.

APHON Counts

APHON Counts is a window into the world of APHON. Filled with all the information needed to keep up with the news, events, and products APHON offers, this quarterly newsletter also features member authored articles on new medical trends, treatments, and best practices straight from the field. Members contribute in depth personal stories of life in the pediatric hematology or oncology ward or clinic.

Each month focuses on a new and timely issue and covers the full range of our memberships' specialty including oncology, hematology, palliative and hospice care, and more. Only members have access to current and back issues on the APHON Web site.

Member Benefits

APHON is a remarkable organization whose membership is composed of energetic professionals with a strong commitment to APHON and their profession. There are more than 3,000 pediatric hematology/oncology nurses and allied healthcare professionals from across the country and around the world who share the same vision; a world where children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and blood disorders, and their families receive the highest quality of care and support. Registered nurses active in or interested in pediatric, adolescent, or young adult hematology/oncology are considered Active Members and receive all member benefits, and are eligible to vote, hold elected office, and serve on committees.

Non-registered nurse healthcare professionals who care for children, adolescents, or young adults with cancer and blood disorders and their families, and who are interested in APHON's mission are considered Associate Members and are not eligible to vote or hold elected office, but may serve on volunteer task forces and committees and receive all other member benefits.

There is a special level for registered nurses enrolled full-time in graduate nursing programs and student nurses. These members are not eligible to vote or hold elected office, but may serve on volunteer task forces and committees.

Member Benefits include a yearly JOPON subscription, APHON Counts membership newsletters, discounts on products and educational conferences, networking opportunities at the local chapter level, grants and awards, and access to the Members Only Web site which offers discounts, member ListServ, the entire online membership directory.

External Links

The American Cancer Society (ACS)

Children's Oncology Group

Cure Search

International Association of Sickle Cell Nurses and Physician Assistants (IASCNAPA)

National Hemophilia Foundation's Nursing Working Group

The International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC)

4700 W. Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025-1485
Phone: 847/375-4724 Fax: 847/375-6478 info@aphon.org
© 2010 APHON - Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses