The CCO role will report directly to Brenda Nevidjon, MSN, RN, FAAN, chief executive officer, and will provide a strategic vision to ensure that ONS’s clinical practice resources and processes are maintained with the highest integrity. Kennedy Sheldon will also collaborate with ONS affiliates to address and engage emerging oncology practice needs. 

 

“In creating this new role, we wanted someone who would continue to elevate ONS’s leadership in setting the standard for oncology nursing practice,” Nevidjon said. “Lisa’s experiences and expertise will be vital as ONS continues to meet not only today’s practice priorities but to envision and prepare for the future, including building new relationships that strengthen and enhance the mission of ONS.”

 

Kennedy Sheldon brings an extensive history as a clinician, nurse scientist, and educator in the United States and globally. Her research focused on ways to increase patient-provider communication to improve cancer outcomes and reduce disparities in cancer care. She has published in numerous scholarly scientific journals, including the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, and the Journal of Health Communication. Kennedy Sheldon has received numerous awards for her work and will be inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, which recognizes nursing's most accomplished leaders in education management, practice, and research. 

 

“I am excited to join ONS in the role of chief clinical officer,” Kennedy Sheldon said. “And I look forward to bringing the voice of oncology nurses in clinical practice to strategic ONS initiatives that are transforming cancer care.” She will also continue as editor of CJON until the end of her term in 2018.

 

ONS is a professional association of more than 39,000 members committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Learn more at www.ons.org.