VP Of Nursing Is Helping Change Cancer Care In Philadelphia
One area of nursing that is in high demand is that of cancer care. The International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), is a coalition of nurses whose goal is to "maximize the influence of nursing to reduce the global burden of cancer." They are "setting directions for cancer nursing, health policy and cancer control initiatives that are intended to improve the health and well-being of people around the world."
Anne Jadwin is an RN and vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Fox Chase is considered a National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center which is a prestigious title - as there are only 41 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country.
Can you describe your duties for your position?
"I function as the vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer for Fox Chase Cancer Center, which is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with Magnet designation. I'm responsible for all areas of nursing practice in the organization and manage from the perspective of the organization as a whole. Primary domains of activity are leading, collaborating, integrating, facilitating, and evaluating. Each domain contributes to the creation of an environment that supports professional nursing practice, shared decision-making, teamwork, evidence-based practice, innovation, and exceptional patient outcomes. I provide leadership and vision for the nursing philosophy and the advancement of the institution's mission."
How has education prepared you for your career?
"The M.S.N. in adult oncology that I earned, along with a functional major in nursing administration, provided both the clinical and leadership background necessary for this role. I also pursued a post master's degree certificate in Nursing Administration at Villanova University, and completed the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton's Nursing Leaders of the Future program, for additional development."
What continuing education is required for your role?
"There are many! Integration of evidence-based practice in clinical settings, organizational behavior, strategic visioning, business analytics, performance management, health care economics, and value based purchasing, just to name a few."
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
"Health care is an evolving field, with a concentrated focus on performance metrics. Someone going into the field needs to have a philosophy of life-long learning to stay relevant in the field throughout their career and to ensure their skill set is commensurate with the increasing sophistication of executive roles."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
