I once had to lead a project team meeting completely over the phone. By the end of the two calls, I was frustrated and exhausted. I was reminded of that long-ago planning meeting as I read this month’s feature article on telephone triage. These nurses must rely on their ability to discern the severity and significance of what is being reported. In addition, they must develop astute skills to ferret out all of the details needed to fully assess the situation and determine next steps.

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Most oncology nurses will never care for patients in a correctional facility. However, cancer treatments are generally not delivered in a prison setting, and some nurses do care for prisoners who are brought to their cancer center for care. Like other special populations, this group requires adjustments to the plan of care.

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It is mid-June as I write this editorial, and I have attended two survivor celebrations. One was hosted by a National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center for a group of 350 and the other by a city hospital cancer program for about 75 survivors. The celebrations differed in size, length, and resources, but the joy and hope of the survivors was the same.

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Although the reasons for switching to a nursing career are varied, a recent report gives some indications of why a second career as a nurse is a good choice.

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May is the traditional month of graduations and the start of new nursing careers. It is also Oncology Nursing Month and includes National Nurses Day (May 6) and National Nursing Week (May 6–12). Each of these events provides opportunities to celebrate nurses and nursing. The 35th Annual ONS Congress will be held this month as well. I have the privilege and joy of taking my younger daughter with me to participate in this year’s Congress.

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