Nursing Year in Review 2019 | Page 26

South Campus Nurse Helps Create Formal ‘Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses Day’ Julie Sweeney, BSN, RN, CPHON, clinical nurse in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at South Campus, submitted a request to Governor Jared Polis’ office to designate a day to celebrate pediatric hematology and oncology nurses. The request was accepted, and the Governor’s office issued a formal proclamation naming September 8, 2019 as “Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses Day.” WHEREAS, pediatric hematology/oncology nurses care for many of the most precious patients of all: children, adolescents and young adults with cancer and blood diseases. With unwavering devotion, these special nurses provide the highest standard of physical and emotional care to their patients and families; and WHEREAS, physicians, nurse practitioners, pediatric hematology/oncology nurses and assistants, child life specialists, chaplaincy, social workers, case management workers, nutritionists and child psychologists who comprise the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology programs in institutions across Colorado employ a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of pediatric cancers and blood diseases; and WHEREAS, since 1973, the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON), a professional organization for pediatric hematology/oncology nurses and other pediatric hematology/oncology health care professionals, has provided 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; and WHEREAS, the month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; it is fitting to have a day within that month that recognizes pediatric hematology/oncology nurses and their work with these children. Therefore, I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim September 8, 2019 as PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY / ONCOLOGY NURSES DAY in the State of Colorado. GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this eighth day of September, 2019 Jared Polis Governor 26 People