Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Earlier this year, the efforts of the team behind Dana-Farber’s Oncology Nurse Residency Program (ONRP) were affirmed as it was named an Accredited Practice Transition Program with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This is the same organization that has designated the Institute a Magnet® Recognition Program facility five consecutive times. Led by Jeanine Rundquist, DNP, RN, executive director of the Center for Clinical and Professional Development and program director of the ONRP, the prestigious designation means the residency meets five essential elements: strong leadership; education about the organization’s culture; a well-designed and developed curriculum; evidence and practice-based learning; and an encouragement of lifelong learning. “Earning this accreditation is the icing on the cake,” Rundquist expresses. “It’s recognition for the excellence that already exists within the residency program.” As an Accredited Practice Transition Program with distinction, the ANCC found that Dana-Farber’s residency program meets rigorous standards and is among the best in the country. The recognition can also lead to greater visibility of the support and training that each new nurse receives upon joining the Institute’s workforce. To earn the prestigious accreditation, Rundquist and the team built on the success of a program that began in 2016 under the leadership of Kristen Legor, PhD, JD, vice president of Clinical Research Nursing Operations and associate chief nurse. Nursing education is generalized to teach prospective nurses everything they need to earn their license, but it rarely delves into a specialty. Hospitals and clinics bear the responsibility for specialized training and, as the field of nursing has grown, that training has become even more important. Rundquist knows firsthand what starting a new nursing position fresh out of college can be like. She began working as a nurse in North Dakota about 30 years ago. There, she received a three-month orientation before taking on the full responsibilities of nursing. “As a new nurse, I had to learn as I went and I realized how crucial those first few months to a year can be in setting up patient care staff for success,” recalls Rundquist. Rundquist says this is why she stepped into the professional development field and joined the Institute two years ago. Dana-Farber was – and still is – known for investing in its staff to ensure high-quality care within each specialized treatment center. The residency offers what Rundquist calls “protected learning time,” as new nurses take classes, practice in simulations, and shadow experienced colleagues from across disciplines before taking on the full responsibilities of patient care. More: https://lnkd.in/en4CRZ4R

Before you spend time in the sun, Dana-Farber has a few tips for protecting your skin and lowering your risk of developing skin cancer. Read more about staying safe in the sun here: http://ms.spr.ly/6045lOk2J

The rankings are in! For the 24th consecutive year, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center has been recognized as a Best Hospital for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. This year, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center is ranked as a Best Hospital for cancer care in New England and #4 in the nation. Read more here: http://ms.spr.ly/6043lPOg3

Despite progress in the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer, disparities persist. Dana-Farber gynecologic oncologists are working with patient navigators to reduce disparities by actively lowering the barriers patients face when trying to access screening and care. Learn more: http://ms.spr.ly/6045lHheP

On the type of temperate early June day that brings dozens of joggers and cyclists to the Charles River, a group of cancer survivors was chatting by the MIT Boathouse as they worked through warmup exercises. Once they had limbered up, they donned life vests, grabbed paddles, and filed onto a dock before stepping one by one into a so-called dragon boat, a long, canoe-shaped, watercraft originating from China's southern Guangdong Province.  Known as the Wellness Warriors, this group meets three times a week to paddle together. It’s excellent exercise, but for the Wellness Warriors the dragon boat offers more – a community where survivors feel understood.

Does sugar increase cancer risk? Christina Conte, RDN, LDN, nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helps us debunk myths and clarify the difference between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar. Learn more here: http://ms.spr.ly/6044lOk42

People aren't the only ones who get stressed out. Our cells do, too. Particularly cancer cells, which are wired to proliferate quickly. But DNA replication, a critical part of cellular growth, is a highly choreographed molecular dance. It involves six known methods for fixing mistakes that can arise in the genetic code. In addition, there are multiple checkpoints when the cellular machinery pauses to ensure that DNA replication is unfolding in an orderly way. But this rapid replication can disturb the well-choreographed process, causing stress. Researchers are looking to exploit this vulnerability as a treatment strategy for some cancers. Learn more here: http://ms.spr.ly/6048l8zr0.

Congratulations and THANK YOU to the Pan-Mass Challenge, an incredible organization that has raised more than $1 billion for Dana-Farber since 1980.

Earlier this year, Dana-Farber achieved its fifth consecutive Magnet Recognition Program® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This accomplishment highlights the dedication of our nurses, interdisciplinary teams, and leadership to the exceptional care provided to our patients and their loved ones every day. Let’s learn more about what it means to our staff individually. Emma Dann, DNP, RN, vice president of Adult Nursing and Clinical Services and Associate Chief Nurse (Dana-Farber Network and Collaborative) 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂? Although Magnet designation is the highest honor for nursing excellence, it recognizes the entire Institute and how we collaborate to better serve our patients and their loved ones. Our care teams provide the best care possible – from infusion nurses to doctors, resource specialists and volunteers, pharmacy staff, and administrative roles; etc., we support the patient at every step of their time with us. #CelebrateOurPractice #MagnetMoments #ANCCMagnet

Since 1953, Boston Red Sox leadership has championed the team’s commitment to raising lifesaving funds that support Dana-Farber and The Jimmy Fund’s mission to strike out cancer while bringing countless smiles to patients and families. Tonight, the Red Sox leadership team will be honored as Sports Philanthropist of the Year by ESPN at its 10th annual Sports Humanitarian Awards, held as part of the #ESPYAwards. As the longest standing team and charity partnership in all of professional sports, we are proud to call the Red Sox our partners. Congratulations to the entire Red Sox organization on this well-deserved award.