About Congress

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Now’s the time to take action! Join more than 4,000 of your nursing peers in Washington, DC for four days of learning, networking, and advancing the oncology nursing profession.

Why Attend?

It only takes one nurse to impact a patient’s cancer experience. It only takes one moment to make a lasting connection with your patient. It only takes one action to transform cancer nursing forever.

At Congress, you’ll learn new cancer treatments and symptom management strategies, further develop your professional skills, and advocate for your patients and profession. You’ll share the discoveries you’ve made, the advances you’ve made in your practice, and those moments with your patients that you’ll never forget.

Congress is truly the best place to receive the education, clinical practice information, and patient resources that will heighten your practice’s level of patient care. With five specialized learning tracks, including the new Specialty Radiation Track,  you’ll find content to meet your learning needs and professional goals.

Every year, thousands of nurses come together at Congress, hear how they’ve been inspired to take action in their practice.

“Excellent, beyond words to describe the many opportunities ONS offers through this conference.”

“Congress is such a special opportunity to connect and network with other oncology nurses; ideas and practices of other facilities are provided to help our own.”

“It was a very inspiring experience as a first time attendee. . . . A very good fuel for the nurse’s inner heart’s fire.”

Justify Your Attendance

Congress is where you need to be to learn information that will enable you to make big changes in your practice. Make sure your supervisor recognizes all of the benefits, too. Here are some tips to get them on board with your attendance.

  • Talk about the value of Congress. One change implemented because of a new finding at Congress can affect hundreds of patients’ lives. Attending can create an impact on care at your institution.
  • Be a team player. Offer to give a presentation to your colleagues upon your return, where you can give an overview of your findings and answer questions to make the investment go further.
  • Show the relevance. Review the Congress schedule and give your supervisor examples of the sessions that would be beneficial to your institution.
  • Consider status. If your institution has or is trying to achieve magnet status, remind your supervisor of the importance of continuing education in both initial designation and redesignation.
  • Be prepared. Go to your supervisor with a plan of who will cover your shifts while you are at the conference.
  • Plan ahead. Request to attend Congress while you can still take advantage of early-bird rates, and book your hotel and travel early to secure lower rates.
  • Buddy up. Offer to share a room with a colleague to cut down on hotel costs.

Download this customizable justification letter to explain why attending Congress can advance your profession.

Conference Location

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mt. Vernon Place NW
Washington, DC 20001

Monuments and memorials, eclectic neighborhoods, true local flavor – Washington, DC is a place unlike any other. Get acquainted with America’s front yard, including history, transportation and neighborhood guides. Visit the Washington DC visitor’s site to plan your trip to the nation’s capital by checking out all the things to do, places to eat and ways to stay.