Mona Stage: Creating a Legacy for Oncology Nursing

Legacy of Care Society member Mona Stage, BSN, RN, OCN®-Emeritus, has made plans in her will to ensure that the Oncology Nursing Foundation has resources to support the oncology nurses of tomorrow.

The Legacy of Care Society recognizes those who have included the Foundation in their estate plans and have made their generous gift intentions known through a legacy commitment. Mona shared her heart-warming inspirations for creating a legacy for oncology nursing.

Q: What led you to the field of oncology nursing?
In my junior year of college, I was inspired and challenged to explore opportunities in oncology when an uncle died from lung cancer at an early age. He did not have known risk factors and lived a healthy lifestyle in rural America. I was intrigued by the science of oncology as well as the art, the human response, and holistic approach used in working with individuals who had cancer. My first job in oncology as an RN was in rural Ohio with an internist who was involved in carrying out treatment plans (chemotherapy administration) provided by an oncologist from the “big city” of Toledo.

Q: How did you hear about the Oncology Nursing Society and when did you first come to be involved?
I heard about ONS through the local Seattle oncology group—Regional Oncology Nursing Society—in the late '70s. I attended local educational meetings and my first ONS Congress® in 1981. I rarely missed an ONS Congress until I retired in 2014 after more than 40 years working in oncology. As the result of a roundtable discussion, one of my first involvements with ONS included advocating for more information and education on the role of the radiation oncology nurse, management of side effects, and patient teaching strategies. At that time, I was charged with developing the nursing role in an established radiation oncology department.

“I want to assist in supporting the future of oncology nursing as it evolves throughout the generations. I have so much gratitude for the support that was given to me and would like to return it in a small way.”

Q: What is your favorite memory as a member of the Oncology Nursing Society?
My favorite memory is the energy that happens when you are surrounded by colleagues who are working together to improve and provide cancer care—the times when you are balancing the science, technology, and art in improving patient outcomes. I was energized and supported in developing my leadership and management skills through the courses and programs offered by ONS. Throughout my career, I supported ongoing education at my workplace, as well as through my local ONS chapter—the Puget Sound ONS Chapter.