RUMFORD – Rumford Hospital oncology nurse Connie Holdgate has initiated and become president of a new chapter of the Oncology Nurses’ Society, covering the central and western counties of Maine. She had been instrumental in forming the Northern Maine Chapter while an oncology nurse at Penobscot Bay Medical Center.

“I wanted to have a chapter here because the state is so big,” said Holdgate. “Even with the formation of the Lakes Region Oncology Nurses’ Society chapter we will have to travel as much as an hour and a half to reach meeting places at other hospitals where nurses are active in the group.”

Although the first meeting was held in Rumford, future meetings are planned at other hospitals. Franklin Memorial Hospital, MaineGeneral Hospital and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center all have nurse-members of the newly formed chapter.

The Oncology Nurses’ Society fosters high standards of nursing practice, teaching, research and education. “This chapter will encourage nurses to become certified in oncology nursing – hopefully we will even arrange classes,” Holdgate said. “The closest place to get that education now is Boston.” Another vision is for a traveling library that would carry specialty volumes that many hospitals could not afford to provide.

Long-time Rumford Hospital Oncology Nurse Lisa Hodgkins is also an enthusiastic member of the new chapter and its treasurer and membership chairwoman. Other officers are secretary, Lori Dyer, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, and president-elect and program chairwoman, Terrie Priest, MaineGeneral.

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