Brief Bio

Dr. Schneider is Associate Professor and serves as faculty lead for the graduate oncology specialty at the School of Nursing. She received her doctorate in nursing from Case Western Reserve University, her Master of Science degree from Texas Woman’s University, and her BSN from the University of Akron. Dr. Schneider has extensive experience in pediatric and adult oncology nursing. She holds certification as a clinical nurse specialist and as an advanced oncology certified nurse. Prior to joining the faculty at Duke University, Dr. Schneider taught in the oncology program at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, and was a clinical nurse specialist at University Hospitals of Cleveland. She is professionally active in a number of nursing organizations. She has chaired the American Cancer Society Peer Review Committee on Scholarships and Professorships in Oncology Nursing, served as a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) national board of directors, and is an immediate past president of ONS. Dr. Schneider has received both the Excellence in Cancer Nursing Research and Excellence in Cancer Nursing Education Awards from the Oncology Nursing Society and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Schneider's research interests include management of symptom distress in cancer patients, the use of distraction interventions to enhance coping, and the use of tailored protocols to promote chemotherapy adherence.

Academic Program Affiliations

Education

Professional Certifications

Research Interests

Dr. Schneider’s research interests include the management of symptom distress in cancer patients and the use of distraction interventions to enhance coping. She has conducted a series of four studies exploring the use of a virtual reality distraction intervention to mitigate chemotherapy related symptom distress in adult and pediatric populations.

Current research includes a randomized clinical trial of a tailored intervention protocol designed to promote adherence to oral chemotherapy in adults receiving treatment for breast or colorectal cancer.

Clinical Interests

Dr. Schneider leads a support group for patients with advanced cancer at Cornucopia House Cancer Support Center in Durham, North Carolina.

Awards and Honors

• 2012 2012 Award for Excellence, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Alumni Association

• 2008 Fellow, American Academy of Nursing

• 2004 Mary Nowotny Excellence in Cancer Nursing Education Award, Oncology Nursing Society

• 2003 Research Mentorship Award, Friends of Nursing, Duke University

• 2000 Inducted, Sigma Theta Tau (Beta Epsilon Chapter)

• 1998 Benita Martocchio Excellence in Oncology Nursing

• 1996 Pediatric Nursing Dissertation Scholarship

• 1995 Clinton E. and Vicki A. Lambert Award for Scholarly Writing

• 1995 ONS/NCI Research Short Course Participant, Oncology Nursing Society and National Cancer Institute

• 1994 American Cancer Society Doctoral Scholarship

• 1994 Oncology Nursing Society Doctoral Scholarship

• 1981 Inducted, Sigma Theta Tau

Areas of Expertise

• Oncology

Representative Publications

• 2015 -- Pubmed # 26000590 Smithson, C. R., Schneider, S. M. Ibrutinib: a new targeted therapy for hematologic cancers. Clin J Oncol Nurs. June, 2015; 19(3); E47-51

• 2015 -- Pubmed # 26000578 Lassiter, M., Schneider, S. M. A pilot study comparing the neutropenic diet to a non-neutropenic diet in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation population. Clin J Oncol Nurs. June, 2015; 19(3); 273-8

• 2014 -- Pubmed # 24570103 Affronti, M. L., Schneider, S. M., Herndon 2nd, J. E., Schlundt, S., Friedman, H. S. Adherence to antiemetic guidelines in patients with malignant glioma: a quality improvement project to translate evidence into practice. Support Care Cancer. July, 2014; 22(7); 1897-905

• 2014 -- Pubmed # 25089216 Schneider, S. M., Adams, D. B., Gosselin, T. A tailored nurse coaching intervention for oral chemotherapy adherence. J Adv Pract Oncol. May-June, 2014; 5(3); 163-72

• 2014 -- Schneider, S. M., Adams, D. Strategies to improve adherence to oral chemotherapy agents. In Clinical Guide to Antineoplastic Therapy: A Chemotherapy Handbook. (3rd), edited by Gullatte, M. M. March, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA: Oncology Nursing Society (ONS Press).

• 2014 -- Pubmed # 24480661 Hammelef, K. J., Friese, C. R., Breslin, T. M., Riba, M., Schneider, S. M. Implementing distress management guidelines in ambulatory oncology: a quality improvement project. Clin J Oncol Nurs. February, 2014; 18 Suppl 31-6

• 2013 -- Pubmed # 25032022 Trotter, K., Schneider, S. M., Turner, B. S. Group appointments in a breast cancer survivorship clinic. J Adv Pract Oncol. November-December, 2013; 4(6); 423-31

• 2013 -- Pubmed # 23697982 Prewitt, J., Schneider, S., Horvath, M., Hammond, J., Jackson, J., Ginsberg, B. PCA Safety Data Review After Clinical Decision Support and Smart Pump Technology Implementation. J Patient Saf. June, 2013; 9(2); 103-9

• 2013 -- Pubmed # 23715708 Lowery, E. W., Schneider, S. M. Ruxolitinib: a new treatment for myelofibrosis. Clin J Oncol Nurs. June, 2013; 17(3); 312-8

• 2013 -- Pubmed # 23051869 Chang, L., Schneider, S. M., Chiang, S., Horng, C. Implementing an evidence-based risk assessment tool to predict chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in women with breast cancer. Cancer Nurs. May-June, 2013; 36(3); 198-205

• 2013 -- Horigan, A. E., Schneider, S. M., Docherty, S., Barroso, J. The experience and self-management of fatigue in patients on hemodialysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal. Mar-Apr, 2013; 40(2); 113-122

• 2012 -- Pubmed # 22842691 Curcio, K. R., Lambe, C., Schneider, S., Khan, K. Evaluation of a cancer survivorship protocol: transitioning patients to survivors. Clin J Oncol Nurs. August, 2012; 16(4); 400-6

• 2011 -- Pubmed # 21708538 Rodriguez, E. S., Thom, B., Schneider, S. M. Nurse and physician perspectives on patients with cancer having online access to their laboratory results. Oncol Nurs Forum. July 1, 2011; 38(4); 476-82

• 2011 -- Pubmed # 21514482 Schneider, S. M., Hess, K., Gosselin, T. Interventions to promote adherence with oral agents. Semin Oncol Nurs. May, 2011; 27(2); 133-41

• 2010 -- Pubmed # 20797953 Gosselin, T. K., Schneider, S. M., Plambeck, M. A., Rowe, K. A prospective randomized, placebo-controlled skin care study in women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum. September, 2010; 37(5); 619-26

• 2010 -- Pubmed # 20336327 Schneider, S. M., Kisby, C. K., Flint, E. P. Effect of virtual reality on time perception in patients receiving chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer. March, 2010; 19(4); 555-64

• 2009 -- Pubmed # 19136332 Tranin, A. S., Schneider, S. M., Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Board of Directors, Stand up for your profession. Oncol Nurs Forum. January 1, 2009; 36(1); 10

• 2008 -- Pubmed # 19064382 Smink, K. A., Schneider, S. M. Overview of stereotactic body radiotherapy and the nursing role. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2008; 12(6); 889-93

• 2008 -- Schneider, S. M., Turner, B. S., Califf, R. M., Burks, W., McHutchinson, J. G., Gilliss, C. L. Issues in clinical trials management. Academic research units: opportunities and challenges for nursing practice. Research Practitioner. Sep-Oct, 2008; 9(5); 175-184

• 2007 -- Pubmed # 17878134 Gosselin-Acomb, T. K., Schneider, S. M., Clough, R. W., Veenstra, B. A. Nursing advocacy in North Carolina. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2007; 34(5); 1070-4

• 2007 -- Pubmed # 17562631 Schneider, S. M., Hood, L. E. Virtual reality: a distraction intervention for chemotherapy. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2007; 34(1); 39-46 PMCID: PMC2121303

• 2005 -- Pubmed # 16355560 Rowe, K., Schneider, S. Profile of cancer-related symptoms prior to chemotherapy. J Support Oncol. Nov.-Dec., 2005; 3(6 Suppl 4); 32-33

• 2005 -- Pubmed # 14722591 Schneider, S. M., Prince-Paul, M., Allen, M. J., Silverman, P., Talaba, D. Virtual reality as a distraction intervention for women receiving chemotherapy. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2005; 31(1); 81-8

• 2005 -- Pubmed # 16330971 Penne, K., Bolin, C., Schneider, S., Allen, D. Gefitinib (Iressa, ZD1839) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors: The wave of the future in cancer therapy. Cancer Nurs. February, 2005; 28(6); 481-486

• 2005 -- Schneider, S. M. Using virtual reality as a distraction intervention to mitigate chemotherapy symptoms. In Human-Computer Interaction: Theory and Practice, edited by Jacko, J. & Stephanidis, C. 2005; New York: L.A. Erlbaum.

• 2004 -- Schneider, S. M. Chemotherapy distraction. In Virtual Healing, edited by Weiderhold, B. 2004; San Diego, CA: Interactive Media Institute.

• 2003 -- Pubmed # 12855087 Schneider, S. M., Ellis, M., Coombs, W. T., Shonkwiler, E. L., Folsom, L. C. Virtual reality intervention for older women with breast cancer. Cyberpsychol Behav. 2003; 6(3); 301-7

• 2003 -- Pubmed # 14656195 Visovsky, C., Schneider, S. M. Cancer-related fatigue. Online J Issues Nurs. 2003; 8(3); 8

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 11889684 Bender, C. M., McDaniel, R. W., Murphy-Ende, K., Pickett, M., Rittenberg, C. N., Rogers, M. P., Schneider, S. M., Schwartz, R. N. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2002; 6(2); 94-102

• 2002 -- Schneider, S. M. Interventions for clients with hematologic problems. In Medical-surgical nursing: Critical thinking for collaborative care (4th ed.), edited by D. Ignatavicius, & M. L. Workman 2002; Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Co..

• 2002 -- Schneider, S. M. Infection. The Spectrum. 2002; 1

• 2001 -- Pubmed # 11471117 Schneider, S. M., Hinds, P. S., Pritchard, M. From single site to societal belief: the impact of pediatric oncology nursing research. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. August, 2001; 18(4); 164-70

• 2001 -- Schneider, S. M. Chemotherapy: What the oncology nurse knows. The Spectrum. Summer-Fall, 2001; 1-2

• 2001 -- Schneider, S. M. Book Review: “Palliative care nursing. Quality of life at the end of life”, by Matzo, M. L. & Sherman, D. W. Nursing Leadership Forum. 2001; 6(1); 90-91

• 2000 -- Pubmed # 11128121 Wonghongkul, T., Moore, S. M., Musil, C., Schneider, S., Deimling, G. The influence of uncertainty in illness, stress appraisal, and hope on coping in survivors of breast cancer. Cancer Nurs. December, 2000; 23(6); 422-9

• 2000 -- Pubmed # 12026359 Schneider, S. M., Workman, M. L. Virtual reality as a distraction intervention for older children receiving chemotherapy. Pediatr Nurs. Nov.-Dec., 2000; 26(6); 593-7

• 2000 -- Pubmed # 10795194 Schneider, S. M. I look funny and I feel bad. Measurement of symptom distress. J Child Fam Nurs. July, 2000; 2(5); 380-4

• 1999 -- Pubmed # 19178248 Schneider, S.M., Workman, M.L. Effects of virtual reality on symptom distress in children receiving chemotherapy. Cyberpsychol Behav. 1999; 2(2); 125-134

• 1999 -- Wonghongkul, T., Moore, S. M., Musil, C., Schneider, S., & Deimling, G. Relationship among uncertainty in illness, stress appraisal, hope, and coping in breast cancer survivors. The Journal of Nursing Research, Thai Journal (English Language). 1999; 3(3); 1-15

• 1999 -- Schneider, S. M. Interventions for clients with hematologic disorders. In Medical-surgical nursing: Across the health care continuum (3rd ed.), edited by D. Ignatavicius, M. L. Workman, & M. Mishler 1999; Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Co..

• 1998 -- Schneider, S. M. Virtual reality. In Encyclopedia of nursing research, edited by J. J. Fitzpatrick 1998; pp. 589-590. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co..

• 1995 -- Schneider, S. M. Interventions for clients with hematologic disorders In Medical-surgical nursing: A nursing process approach (2nd ed.), edited by D. Ignatavicius, M. L. Workman, & M. Mishler 1995; Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Co..

• 1994 -- Pubmed # 8164990 Schneider, S. M. Clinical implications for the administration of colony stimulating factors. Orthop Nurs. 1994; 13(1); 56-62, 64

• 1993 -- Schneider, S. M. Cancer. In Medical-surgical nursing: A nursing process approach (3rd ed.), edited by B. Long & W. Phipps 1993; St. Louis, MO: C. V. Mosby Co..

• 1992 -- Pubmed # 1524943 Hawthorne, J. L., Schneider, S. M., Workman, M. L. Common electrolyte imbalances associated with malignancy. AACN Clin Issues Crit Care Nurs. 1992; 3(3); 714-23

• 1992 -- Pubmed # 1504959 Radziewicz, R. M., Schneider, S. M. Using diversional activity to enhance coping. Cancer Nurs. 1992; 15(4); 293-8

• 1989 -- Pubmed # 2688116 Schneider, S. M., Distelhorst, C. W. Chemotherapy-induced emergencies. Semin Oncol. December, 1989; 16(6); 572-8

• 1989 -- Pubmed # 2586903 Schneider, S. M., Roe, C. A., Hawthorne, J. L. Chemotherapy experts. Nursing. November, 1989; 19(11); 72-3

• 1989 -- Schneider, S. M. Cancer. In Medical-surgical nursing: A nursing process approach (2nd ed.), edited by B. Long & W. Phipps 1989; St. Louis, MO: C. V. Mosby Co..

Grant Funding (selected)

• Tailored Adherence Protocol for Oral Chemotherapy  
  National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute
  1R15-CA139398-01
  04/2009-03/2012
  Role: PI
  The aims of this study are to 1) test the effectiveness of a tailored protocol to promote adherence to oral chemotherapeutic agents in adults receiving treatment for breast or colorectal cancer, 2) examine adherence to oral chemotherapeutic agents over time, and 3) examine the effects of age, gender, caregiver availability, personal involvement in health care, and depression on adherence rates to oral chemotherapeutic agents. The tailored adherence protocol is based on the self-regulatory model of adherence. The intervention identifies patient knowledge, behavioral skills, and affective support and tailors adherence strategies or overcomes barriers in each of these three categories. A randomized clinical trial will examine the adherence rates in 150 adults started on a new oral chemotherapeutic agent at Duke University Medical Center. A control group will receive standard chemotherapy education. Participants in the experimental group will receive the standard education, an assessment and the tailored intervention developed by an advanced practice nurse. The intervention will be administered via telephone calls over six months. Patient adherence rates will be measured in both groups at 2, 4 and 6 months using self report, symptom profiles, and pharmacy fill rates.

• Authorized Agent Controlled Analgesia (AACA) for PBMT  
  Duke Translational Nursing Institute
  08/2010-08/2011
  Role: co-PI
  This project will demonstrate the feasibility of safely using AACA in the pediatric bone marrow transplant population who are six years old or younger and require analgesia for pain control with an adult, who completes the education and assessment required for AACA.

• Tailored Adherence Protocol for Oral Chemotherapy  
  DUSON Small Grant
  06/2008-05/2009
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The aims of this pilot study are 1) to test the feasibility of administering a tailored protocol to promote adherence to oral chemotherapeutic agents in 20 adults receiving treatment for breast or colorectal cancer and 2) to measure adherence rates to oral chemotherapy in this sample.

• Advanced Diabetes Management for Nurse Practitioners  
  Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA)
  1D09-HP08059-01-00
  07/2007-06/2010
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: Consistent with the legislation of Title VIII and in concert with the goals of Healthy People 2010 and National Goals I -III, the purpose of this new project is to prepare expert advanced practice nurses in the prevention and management of diabetes, particularly in high risk and underserved populations. We plan to use an innovative educative approach that allows those from rural areas to learn medical content regarding health problems that are highly prevalent in their communities, thus increasing the likelihood of graduated nurse practitioner students remaining in these communities to practice. The graduates of this program will be eligible for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam as Adult or Family Nurse Practitioners. In addition, completion of the proposed Advanced Diabetes Management for Nurse Practitioners will provide students with the necessary didactic content to be eligible for the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) exam to certify them as an Advanced Practitioner in Diabetes Management.

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Impact of Flaxseed Supplementation  
  Duke Clinical Research Unit
  D972
  07/2007-06/2009
  Duke Clinical Translational Science Award D972 by Grant Number 1UL1RR024128-01 from the National Center for Research Resources (NCCR).

• Effect of Virtual Reality on Symptom Distress in Breast Cancer  
  AACN Grant
  04/2006-03/2008
  Role: co-PI
  Project Goal: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a virtual reality distraction intervention on chemotherapy-related symptom distress levels in 54 women of all ages who were receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

• Effect of Virtual Reality on Symptom Distress in Breast Cancer  
  UNC Volunteer Association
  04/2006-03/2008
  Role: co-PI
  Project Goal: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a virtual reality distraction intervention on chemotherapy-related symptom distress levels in 54 women of all ages who were receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

• Informal Caregiver Training in Cancer Symptom Management  
  National Institute of Nursing Research
  1R15 NR009489-01A1
  03/2006-08/2008
  Role: Co-Investigator
  Project Goal: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of experiential symptom management training on self-efficacy and psychological well-being of informal cancer caregivers, and on symptom distress and emergency care use for cancer-related symptoms of their patients.

• Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Gliomas  
  Oncology Nursing Foundation
  04/2004-03/2006
  Role: Co-investigator
  Project Goal: To determine what demographic, diagnostic, or treatment variables are associated with the presence of depression or quality of life symptoms such as fatigue, appetite changes, sleep disturbances or sexual disturbances in adult patients with gliomas.

• Virtual Reality for Chemotherapy Symptoms  
  Oncology Nursing Society Foundation
  RE-12
  10/2002-11/2005
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The purpose of this study is to determine the immediate and short-term (2 days) effects of a single virtual reality intervention on symptom distress levels in adults with lung, colon or breast cancer who are receiving intravenous chemotherapy.

• AAMC-CDC  
  PERT Grant
  09/2001-09/2003
  Role: Program Coordinator / Consultant
  The goal of this grant in conjunction with UNC Office of Disabilities and Health and Medical Review of NC will improve breast and cervical cancer screening for women with disabilities statewide.

• Prophylactic Skin Care for Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy  
  Oncology Nursing Foundation
  03/2002-03/2006
  Role: Co-Investigator
  Project Goal: The purpose of this study is to evaluate skin care products that may decrease the incidence of acute skin reactions and/or reduce the severity of the skin reaction from radiation therapy in women with breast cancer. The specific aim is to compare the effectiveness of three different skin care products versus a placebo in prophylactically reducing the incidence and severity of radiation induced skin reactions.

• Pilot Feasibility Study 1: Trajectories of Aging and Care in Nursing Science  
  National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Nursing Research
  1 P20-NR07795-01
  09/2001-08/2004
  Role: Pilot PI
  Project Goal: The goal of this study is to examine the effects of a virtual reality distraction intervention on chemotherapy-related symptom distress levels in 20 women aged 50 and older who are receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

• Effect of Virtual Reality on Symptom Distress in Breast Cancer  
  Cancer Center at CWRU/UHC, Research Support for Junior Faculty Investigators
  06/1999-12/2000
  Project Goal: The goal of this study is to examine the effects of a virtual reality distraction intervention on chemotherapy-related symptom distress levels in 20 women aged 55 and younger who are receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Support provided by Cancer Center at CWRU/UHC, Research Support for Junior Faculty Investigators From an American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant