Introduction: Certification Description
- Oncology certified nurse (OCN)
- Apply to the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.
- To take a three-hour, 165-multiple-choice-question test at the nearest certified center.
- Fee of $296 for ONS/APHON members and $416 for other applicants.
- Active, valid registered nurse license in the United States or Canada, needed
- A minimum of two years of RN experience in the previous four years.
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice.
OCN is the selected certification. For the certification, An OCN candidate is to submit an application to the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation and take a three-hour, 165-multiple-choice-question test at the nearest certified center. Its purpose is to assess the knowledge of basic oncology care practices. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation charges a fee of $296 for ONS/APHON members and $416 for other applicants. An OCN candidate is expected to have an active, valid registered nurse license in the United States or Canada, as well as a minimum of two years of RN experience within the previous four years. In addition, these four years are to comprise a minimum of 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice. At least ten contact hours of nursing education in the field of oncology in the previous three years are required.
Details about certification
- 165 multiple-choice questions
- Assess knowledge in six key subject areas
- Test takes 3 hours
- Certificate renewed after 4 years
- Renewal requirements: Current OCN certificate.
The certification test comprises 165 multiple-choice questions, which assess the applicant’s knowledge in six key subject areas. The content of the examination is based on the results of a 2016 role delineation study. Overall, an applicant is to complete the test within three hours and receive a percentage grade for each section. The newly-obtained certification is valid for four years, after which the renewal process is to be initiated. Requirements for renewal include Current and valid OCN certification. Valid registered nurse license in the United States or Canada. At least one full year of experience as a registered nurse within the previous 36 months; At least 1,000 hours of relevant adult oncology nursing practice within the previous 30 months.
Problem Statement
- Knowledge deficit r/t OCN certification among clinical oncology unit nurses as manifested by unfavorable patient outcomes.
- Knowledge deficit among clinical oncology unit nurses
- Unfavorable patient outcomes
- Certification selected to advance knowledge in oncology
- Lack of awareness.
There have been increasing cases of unfavorable patient outcomes among cancer patients in care facilities, which points to knowledge deficit among clinical oncology unit nurses. Therefore, this certification was selected because it would improve and validate oncology nurses’ knowledge and experience for improved care delivery. Nurses are not knowledgeable about this certification because it is an emerging field of specialization and nurses lack awareness of it.
Scholarly Article Key Points
- OCN is necessary for improved care provision.
- Certified oncology nurses play role of CNL
- Such nurses coordinate teams and solve problems
- Certified oncology nurses are competent
- Contributes to a well-functioning healthcare system.
Advanced certification in oncology is a vital instrument for specialized nurses who seek to improve patient outcomes. Estrella et al. (2018) state that obtaining the certification allows a nurse to acquire the role of a clinical nurse leader (CNL). Nursing leaders are qualified to provide comfort and treatment for oncology patients, incorporating elements of palliative care in their practice. Research suggests that the presence of nursing leaders positively affects the clinical outcome for all parties involved (Estrella et al., 2018). Ultimately, nursing leaders with relevant certification become an integral element of a well-functioning healthcare system and cancer care, in particular.
Scholarly Article Connection
- Patient outcomes improve
- OCN candidates demonstrate exceptional expertise
- Promotes evidence-based practice
- Improvement in skills and competence
Oncology nursing certification evaluates the knowledge of each candidate in the key areas, which have been determined by expert research. Accordingly, each certified nurse demonstrates exceptional expertise within the sphere, which comprises the command of advanced treatment methods and evidence-based experience. At the same time, Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation states the testing format outlines the directions in which nurses are to continue their development. This way, the combination of expertise and professional motivation enable better patient outcomes in the clinical oncology setting.
Scholarly Article Connection: Continuation
- OCNs play the role of CNL
- OCNs coordinate teams
- OCNs are team leaders
- The testing process and requirements instill leadership skills
Oncology nursing certification is multi-aspect, meaning that it assesses the applicants’ skills in a variety of areas. Leadership potential is developed through this process, teaching nurses how to motivate, inspire, and coordinate large interprofessional teams. In addition, advanced certification contributes to the image of a nurse, enabling a higher degree of respect from other professionals.
Conclusion
- Oncology certified nurse (OCN)
- Certification by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- A three-hour, 165-multiple-choice-question test
- Knowledge deficit among clinical oncology nurses
- Unfavorable patient outcomes
The chosen certification is OCN because it improves patient outcomes through the provision of quality care services. The certification is done by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation in a 165-multiple choice exam that lasts for 3 hours. There is a knowledge deficit among clinical oncology nurses as evidenced by the cases of unfavorable patient outcomes in this area.
Conclusion: Continuation
- Selected article argues certification improves competence
- OCNs demonstrate exceptional expertise
- Certification promotes evidence-based practice
- OCNs play role of CNLs
- Certification of oncology nurses the key to better care provision
The selected article argues that certification improves the competence of the involved nurses, as they have to demonstrate exceptional expertise in different areas together with promoting evidence-based practice. Ultimately, care provision is improved for better patient outcomes. OCNs also play the role of CNLs to coordinate teams and solve problems. The main lesson from this exercise is that certification among clinical oncology nurses is the key to better care provision for cancer patients.
Reference
Estrella, J. M., Sullivan, H., Febryani, I., Vaughn, J., Villamin, C., & Bowman, G. (2018). Clinical nurse leader: Evolution of the role in oncology care. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 22(4), 457–460. Web.