Oncology Certification for Nurses
An oncology nurse specializes in the care of patients with a variety of forms of cancer. Due to the acuity of specialized care, oncology nurses are often required, or highly encouraged, to obtain special certifications. The major organization providing oncological nurse certification is the nonprofit Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC).
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What is a certification?
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According to the ONCC, a nursing certification is "the process by which a nongovernmental agency validates, based upon predetermined standards, an individual registered nurse's qualification and knowledge of practice in a defined functional or clinical area of nursing."
Purpose
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By obtaining an oncology certification in nursing, you are assuring the patients and general community that you meet the standards set by the certifying agency and that you exhibit the specific and specialized set of skills required to be recognized as an excellent oncology nurse. Not only does an oncology certification recognize your abilities, it also opens the door to a number of job opportunities and educational offerings.
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How is it obtained?
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In order to obtain an oncology nurse certification through the ONCC, you must first take demonstrate that you have a current and unrestricted RN license and that you have a minimum of 12 months nursing experience within three years of the application date. Next, you must provide proof of 1,000 hours of nursing care with adult oncology patients and have completed 10 hours of oncology-specific continuing education. All of this information must be captured in the application submitted to the ONCC.
Testing
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Once the ONCC agrees that you meet the initial eligibility requirements, you will be notified of eligibility to take the examination. The exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions across 11 major subject areas. The scoring report received by the test-taker will not only indicate pass or fail, but also analyze your abilities at the various competency areas tested.
Renewal
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Once obtained, your certification is valid for four years. In order to maintain your certification, you must continue to practice oncology nursing, log 100 Oncology Nursing Certification Points through professional development, and successfuly pass the retest.
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References
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