Journal of Cancer Education
ISSN: 0885-8195 (Print) 1543-0154 (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/hjce20
Certification for oncology nurses: Maturing of a discipline Beverly B. Nielsen EdD, RN , John Laszlo MD , Christine Miaskowski PhD, OCN , Karen Heusinkveld Dr PH , Catherine Hogan MN, OCN , Jean Jenkins MSN, OCNH , Pearl Moore MSN & Eileen Leaphart RNC, MN To cite this article: Beverly B. Nielsen EdD, RN , John Laszlo MD , Christine Miaskowski PhD, OCN , Karen Heusinkveld Dr PH , Catherine Hogan MN, OCN , Jean Jenkins MSN, OCNH , Pearl Moore MSN & Eileen Leaphart RNC, MN (1990) Certification for oncology nurses: Maturing of a discipline, Journal of Cancer Education, 5:2, 99-102 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/08858199009528046
Published online: 01 Oct 2009.
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Citing articles: 1 View citing articles
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J. Cancer Education. Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 99-102, 1990 Printed in the U.S.A. Pergamon Press plc
0885-8195/90 $3.00 + .00 © 1990 American Association for Cancer Education
CERTIFICATION FOR ONCOLOGY NURSES: MATURING OF A DISCIPLINE BEVERLY B. NIELSEN, EdD, RN*; JOHN LASZLO, MD†; CHRISTINE MIASKOWSKI, PhD, OCN‡; KAREN HEUSINKVELD, D R PH§; CATHERINE HOGAN, MN, OCN ; JEAN JENKINS, MSN, OCNH; PEARL MOORE MSN#; EILEEN LEAPHART, RNC, MN**
Abstract—Certification for oncology nurses shares many similarities with board certification in medicine. Within the specialty of oncology nursing, certification provides one measure of excellence and signals a commitment to oncology nursing practice. Since the beginning of oncology nursing certification in 1986, over 7,200 nurses have become certified. This article describes the certification process for oncology nurses and discusses ways in which physicians can assist in this process.
Care for patients with cancer has changed from the field of Hematology at a time when dramatically in America over the past 30 classical hematology was not much concerned years. More effective treatment of the pri- with patients who had cancer. Establishment mary disease; better symptom management; of boards in Medical Oncology as a subincreased dialogue about prevention, diagno- specialty within Internal Medicine gave impesis, and treatment; and greater emphasis on tus to the establishment of formal training research have all converged to provide greater programs designed to produce experts in the hope and opportunity about this dreaded dis- practice and academic aspects of oncology. ease. Improvement in delivery of services is Subspecialization has also taken place in surever tied to an enlarging cadre of skilled pro- gery, pediatrics and, of course, in radiation fessionals. A major revolution took place 25 oncology. years ago when Medical Oncology split away There exists an important parallel to oncology specialty training within the nursing profession. Although specialty certification within *Assistant Professor, University of Miami School of nursing dates back to the late 1940s when the Nursing, Miami, FL. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists †Vice President for Research, American Cancer Sodeveloped its certification program, oncology ciety, Atlanta, GA. ‡Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Nurse Scholar, Denurse certification began only in 1986. At that partment of Physiological Nursing, University of Califortime, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), nia/San Francisco, CA. an organization of over 15,000 members and §Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI. the nursing equivalent of the American SociAssociate Professor, University of Texas at Arlingety of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), offered its ton School of Nursing, Arlington, TX. first certification examination. Since that time #Nurse Consultant, Parent Infant Nursing, Atlanta, GA. over 7,200 nurses have become Oncology ¶Executive Director, Oncology Nursing Society/ Certified Nurses (OCN). Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of this article is briefly to de**Chief, Cancer Nursing Services, National Institutes scribe the process of certification in oncology of Health, Bethesda, MD. nursing and to highlight the benefits of this Reprint requests to: Beverly Nielsen, EdD, RN, 151 North Hibiscus Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 credential to the professional nurse and the
99
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B. B. NIELSEN et al
public. In addition, ways in which other health professionals, particularly physicians, can become involved in promoting oncology certification will be discussed.
and Promotions, and Appeals. The Test Development Committee is responsible for the development of test items for the examination. In addition, this committee analyzes the test results and makes recommendations for revisions and modifications in the examination Development of a certification process with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) of for oncology nurses Development of the certification process Princeton, New Jersey. The Publications and for oncology nursing required many years of Promotions Committee develops promotional study. In April 1981, the ONS Board of Di- materials and marketing strategies for the exrectors, acting upon recommendations from amination. The Appeals Committee addresses the ONS Education Committee, appointed a issues of revocation of certification. It also task force on certification.1 Their charge was serves as an impartial inquiry group for canto explore the feasibility of having the ONS didates who may be denied admission to the undertake this commitment and to determine examination. These three committees work in the financial impact to the Society. Data were close collaboration with the ONCC Board of compiled and in 1982 a summary report was Directors. published, the major recommendations of which are summarized in Table 1. These What is certification? recommendations were adopted by the ONS Certification is one form of establishing Board of Directors and provided the frame- standardized credentials that seek to measure work for future policy decisions. competence. It is a voluntary process, as comSurvey of the ONS membership was un- pared with licensure, which is mandatory for dertaken in the fall of 1982 by a second task all practicing professionals. There are many force.2 The overwhelming majority of re- definitions of the term certification; however, sponding members indicated that they sup- the one adopted for this purpose is as follows: ported certification. The ONS Board of Directors voted to proceed and a separate is a process by which a non-governmental Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Certification agency or association certifies that an individual licensed (ONCC) was formed in 1985 to accomplish to practice a profession has met certain predetermined this task. This corporation, which is com- standards specified by that profession for specialty pracprised of a seven-member board, oversees tice. Its purpose is to assure various publics that an individual has mastered a body of knowledge and has and administrates the certification program, acquired skills in a particular specialty.3 thereby providing a separate organizational structure for the certification process. In this view, certification provides assurIn addition, three standing committees ance to the consumer that the oncology certiwere formed: Test Development, Publications fied nurse has demonstrated competence in knowledge and skills related to the specialty. To qualify as a candidate for the certification exam, a nurse must provide: Table 1. Recommendations of the ONS Task Force on Certification (1982) • •
Survey ONS membership to determine interest Conduct a forum at ONS Annual Congress to exchange ideas • Explore feasibility of joint credentialing between ONS and American Nursing Association • Seek consultation regarding cost and governance structure
1. evidence of a current Registered Nurse license; 2. 30 months of experience as a Registered Nurse within the last 5 years; 3. a minimum of 1,000 hours of oncology practice within the past 30 months.
Certification for oncology nurses
These requirements provide some assurance that a candidate has achieved basic-level technical skills. A nurse becomes certified by successfully passing a 250-item multiple choice exam. Currently, this exam is offered twice a year: in the spring at the site of the Annual Congress of the Oncology Nursing Society and in the fall at regional sites geographically distributed across the country. In October 1988, 41 additional test administrations were offered in such places as Saudi Arabia, Hawaii, and other special request sites. In this way, nurses who cannot afford the time and/or the money to travel to the major testing centers can have access to the examination. Importance of oncology nursing certification While the primary goal of certification is protection for the public, responsibility for setting the standard of excellence rests with the various professional groups. In addition, certification in oncology nursing helps to distinguish this as a respected specialty within the profession. Viewed in this way, certification enhances professional oncology nursing practice and prestige. It distinguishes, through a credentialing process, nurses who choose to publicly acclaim their commitment to oncology nursing practice. The definition implies that certification is designed to protect the public, hence the consumer of health care. Consumers should, therefore, be informed of the purpose of certification. An article in a newsletter may be used. Hospitals can showcase their institutions through advertisements listing the number of certified nurses on staff. Attaining the credential OCN signifies that recipients have made a major commitment to professional growth and development. The process of certification for oncology nurses does not end with the passing of a single examination, for maintaining competence within a rapidly changing specialty is a major concern of the ONCC. Therefore, in order to remain certified, a nurse must renew the cre-
101
dential every 4 years by passing a written examination.4 Nursing today is consumed by one major issue: the shortage of nurses. There is grave concern in health care agencies because there is an insufficient number of qualified nurses to care for individuals experiencing complex medical and surgical treatments. This issue is currently being addressed by the Oncology Nursing Society's Board of Directors in conjunction with the American Nurses' Association and other specialty nursing groups. Certification may provide one solution to this dilemma. Certification could be used as one of the major components in the hiring/promotion procedure. It adds a valid dimension to a person's profile and should be considered along with other objective criteria, such as experience and education, to assess ability to perform in a particular role. As a promotion strategy, certification can be linked to clinical ladders, thereby setting the standard for professional advancement at the bedside or as a means to retain nurses at the bedside. Ways to promote oncology nursing certification Physicians and other health care providers can support the Oncology Nursing Certification process. They can begin by acknowledging that certification recognizes a standard of excellence and, as such, should become one of the objective criteria by which oncology nursing practice is judged. Nurses report that physicians assist them in pursuing certification by encouraging them to take the exam; by providing a positive outlook towards the process; and then by acknowledging the credential, OCN, once it is obtained. Physicians can also provide tangible support for nurses who wish to take the examination. This may involve allowing time off to prepare for the examination as well as travel time to and from the examination site. Resources in the form of travel funds can be offered to nurses having difficulty meeting economic commitments. Over 7,200 nurses have made the commitment to become certified oncology nurses.
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There are countless more who are eligible and who should be encouraged to become OCNs. This is part of the strategy by which practitioners of this nursing specialty are seeking to meet their responsibility in a rapidly advancing area of medical care. REFERENCES 1. Moore P, Hogan C, Longman D, McNally J, Piper BF: Report of the Task Force on Certification in
Oncology Nursing. Oncol Nurs Forum 9(4):75-80, 1982. 2. Longman A, Hogan C, McNaully J, Moore P, Piper B: Report of the Task Force on Certification in Oncology Nursing. Oncol Nurs Forum, 10(4):84-88, 1983. 3. American Nurses Association. Study of Credentialing in Nursing: A New Approach. Vol I: The Report of the Committee. Kansas City: ANA, p. 67, 1979. 4. Piper B, Longman A, Protho P, Studan C, Scofield R: Certification renewal: Task force report and recommendations, Oncol Nurs Forum 13(3):97-105, 1986.
ISSN: 0885-8195 (Print) 1543-0154 (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/hjce20
Certification for oncology nurses: Maturing of a discipline Beverly B. Nielsen EdD, RN , John Laszlo MD , Christine Miaskowski PhD, OCN , Karen Heusinkveld Dr PH , Catherine Hogan MN, OCN , Jean Jenkins MSN, OCNH , Pearl Moore MSN & Eileen Leaphart RNC, MN To cite this article: Beverly B. Nielsen EdD, RN , John Laszlo MD , Christine Miaskowski PhD, OCN , Karen Heusinkveld Dr PH , Catherine Hogan MN, OCN , Jean Jenkins MSN, OCNH , Pearl Moore MSN & Eileen Leaphart RNC, MN (1990) Certification for oncology nurses: Maturing of a discipline, Journal of Cancer Education, 5:2, 99-102 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/08858199009528046
Published online: 01 Oct 2009.
Submit your article to this journal
Article views: 1
View related articles
Citing articles: 1 View citing articles
Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=hjce20
J. Cancer Education. Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 99-102, 1990 Printed in the U.S.A. Pergamon Press plc
0885-8195/90 $3.00 + .00 © 1990 American Association for Cancer Education
CERTIFICATION FOR ONCOLOGY NURSES: MATURING OF A DISCIPLINE BEVERLY B. NIELSEN, EdD, RN*; JOHN LASZLO, MD†; CHRISTINE MIASKOWSKI, PhD, OCN‡; KAREN HEUSINKVELD, D R PH§; CATHERINE HOGAN, MN, OCN ; JEAN JENKINS, MSN, OCNH; PEARL MOORE MSN#; EILEEN LEAPHART, RNC, MN**
Abstract—Certification for oncology nurses shares many similarities with board certification in medicine. Within the specialty of oncology nursing, certification provides one measure of excellence and signals a commitment to oncology nursing practice. Since the beginning of oncology nursing certification in 1986, over 7,200 nurses have become certified. This article describes the certification process for oncology nurses and discusses ways in which physicians can assist in this process.
Care for patients with cancer has changed from the field of Hematology at a time when dramatically in America over the past 30 classical hematology was not much concerned years. More effective treatment of the pri- with patients who had cancer. Establishment mary disease; better symptom management; of boards in Medical Oncology as a subincreased dialogue about prevention, diagno- specialty within Internal Medicine gave impesis, and treatment; and greater emphasis on tus to the establishment of formal training research have all converged to provide greater programs designed to produce experts in the hope and opportunity about this dreaded dis- practice and academic aspects of oncology. ease. Improvement in delivery of services is Subspecialization has also taken place in surever tied to an enlarging cadre of skilled pro- gery, pediatrics and, of course, in radiation fessionals. A major revolution took place 25 oncology. years ago when Medical Oncology split away There exists an important parallel to oncology specialty training within the nursing profession. Although specialty certification within *Assistant Professor, University of Miami School of nursing dates back to the late 1940s when the Nursing, Miami, FL. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists †Vice President for Research, American Cancer Sodeveloped its certification program, oncology ciety, Atlanta, GA. ‡Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Nurse Scholar, Denurse certification began only in 1986. At that partment of Physiological Nursing, University of Califortime, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), nia/San Francisco, CA. an organization of over 15,000 members and §Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI. the nursing equivalent of the American SociAssociate Professor, University of Texas at Arlingety of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), offered its ton School of Nursing, Arlington, TX. first certification examination. Since that time #Nurse Consultant, Parent Infant Nursing, Atlanta, GA. over 7,200 nurses have become Oncology ¶Executive Director, Oncology Nursing Society/ Certified Nurses (OCN). Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of this article is briefly to de**Chief, Cancer Nursing Services, National Institutes scribe the process of certification in oncology of Health, Bethesda, MD. nursing and to highlight the benefits of this Reprint requests to: Beverly Nielsen, EdD, RN, 151 North Hibiscus Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 credential to the professional nurse and the
99
100
B. B. NIELSEN et al
public. In addition, ways in which other health professionals, particularly physicians, can become involved in promoting oncology certification will be discussed.
and Promotions, and Appeals. The Test Development Committee is responsible for the development of test items for the examination. In addition, this committee analyzes the test results and makes recommendations for revisions and modifications in the examination Development of a certification process with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) of for oncology nurses Development of the certification process Princeton, New Jersey. The Publications and for oncology nursing required many years of Promotions Committee develops promotional study. In April 1981, the ONS Board of Di- materials and marketing strategies for the exrectors, acting upon recommendations from amination. The Appeals Committee addresses the ONS Education Committee, appointed a issues of revocation of certification. It also task force on certification.1 Their charge was serves as an impartial inquiry group for canto explore the feasibility of having the ONS didates who may be denied admission to the undertake this commitment and to determine examination. These three committees work in the financial impact to the Society. Data were close collaboration with the ONCC Board of compiled and in 1982 a summary report was Directors. published, the major recommendations of which are summarized in Table 1. These What is certification? recommendations were adopted by the ONS Certification is one form of establishing Board of Directors and provided the frame- standardized credentials that seek to measure work for future policy decisions. competence. It is a voluntary process, as comSurvey of the ONS membership was un- pared with licensure, which is mandatory for dertaken in the fall of 1982 by a second task all practicing professionals. There are many force.2 The overwhelming majority of re- definitions of the term certification; however, sponding members indicated that they sup- the one adopted for this purpose is as follows: ported certification. The ONS Board of Directors voted to proceed and a separate is a process by which a non-governmental Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Certification agency or association certifies that an individual licensed (ONCC) was formed in 1985 to accomplish to practice a profession has met certain predetermined this task. This corporation, which is com- standards specified by that profession for specialty pracprised of a seven-member board, oversees tice. Its purpose is to assure various publics that an individual has mastered a body of knowledge and has and administrates the certification program, acquired skills in a particular specialty.3 thereby providing a separate organizational structure for the certification process. In this view, certification provides assurIn addition, three standing committees ance to the consumer that the oncology certiwere formed: Test Development, Publications fied nurse has demonstrated competence in knowledge and skills related to the specialty. To qualify as a candidate for the certification exam, a nurse must provide: Table 1. Recommendations of the ONS Task Force on Certification (1982) • •
Survey ONS membership to determine interest Conduct a forum at ONS Annual Congress to exchange ideas • Explore feasibility of joint credentialing between ONS and American Nursing Association • Seek consultation regarding cost and governance structure
1. evidence of a current Registered Nurse license; 2. 30 months of experience as a Registered Nurse within the last 5 years; 3. a minimum of 1,000 hours of oncology practice within the past 30 months.
Certification for oncology nurses
These requirements provide some assurance that a candidate has achieved basic-level technical skills. A nurse becomes certified by successfully passing a 250-item multiple choice exam. Currently, this exam is offered twice a year: in the spring at the site of the Annual Congress of the Oncology Nursing Society and in the fall at regional sites geographically distributed across the country. In October 1988, 41 additional test administrations were offered in such places as Saudi Arabia, Hawaii, and other special request sites. In this way, nurses who cannot afford the time and/or the money to travel to the major testing centers can have access to the examination. Importance of oncology nursing certification While the primary goal of certification is protection for the public, responsibility for setting the standard of excellence rests with the various professional groups. In addition, certification in oncology nursing helps to distinguish this as a respected specialty within the profession. Viewed in this way, certification enhances professional oncology nursing practice and prestige. It distinguishes, through a credentialing process, nurses who choose to publicly acclaim their commitment to oncology nursing practice. The definition implies that certification is designed to protect the public, hence the consumer of health care. Consumers should, therefore, be informed of the purpose of certification. An article in a newsletter may be used. Hospitals can showcase their institutions through advertisements listing the number of certified nurses on staff. Attaining the credential OCN signifies that recipients have made a major commitment to professional growth and development. The process of certification for oncology nurses does not end with the passing of a single examination, for maintaining competence within a rapidly changing specialty is a major concern of the ONCC. Therefore, in order to remain certified, a nurse must renew the cre-
101
dential every 4 years by passing a written examination.4 Nursing today is consumed by one major issue: the shortage of nurses. There is grave concern in health care agencies because there is an insufficient number of qualified nurses to care for individuals experiencing complex medical and surgical treatments. This issue is currently being addressed by the Oncology Nursing Society's Board of Directors in conjunction with the American Nurses' Association and other specialty nursing groups. Certification may provide one solution to this dilemma. Certification could be used as one of the major components in the hiring/promotion procedure. It adds a valid dimension to a person's profile and should be considered along with other objective criteria, such as experience and education, to assess ability to perform in a particular role. As a promotion strategy, certification can be linked to clinical ladders, thereby setting the standard for professional advancement at the bedside or as a means to retain nurses at the bedside. Ways to promote oncology nursing certification Physicians and other health care providers can support the Oncology Nursing Certification process. They can begin by acknowledging that certification recognizes a standard of excellence and, as such, should become one of the objective criteria by which oncology nursing practice is judged. Nurses report that physicians assist them in pursuing certification by encouraging them to take the exam; by providing a positive outlook towards the process; and then by acknowledging the credential, OCN, once it is obtained. Physicians can also provide tangible support for nurses who wish to take the examination. This may involve allowing time off to prepare for the examination as well as travel time to and from the examination site. Resources in the form of travel funds can be offered to nurses having difficulty meeting economic commitments. Over 7,200 nurses have made the commitment to become certified oncology nurses.
102
B. B. NIELSEN et al
There are countless more who are eligible and who should be encouraged to become OCNs. This is part of the strategy by which practitioners of this nursing specialty are seeking to meet their responsibility in a rapidly advancing area of medical care. REFERENCES 1. Moore P, Hogan C, Longman D, McNally J, Piper BF: Report of the Task Force on Certification in
Oncology Nursing. Oncol Nurs Forum 9(4):75-80, 1982. 2. Longman A, Hogan C, McNaully J, Moore P, Piper B: Report of the Task Force on Certification in Oncology Nursing. Oncol Nurs Forum, 10(4):84-88, 1983. 3. American Nurses Association. Study of Credentialing in Nursing: A New Approach. Vol I: The Report of the Committee. Kansas City: ANA, p. 67, 1979. 4. Piper B, Longman A, Protho P, Studan C, Scofield R: Certification renewal: Task force report and recommendations, Oncol Nurs Forum 13(3):97-105, 1986.
