The one certification that I would like to acquire post-RN-BSN is my advanced Oncology certified Nursing (AOCN) I have worked in Oncology over the past 15 years and the learning in nursing no matter what your specialty is never-ending.
The value of being certified for me exemplifies your dedication to assure optimal patient care. We all have an obligation to ourselves, patients, and their families. Certification gives reassurance of being in competent hands. Our practice is forever updating new treatments for cancer which requires up-to-date on the latest medical information as well as technology. My confidence is boosted by expanding my knowledge and staying current with ongoing advances for the better of the patients and myself. I am dedicated to going above and beyond even if I have to step out of my comfort zone. I want to provide patients with knowledge and expertise needed to care for them. A nurse who embraces a certification speaks for itself. In my nursing specialty, providing patients with the best possible care is doing what is in everyone’s best interest. In our organization nurses are encouraged, recognized and rewarded for setting high- standards.
Nursing is identified as one of the most respected and trusted professions, a dedicated professional in providing high-quality care. I can attest to the importance of commitment and honor that it takes to become and stay a nurse. We should never stop learning in our nursing career due to all the breakthroughs in medicine. The ability to keep up with the continuous advancements and updates are vital in any medical profession and nursing is no different. The meaning of certification is different for each person and valued independently. A nurse with certification is an accomplishment of recognition, intrinsic motivation, advancement in their career, and inspiration to others who are considering certification. The value of obtaining certification shows that you are dedicated in striving for excellence. Certification demonstrates self-confidence, credibility, validates skills and knowledge to any professional excellence of nurses. Taking time and putting in extra effort to become certified proves that you want to provide a higher quality of care to your patients, their families and their loved ones. I want to be that nurse who carries a certification, stays up to date on current topics in my specialty and proves my commitment to evidence-based practice. Certification is an asset to any nursing specialty. In the future, I believe all nurses should be required to attain a nursing certification in an expression of their professional knowledge.
References
Murtha, A. [Avera McKennan]. (2011, March 01). Nursing certification – Avera medical minute. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtube.com/watch?v=NIZv6oJ7tvA
Oncology certification for nurses. (2017, November 08). Retrieved June 29, 2018, from https://www.ons.org/advocacy-policy/positions/education/certification
I completely agree that the advances in medicine and nursing (and particularly in cancer research) are moving quickly – and that continued education is paramount for maintaining best practice and patient safety.
I particularly appreciate and wanted to comment on your statement that “the meaning of certification is different for each person and valued independently.” When I worked oncology (many years ago!), specialty certification was the expectation after in-house certification for chemotherapy administration and BMT protocols. I have found in school nursing – it is the exception rather than the rule. I wonder if this is due to the nature of acute-critical care nursing as opposed to public or community nursing. Perhaps it’s the ‘pace’ of the specialty that dictates.
I took a peek at the requirements for certification via the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). I appears that there is the fee and test for certification. While I can’t imagine sitting for a specialty test without previous clinical hours invested – I was surprised that there was no particular designation for this. Just an interesting observation. Thanks for your post!
Reference:
Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). (2018, January 23). Oncology Nursing Certifications. Retrieved from https://www.oncc.org/certifications
Julie,
I agree with you, I am surprised as well. One would think so many hours of experience are required in your field before sitting for a specialty test. When I first started working in Oncology a year of experience was required through my organization before I was even eligible to take the test.
Certification is a good way to inspire fellow nurses to strive for exellence in their specialities as well. You are so right that it takes constant dedication to stay a nurse, not to mention what it takes to become a nurse. Our patients deserve the very best care we can provide and one way to ensure we are giving our best is to stay current on education and practices. Certification is a way to demonstrate the high standards of care that we as nurses are dedicated to.
I agree every nurse should take the time and dedication it takes to become certified in their area. I believe certification is self-fulfilling and rewarding in itself which can only make you a better nurse all the way around.
I liked your thoughtful and thorough post. Oncology nursing is definitely an area that needs dedicated and competent nurses who have an in-depth knowledge of the specialty area, and certification is one way to help ensure this.
The one comment I semi-disagreed with was about requiring all nurses to become certified. Sometimes it takes a nurse a few units before they find their fit or niche. So requiring a certification could possibly be a hindrance on that journey while they find their “home”. I think certification is a great tool to have in your belt, but I’m not sold on it being a requirement.
I loved your post on this topic. First of all, it shows your real dedication in being an oncology nurse. This is one area of nursing that you really have to have to be all in for. I agree that having a certification in this area is a way to show your knowledge and competence. Oncology patients are already extremely vulnerable and having a nurse that is educated and proficient in the area makes for much more comfort. I think you are right where you need to be and will do awesome in your certification!