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Recommended Citation
Stanbery K, Cade M, Payne M, Minnix R, Mitchell J, Shore D. Our Journey to Certification. Professional Development poster presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Professional Development poster presentation at Elevating Nursing Excellence: Purpose, Profession, Passion; Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2024; November 13, 2024; virtual.
Abstract
Background:
The Commission on Cancer recognizes the contributions that oncology certified nurse’s make to delivering safe, evidenced based nursing care and strongly suggests that all nurses that provide direct care to oncology patients hold an oncology specific national certification. As the prevalence of novel therapies and complex cancer treatment options increase, so does the need for specialty trained oncology nurses. Studies suggest there is a connection between positive patient outcomes, operational excellence, organizational commitment, empowerment and confidence.
Purpose:
The purpose of this project is to increase the number of direct care nurses that hold an oncology specific certification through the development of a Journey to Certification program.
Methods:
Oncology leaders used process improvement principals to develop a Journey to Certification program that included updated oncology nurse job descriptions requiring specialty certification, peer mentoring program and recognition efforts. A series of free continuing education opportunities, certification review courses, study materials and at the elbow support from nurse educators.
Evaluation:
There has been a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the average number of newly certified nurses since program development. Currently, 70% of nurses that are eligible to test hold an oncology specific certification. Eight unique oncology nursing teams have 80% or more of their RN’s certified, four teams have 100% certified.
Conclusions:
As the oncology nursing profession evolves to meet the expanding needs of our cancer patients, nursing leaders should consider developing pathways for specialty certification. The development of a Journey to Certification program is valuable in achieving Commission on Cancer recommendations and increasing the level of confidence and commitment of our oncology nursing teams.
References:
Challinor, J. M., Alqudimat, M. R., Teixeira, T. O., & Oldenmenger, W. H. (2020). Oncology nursing workforce: challenges, solutions, and future strategies. The Lancet Oncology, 21(12), e564-e574
Halm, M. A. (2021). Specialty certification: a path to improving outcomes. American Journal of Critical Care, 30(2), 156-160.
Oncology Nursing Society. (2022). Joint position statement from the oncology nursing society and the oncology nursing certification corporation. Pittsburg, PA: ONS Board of Directors
Stucky, C. H., & Wymer, J. A. (2020, July). Progressing toward specialty certification as the National Standard for Nursing. In Nursing Forum (Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 531-534).
American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. (2020). Optimal resources for cancer care (2020 standards). American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer: Chicago, IL, USA.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-13-2024
Our Journey to Certification
Background:
The Commission on Cancer recognizes the contributions that oncology certified nurse’s make to delivering safe, evidenced based nursing care and strongly suggests that all nurses that provide direct care to oncology patients hold an oncology specific national certification. As the prevalence of novel therapies and complex cancer treatment options increase, so does the need for specialty trained oncology nurses. Studies suggest there is a connection between positive patient outcomes, operational excellence, organizational commitment, empowerment and confidence.
Purpose:
The purpose of this project is to increase the number of direct care nurses that hold an oncology specific certification through the development of a Journey to Certification program.
Methods:
Oncology leaders used process improvement principals to develop a Journey to Certification program that included updated oncology nurse job descriptions requiring specialty certification, peer mentoring program and recognition efforts. A series of free continuing education opportunities, certification review courses, study materials and at the elbow support from nurse educators.
Evaluation:
There has been a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the average number of newly certified nurses since program development. Currently, 70% of nurses that are eligible to test hold an oncology specific certification. Eight unique oncology nursing teams have 80% or more of their RN’s certified, four teams have 100% certified.
Conclusions:
As the oncology nursing profession evolves to meet the expanding needs of our cancer patients, nursing leaders should consider developing pathways for specialty certification. The development of a Journey to Certification program is valuable in achieving Commission on Cancer recommendations and increasing the level of confidence and commitment of our oncology nursing teams.
References:
Challinor, J. M., Alqudimat, M. R., Teixeira, T. O., & Oldenmenger, W. H. (2020). Oncology nursing workforce: challenges, solutions, and future strategies. The Lancet Oncology, 21(12), e564-e574
Halm, M. A. (2021). Specialty certification: a path to improving outcomes. American Journal of Critical Care, 30(2), 156-160.
Oncology Nursing Society. (2022). Joint position statement from the oncology nursing society and the oncology nursing certification corporation. Pittsburg, PA: ONS Board of Directors
Stucky, C. H., & Wymer, J. A. (2020, July). Progressing toward specialty certification as the National Standard for Nursing. In Nursing Forum (Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 531-534).
American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. (2020). Optimal resources for cancer care (2020 standards). American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer: Chicago, IL, USA.
Affiliations
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Atrium Health Levine Cancer