NY Oncology Nurses

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Specializes in Hey I'm now an RN!!.

Hi all,

Just wondering...is it true that guidelines for getting your OCN certification have changed in the last few years saying that you must have a BS before obtaining your OCN??

Thanks!!

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Specializes in ICU/CCU (PCCN); Heme/Onc/BMT.

It's been a few years since I worked oncology in New York state. So the information I'm about to give could very well be old and out-dated.

It's my understanding that at one point, ONS wanted nurses to hold a BSN in order to take their certification test. But it's also my understanding that this idea never took hold; that it never made it past the planning stage.

I'm going to check the ONS site and find out. . . .

:imbar

Ted

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Specializes in ICU/CCU (PCCN); Heme/Onc/BMT.

It appears that one does NOT have to hold a BSN degree to take the OCN certification test.

Here's the link to the criteria page:

http://www.oncc.org/?v2_group=0&p=16915

Hope this proves helpful to you! :)

Ted

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Specializes in Hey I'm now an RN!!.

Thanks so much Ted!!!! I know that a few years a go everyone was in a mad dash to get their OCN where I worked because they didn't have their BSN. I am in school for my ADN now, with full plans of getting my BSN but at a part time rate. I have worked on an Onc floor for 9 years and feel that is where I should be, I feel I could be of the most help and support there. Thanks again so much for your help, it's greatly appreciated!!!:p

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Specializes in Hey I'm now an RN!!.

I just looked at the site. I may just have my BSN before I can apply for OCN cert. I have to have 1,000 hours and a few years experience in ONC. That's fine, I'm in no hurry, just excited and was wondering when I could apply. Thanks again!!

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Specializes in oncology, surgical stepdown, ACLS & OCN.
Hi all,

Just wondering...is it true that guidelines for getting your OCN certification have changed in the last few years saying that you must have a BS before obtaining your OCN??

Thanks!!

Hi,

I am an oncology nurse in pa. The oncology nursing society does not require a BSN to sit for the OCN certification test, all you need is RN and a year of practice experience in oncology. I took this test a few years ago and failed it. It is worse than state boards which I took about 15 yrs. ago. I am going to try it again, I've been in a cancer hosp. for about 8 years now, so

hopefully I'll pass this time. Good luck and don't forget to study!

scooterRN52

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