AOCNP advice

Jpiittmann97, MSN, APRN · Sep 21, 2023

In case anyone comes looking for the same information I was, I passed my AOCNP exam 9/6/23. I will say, I tend to be a good test taker/don't have test anxiety, which helps. The way I studied was to read through the Advanced Oncology Nursing Certification Review and Resource Manual, do the questions in the back of that book and read through the rationales of questions I got wrong. I also did multiple practice exams on ONCC itself. One tip is if you retake the exams through ONCC in the 14-day window, you will get a few new questions each time. I know there isn't an exact score to get to have a good idea you will pass, but in case it is helpful, I was getting 70s-80s on the exams through ONCC. Overall, I feel like the test definitely covers mostly general knowledge that oncology NPs should have. There were definitely questions I had no idea and guessed but I did not find that the questions were trying to trick you. The test outline on ONCC is also helpful, as it breaks down the percentage of topics and gives a very broad idea of what to study. Prior to deciding to take the AOCNP, I also went through APSHO's chemo prescribing course. This gave a good breakdown of things also, but I don't think you have to use this for review specifically. It is helpful if you are newer to Oncology for a good base knowledge. Good luck to anyone taking the test!! Feel free to reach out if you want, I am happy to help if I can!

Shel H. · Feb 17

Congratulations on passing the AOCNP! I am a new grad FNP, I've passed the ANCC, and is currently in the interview process for an Oncology Office NP position. My background covers a variety of specialties, but oncology is not one of them. However, I am inclined to this specialty because my mother and grandfather are cancer survivors, and this specialty requires so much advocacy and compassion, which I believe I will succeed and thrive in. I'm just a bit nervous because I don't know anything have the basic knowledge or exposure to oncology and I don't want to feel incompetent or have imposter syndrome. I don't want to sink.... but I know once I get a good footing on the foundational information, I will build on this and eventually soar in this specialty like anything else we've faced as nurses. Any advice? Thank you in advance!

Jpiittmann97, MSN, APRN · Feb 17

Congrats on passing the FNP exam! I absolutely love working in oncology. It takes a lot of interest and purpose to succeed and not feel burnt out, as (in my experience) I have many tough hospice conversations and unfortunately lose patients too often. I think, even after a few years of practice, I still have days of imposter syndrome. There are a lot of things I'm sure I still don't know. Before I started my job in oncology, I bought the essentials in advance practice cancer care bundle through ONS. I thought it gave me a pretty good base knowledge. That and the chemotherapy prescribing course through APSHO are pretty good knowledge builders but, of course, are a little pricey (but give CE). I definitely think making sure you have a good orientation period with the doctors and other APPs you'll be working closely with is really helpful. Mine are still amazing with teaching me things. Also, getting into a routine (in terms of running appts, what to ask/assess for, and in what order), checking orders, and reading on things as you see them/hear of them are great ways to manage time and learn. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions if you have them! I am happy to help if I can!

Shel H. · Feb 18

Thank you so much for replying, and thank you for congratulating me! I honestly have not heard many people dislike oncology. Understandably, there will be somber moments and cases where cancer diagnosis will be terminal/incurable. However, it is apart of healthcare just as someone who was completely stable at the beginning of a shift, rapidly declines, and code. Our field is so unpredictable! This would be a huge part in where my personal faith and spiritual beliefs will help me during such a challenging time. Depending on how Monday goes for me, I've already told myself I was going to study the terms, conversations and approach of patient encounter during the shadow experience with my potential employer and take notes along the way. Additionally, I also planned on investing in the essentials in advance practice cancer care bundle with ONS and any other resources available. I understand having a foundational base is all that is truly necessary to get me "over the hump" but, as time and experience will be the teacher for building competency and to grow into an expert level. I'm sure I'll be learning something new every single day even when I "thought" I knew enough. I can only pray I'll be supported in this new journey by my peers vs viewed as a nuisance. I will be sure to let you know how it goes...? Please be on the lookout for me on Monday afternoon with an update! TTYL