certification questions

[reb1961]

Hello! I'm new to this site, so please bear with me in every way possible. I worked for an oncologist for 4 months as a RN. I mixed and administered all kinds of chemo meds, accessed ports and central lines, started and maintained many IV sites with no problems, thankfully. I also worked in a Children's Hospital, where I learned chemo administration and patient education. These combined experiences were all within 10 years, but more than 6 years ago. I know a lot has changed since then. I would very much like to become a chemo certified RN and work in an outpatient oncology setting. What do I have to do at this point?

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

There are national 2 day courses, administered by teachers associated with the ONS, that can be taken. They give you a card showing that you have taken the course. However, chemo "certification" usually done on facility by facility basis as actual certification requires not only the course material, but also demonstrated clinical proficiency, by administering several types of chemo to actual patients (this would be difficult to do in a course, not connected w/a specific facility - due to liability issues).

There is also official National Oncology certification available. This is not specific to chemotherapy, but is a national certification - OCN is the designation used.

(facilities frequently specify "chemo certified", when they want someone that has been previously "certified" in their facility and/or having taken the national course...even though that is not national certification)