OCN exam quandries

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Specializes in Oncology/Palliative Care.

Hi all. I am in need of some sound advice. I am scheduled to take my OCN exam on Saturday. I am in high anxiety mode right now. Just changed jobs and am orienting and trying to study still. I took the 2 day chemo/biotherapy course and just finished the OCN review. My problem is that I know there is so much stuff I do not know, so much so that I am concerned about not passing. I feel like I need more time to study general classes of chemo/biotherapy and individual agents, usual uses and interventions for side effects etc. I will most likely get some of this experientially in my new position, but will be working 5 days per week, so less study time potentially. I can request a transfer of my test date one time, but wonder if that will reflect poorly on me as I am just starting out in a new place. I really don't want to come in and say I failed though.

There is the chance I could pass, but fear of failure is looming large right now. What would you do?

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

How long have you been working in oncology? It sounds like you just started by your OP, although IIRC you have to have a certain amount of time (1000 hrs?) in order to sit for the exam.

I took it after I was working for ~ 1 1/2 years and did fine. There's always going to be something you're not familiar with.

If you are just starting a new job, maybe it would be better to get settled in that position first, then tackle the exam.

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Specializes in oncology.

I just joined Allnurses today and this is my first time in the forums.

I wish I would have had an opportunity to give you study advice before your OCN exam! I tested in October and although I passed....it could have gone either way and I was not sure I made it until I saw the PASS after I submitted my test. Sweaty palms, rapid heart beat, and some big mind blanks here sums up my general anxious state for the entire exam. The OCN test prep booklets are the best resource. Practice practice practice with this book and also the online practice tests. Some are free. My plan B (if I did not pass) would have been to take the ONS review course or if available, an actual sit down 2 to 3 day review. Thankfully I was able to pull it off!

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Where I can find ocn booklet test book.. I am trying to get chemo bio test too

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To get the OCN test blueprint and booklet that includes recommended resources, go to the ONCC website. However, if you just want to know the primary book to study, get the most recent Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing and the study guide that goes along with it. Both of those are for sale on the ONS website or on Amazon for that matter. Just get the most recent edition. The benefit of the blueprint is to tell you how the topics are broken down by percentage of questions. It will help you focus where you need to study the most.

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