OCN and Chemo/Bio Card

SassyTachyRN · Dec 22, 2015

Yes, that is correct. The chemo/bio card will cover any new big therapies being used out there and make sure you know the common ones, their side effects, and make sure that you are still competent in the check offs.

db2xs · Dec 22, 2015

Thank you!

BD-RN, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2016

Yes, they are separate certifications. One says you have the clinical competencies to administer chemotherapy and bio therapy. The other says your are a clinical expert in oncology nursing, therefore you've earned three more letters after your name.

db2xs · Jan 7, 2016

Yes, they are separate certifications. One says you have the clinical competencies to administer chemotherapy and bio therapy. The other says your are a clinical expert in oncology nursing, therefore you've earned three more letters after your name.

Thanks! So i found out some craziness that apparently at my work after getting the chemo/biotherapy card one time, they only encourage you to get it renewed, but it's not mandatory! I can tell you that I am definitely going to renew. I still feel like I hardly understand chemo/biotherapy at all.

BD-RN, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2016

Are you personally hanging chemotherapy? Two things concern me:

1) if that is, in fact, your hospitals policy. To protect my own license, I personally would maintain my certification. You shouldn't be hanging cytotoxic medications without proper competencies, which brings me to

2) the you said you don't have an understanding of chemotherapy. Of course, there are new drugs, mostly monoclonal antibodies, hitting the market practically every week. It is your responsibility to keep up. I don't have everything memorized, but I know what resources to consult, and I have a basic knowledge of chemotherapy & biotherapy. If you don't know what you are administered, you shouldn't be administering it. Period. That's for ANY drug; including Tylenol. You should know why you're hanging it, what the expected outcome is, and what side effects are possible.

I hope you spread the word to your colleagues, that we should all take ownership of our professional practice, and maintain clinical competencies.

I wonder if you are getting your chemo certification confused with your OCN on that one.

db2xs · Jan 11, 2016

Are you personally hanging chemotherapy? Two things concern me:
1) if that is, in fact, your hospitals policy. To protect my own license, I personally would maintain my certification. You shouldn't be hanging cytotoxic medications without proper competencies, which brings me to
2) the you said you don't have an understanding of chemotherapy. Of course, there are new drugs, mostly monoclonal antibodies, hitting the market practically every week. It is your responsibility to keep up. I don't have everything memorized, but I know what resources to consult, and I have a basic knowledge of chemotherapy & biotherapy. If you don't know what you are administered, you shouldn't be administering it. Period. That's for ANY drug; including Tylenol. You should know why you're hanging it, what the expected outcome is, and what side effects are possible.
I hope you spread the word to your colleagues, that we should all take ownership of our professional practice, and maintain clinical competencies.
I wonder if you are getting your chemo certification confused with your OCN on that one.

Yes, I am hanging chemotherapy. I am going to renew my Chemo/Biotherapy card regardless of my hospital's policy, which I still don't know. Initially I thought that if one received their OCN, then they didn't need to renew the card but I have learned that this is the opposite.

When I said "I hardly understand chemo/biotherapy," I did not mean that I have absolutely no clue. I have a basic understanding of them, but that's about it. I do know what resources to go to, and I do go to them. My desire is to understand them more. I will be more mindful of the words I use next time. Thank you for helping me be more aware.

RhondaKoot · Mar 13, 2016

I agree with everything that has been posted. One thing to remember...these Certifications are for your own personal professional expertise. They are NOT a legal requirement to be an Oncology Nurse. Most facilities require them as proof of knowledge and competency. If you are working for a private practice office/company, they may not require, but recommend.

BetterMeRN · May 14, 2016

I just failed my exam, I needed an 80/100 got a 78 on the second post test. I felt like I out my all into that exam. Took me over two hours to complete. Can anyone lend some advice on taking the exam again?