Question for oncology nurses out there

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello I am currently a medical/surgical/obstetrical RN who would like to become certified in oncology nursing. How to I go about doing this? Any help would be much appreciated. The only thing I have found online is a website where you can apply to take the exam for certification. I am sure there is more to it than that ie: courses or training. Thanks again!

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Specializes in Radiation Oncology.

Hi Sheabe32,

If you go to the website http:// oncc.org/getcertified/Testinformation/ocn/eligibility.shtml and click on "eligibility criteria" you will find all the information that you'll need before being eligible for the OCN exam. I'll just give you a few of the criteria that's required for the test.

-an active RN license

-minimum 12 months exp. as an RN

-a minimum of 1,000 hours of oncology nursing within 30 months prior to application for the test.

I hope this helps, and good luck in pursuing your certification.

leonorarnau

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Specializes in onc, M/S, hospice, nursing informatics.

I have been working oncology for almost 7 years. All I know I learned at my job. A group of RNs from my unit recently went to the Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS) certification program (the $200 tuition paid for by my employer). It was excellent and well worth the 2 days. My unit does not require any experience in oncology to hire. Check out ons.org for info on their programs. Good luck!

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I agree w/the post above. Some people are hired w/o oncology experience and then take the oncology courses and get certified (which can be covered by your employer).

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