Where to start ? ONC

[RNewbieMA]

Good afternoon,

I have always had an interest in being an oncology nurse. That being said, I would like some input for how to get my foot- in -the- door. I want to start the transition from med/surg to oncology nursing and would appreciate some advice. I have been a new grad nurse for about four months on med/surg/tele/dka floor. I would like to stay here at least a year and maybe take the ONC in the mean time? Don't know where to start looking for study material, etc. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[RNewbieMA]

You have yet to answer the question though ? I actually am classy. But just keep on pretending you know me over the internet.

[i3rns]

Since it takes a long time to achieve your OCN requirements to test, it is good that you are looking ahead. The ONS website provides memberships and is free to students. By being a member you will receive discounts on materials and reviews. I would suggest checking out both the ONS and ONCC websites. You will see you have a lot in front of you but it is not impossible! Best of Luck. This is 2018 criteria but will change and require more in 2019.

The following eligibility criteria must be met at the time of application and examination.

A current, active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the US, its territories or Canada at the time of application and examination.

A minimum of one year (12 months) of experience as an RN within the three years (36 months) prior to application, and

A minimum of 1,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the two-and-one-half years (30 months) prior to application. Nursing practice may be in clinical practice, nursing administration, education, research or consultation. To qualify as nursing practice, the role must require it be filled only by a Registered Nurse.

Completed a minimum of 10 contact hours of continuing nursing education in oncology or an academic elective in oncology nursing within the three years (36 months) prior to application. The contact hours must have been provided or formally approved by an acceptable accredited provider or approved of continuing nursing education. A maximum of five of the 10 required contact hours in oncology may be continuing medical education (CME) in oncology.