Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN ) Certification

Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN ) Certification Juanita L. Madison, RN, MN, AOCN Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Objectives Describe eligibility criteria, resources, and application process for taking the OCN exam. Identify test-taking strategies that optimize performance on the OCN exam. 1

Disclaimer This course is not developed, provided, sponsored, or endorsed by the Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (ONCC). Participation in a review course does not guarantee successful completion of a certification test. This course does provide contact hours that may be used to meet eligibility requirements for initial certification or for renewal of certification by ONC-PRO What is Nursing Certification? Formal recognition of specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in nursing Demonstrated by achieving standards identified by a nursing subspecialty to promote health outcomes OCN exam based on role delineation study of oncology nursing practice conducted in 2012 Fabrey, L & Irwin, Z. (2012). A Role Delineation Study of the Oncology Certified Nurse. Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) & Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (ONCC). Retrieved September 22, 2013 from http://www.oncc.org/taketest/certifications/media/oncc/docs/certification/ocn_role_study_summary_2012.pdf ; American Board of Nursing Specialties. (2009). What is certification? Retrieved September 22, 2013 from http://www.nursingcertification.org/questions.html#1. 2

Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) Non-profit organization incorporated in 1984 Mission: To promote excellence in patient care and professional practice by validating specialized knowledge in oncology nursing and related specialties Governed by a Board of Directors, who represent various levels of certification, roles in nursing, and the public at large. ONCC is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) ONCC website address: www.oncc.org Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (2013). About ONCC. http://www.oncc.org/about, retrieved September 22, 2013 Oncology Certifications Available Credential Certification Title Type of Certification OCN Oncology Certified Nurse Basic level certification in adult oncology nursing CBCN Certified Breast Care Nurse Specialty certification that covers the entire continuum of breast care nursing practice CPHON AOCNP AOCNS Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS) BMTCN Blood and Marrow Transplantation certified Nurse Basic level certification in pediatric hematology oncology nursing Role-specific advanced certification for nurse practitioners in adult oncology Role-specific advanced certification for clinical nurse specialists in adult oncology Coming in 2014! Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, page 3. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA. 3

ONCC Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin Available to download online at www.oncc.org Information on each type of certification Test Candidate information Eligibility Application procedures Test check-in & ID requirements DEADLINES!!! Application & Instructions ONCC Policies Eligibility Criteria for Initial OCN Certification Current, active, unrestricted RN license At time of application & examination Minimum 1 year experience (12 months) as an RN In the last 3 years (36 month) Minimum 1,000 hours oncology nursing practice Within last 2½ years (30 months) Minimum 10 contact hours of continuing education in the specialty of oncology nursing or an academic elective in oncology nursing Within 3 years (36 months) Accredited provider or approver of nursing Continuing Ed Maximum 5 contact hours CME (continuing medical education) CE certificates MUST be submitted with the application, or faxed or mailed within 48 hours Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, page 4. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 4

Initial Certification Applicants Submit: OCN Test application Apply online at www.oncc.org OR Submit paper application by fax or mail Details of required CE or academic elective in oncology nursing has been completed Online applicants may be asked to submit documentation of completion by fax or mail Fax or mail applicants will submit documentation with application Documentation may include: CE certificate Grade report Full payment Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, page 4. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 2014 Registration Deadlines OCN, CPHON, & CBCN 2014 Test Administration Dates First Application Deadline (Save $100) Final Application Deadline Feb. 1 March 31, 2014 November 13, 2013 November 13, 2013 (Early Bird Fee Applies) April 1 June 30, 2014 January 2, 2014 January 15, 2014 July 1 Sept. 30, 2014 April 2, 2014 April 16, 2014 Oct. 1 Dec. 31, 2014 July 2, 2014 July 16, 2014 ONS Members save $120 on cost of exam Early Bird registration saves an additional $100 Online application saves $25 over cost of paper application Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation: 2013 Test Dates, Application Deadlines & Fees. http://www.oncc.org/media/oncc/docs/certification/2013_test_dates_deadlines_fees.pdf, retrieved September 22, 2013. 5

2014 Registration Deadlines BMTCN 2014 Test Administration Dates Feb. 1 Feb. 28, 2014 Save $50 more on the February BMTCN test only First Application Deadline (Save $100) Final Application Deadline November 13, 2013 November 13, 2013 (Early Bird Fee Applies) May 1 June 30, 2014 January 2, 2014 January 15, 2014 July 1 Sept. 30, 2014 April 2, 2014 April 16, 2014 Oct. 1 Dec. 31, 2014 July 2, 2014 July 16, 2014 ONS Members save $120 on cost of exam Early Bird registration saves an additional $100 Online application saves $25 over cost of paper application Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation: 2013 Test Dates, Application Deadlines & Fees. http://www.oncc.org/media/oncc/docs/certification/2013_test_dates_deadlines_fees.pdf, retrieved September 22, 2013. Application for Testing Complete & return test application by deadline posted in ONCC Bulletin May apply online or via paper application (mail or fax) ONCC must receive application by deadline date Receive notification e-mail confirming receipt of application (letter if no valid e-mail address) Notification letter DOES NOT confirm you eligibility for exam If you do not receive notification within 4 weeks of submitting your application, notify ONCC Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, page 20. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 6

Authorization to Test (ATT) Receive via e-mail (letter if no e-mail address) within 4-6 weeks of examination date Sent from Pearson VUE (test center) Subject line will read ONCC Authorization to Test Confirm the information on ATT is correct upon receipt Upon receipt of ATT Confirm information correct Read the entire ATT Contact ONCC (877-769-6222) if info incorrect or if do not receive at least 4 weeks before test Follow instructions on ATT to schedule exam Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, page 20. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA Scheduling Test ONCC exams administered by computerbased testing at 230 Pearson Professional Centers Able to choose test site & appointment date (within ONCC test dates) Go to www.pearsonvue.com/oncc Click on Locate a Test Center Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, page 3. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 7

Preparing for Computer-Based Testing Environment To preview the test center environment, go to www.perasonvue.com/oncc and click on Take an online tour of a PPC. To view the CBT tutorial, go to www.pearsonvue.com/oncc and click on Pearson VUE Testing Tutorial Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, page 20. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 2013 OCN Exam Format & Scoring 165 multiple-choice questions 145 questions count towards scoring of exam 20 questions are newly developed questions being pre-tested, do not count towards score 3 hours to complete test 10 minutes for tutorial 2 hrs 45 minutes for test 5 minutes for exit survey Score determined by number of questions you answer correctly No penalty for incorrect answers It is to your advantage to answer every question Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, pages 4, 20. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 8

Assess Your Learning Needs Review the appropriate test blueprint in the Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin Identify the content areas that will be on the test. Pay attention to how each area is weighted to determine the percentage of items that pertain to each area. When reviewing the test blueprint, identify which areas are your strengths and weaknesses. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (2013). Study Tips. http://www.oncc.org/taketest/testinformation/candidate/studytips retrieved September 22, 2013 2013 OCN Test Blueprint Content Areas Content Area Percentage of 2013 Test # of Scored Questions* Health Promotion, Screening & Early Detection 6% 9 Scientific Basis for Practice 9% 13 Treatment Modalities 16% 23 Symptom Management 22% 32 Psychosocial Dimensions of Care 8% 12 Oncologic Emergencies 12% 17 Survivorship 8% 12 Palliative & End of Life Care 11% 16 Professional Performance 8% 12 *To determine the number of scored items from each subject area, multiple the percentage by 145. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, 2012. 2013 Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin, pages 5-6. Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA 9

Preparing for the Exam: Build a personal study plan Establish objectives based on your assessment of your strengths & weaknesses Develop personal study plan Create a study schedule Choose your study materials Study partners, group study Review courses Inservices Practice tests Reference materials Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (2013). Study Tips. http://www.oncc.org/taketest/testinformation/candidate/studytips retrieved September 22, 2013 Study Resources Refer to OCN Test References published in ONCC Test Bulletin List is not intended to be all-inclusive List of supplemental references is avaialbe at www.oncc.org 10

Practice Tests ONCC website: www.oncc.org Free practice tests Practice tests for purchase Online Resources Oncology Nursing Society Website www.ons.org Online Courses OCN Review Course (intended to be 16 week course) Cancer Basics Cancer Biology Site Specific Cancer Series Live Chats Print-based materials ONS Podcasts Teleconferences Webcasts 11

Local PSONS & ONS Programs PSONS Monthly Education Meetings 3 rd Wednesday of each month in Seattle PSONS Fundamentals of Oncology Nursing Course Four day course, twice a year Next Course: March 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2014 Valley Medical Center PSONS Annual Symposium February 21 & 22, 2014 Lynnwood Convention Center, Lynnwood, WA Preparing for the Exam: Carry out your plan! Plot your study out on a calendar Allocate a reasonable amount of study time to review content areas Include time to obtain review materials DO NOT leave all of your preparation for one long study time the week or night before the test Use study methods that have worked for you in the past Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (2013). Study Tips. http://www.oncc.org/taketest/testinformation/candidate/studytips retrieved September 22, 2013 12

Practice Tests Available online through ONCC Free test (50 questions) Four additional tests may be purchased Look for patterns in questions you answer incorrectly If most incorrect responses are at beginning or end of practice test, may be due to anxiety If missing particular content area, review that content area Questions on practice tests not prepared by ONCC may not represent the style of questions or content that actually appear on the exam Reduce Your Anxiety: Prepare Checklist of Items You Need Authorization to Test (ATT) Two forms of ID One must include photo Both must have signature, be current, valid, or non-expired Name on both must match name on ATT Middle name vs middle initial is acceptable See table in test bulleting for description of acceptable forms of ID Directions to facility Money for parking Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (2013). Study Tips. http://www.oncc.org/taketest/testinformation/candidate/studytips retrieved September 22, 2013 13

Reduce Your Anxiety: Arrive Early Arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time May want to take a test drive to the testing center a few days before Candidates who do not arrive within 15 minutes of scheduled appointment time technically forfeit their test appointment Security Process You will be asked to provide: Palm scan (palm vein image) Fingerprint Electronic signature Digital photo Palm scan or fingerprint when leave testing area Information is kept for up to 5 years Not linked to personal identifying information (address, credit card information, etc) Monitoring via both audio and video recording 14

Reduce Your Anxiety: Be Comfortable on Test Day!! Relax & get a good night s sleep instead of studying Eat breakfast (if you normally do) Dress comfortably and prepare for temperature fluctuations in room Make sure you have all items on your checklist before leaving the house Computer Testing Procedures Administrator will log you into your assigned workstation Must remain in your seat during the exam No personal items, cell phones, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, etc. not allowed in testing room Will be provided with small locker for storage 15

Computer Testing Procedures Erasable noteboard & marker provided by testing center May not write on it until after exam started If need to leave test area during exam: Raise your hand to get administrators attention Time away is counted against your 3 hr timeframe (you don t get the time back) Fingerprinted or palm scanned when leaving & returning Post-Exam Will be asked to complete an onscreen evaluation After completing evaluation, raise hand Administrator will ensure the test has ended properly Will receive an official score report! No personal items, cell phones, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, etc. not allowed in testing room Will be provided with small locker for storage 16

Take the Test With Confidence Your score is determined by number of questions you answer correctly (no penalty for wrong answers) All multiple-choice questions Taking Multiple Choice Tests Read directions carefully Read every question carefully, but quickly, answering only those of which you are 100% certain Mark those which you are not sure Come back to the questions not yet answered Answer those you are reasonably sure without pondering too long Finally, study the remaining questions If you can t come to a decision or if you run out of time, then guess Wrong answers don t count against you (better to guess and not leave any blank) 17

Taking Multiple Choice Tests Look for words such as: Most, first, initially, immediately, usually Look for absolutes such as : Always, never, every, none, all of the time Try turning multiple-choice into a true and false statement Use process of elimination to select best answer Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (2013). Study Tips. http://www.oncc.org/taketest/testinformation/candidate/studytips retrieved September 22, 2013 Read the Questions Systematically Read the question first and think of the answer Do not assume information not given or go beyond what the question asks. Then read all of the responses 18

Taking Test With Confidence When weighing options, look for those that: Embody good nursing judgment Enhance communication, respect, & acceptance of patient s feelings Choose options that are: Correct in all respects Relate to common needs or to the population in general Pace Yourself During Test Don t spend too much time on any one question Can mark question to come back to it Avoid thinking about prior questions while you are on a new question After working through all the questions: Review for incomplete items Go back to those you marked for review 19

Do Not Change Answers Unless you have misread the question the first time or recall new information, it is unwise to change the answer you initially choose Relaxation Strategies During the Examination Identify what part of your body has the most muscle tightness Take a deep breath and select an exercise that will help eliminate the tension 20

Tutorial Prior to Starting Exam Series of screens that orient you to the computer testing environment Allows you to practice using each feature prior to starting the exam May use the tutorial for 10 minutes At end of tutorial, may repeat by clicking previous button, or raise hand to request further instruction from the test administrator Scaled Scores Scaled score is a raw test score (the # of questions correct) transformed into other units of measurement using statistical formula A scaled score is not: # of questions answered correctly % of questions answered correctly There are multiple forms of the test level of difficulty may vary slightly Scaling used to correct for differences in test difficulty Passing score for OCN exam has been set at scaled score of 55 21

Score Reports Will receive an official pass/fail score report on screen and in print at test center Candidates receiving scaled score of 55 or greater will receive score report indicating Pass only Official score reports list the major subject area of each test & the competency level achieved Level 1: Well below competence level Level 2: Below competence level Level 3: At competence level Level 4: Above competence level Re-Energize After the Test!! Briefly review your performance during the test to get a sense of accomplishment Avoid dwelling on questions and going the test with colleagues Focus on positive outcomes Reward yourself for completing the ONCC examination process 22

OCN Credential Candidates who pass the OCN test may use certification mark OCN May be used only as long as certification is valid Certification is valid for 4 years Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (2013). About ONCC. http://www.oncc.org/about, retrieved September 22, 2013 OCN Renewal Current through 2015 Three components two must be met #1: Practice hours Minimum one year (12 months) of experience as an RN within 3 years (36 months) prior to application Minimum 1000 hrs of oncology nursing practice within two-and-one-half years (30 months) prior to application #2: Professional development Known as Oncology Nursing Certification Points Renewal Option (ONC-PRO) 100 ONC-PRO points required for OCN renewal #3: Successful retesting 23

Renewal Process Starting in 2016: Individual Learning Needs Assessment Individual Leaning Needs Assessment (ILNA) will combine an assessment of your current knowledge with completion of an individualized learning plan Based on your identified learning needs you ll complete professional development activities designed to strengthen your knowledge By completing these activities, you ll earn points you can use for certification renewal INLA Renewal Method: Step 1 Complete your learning needs assessment Assessment is based on the subjects on the current certification blueprint Early in your certification cycle (usually in January following your renewal) ONCC will provide you with the log-in information to complete the online learning needs assessment If it s the first renewal period after passing a test, you won t need to complete the assessment You will use your test score report to identify your learning plan 24

INLA Renewal Method: Step 2 Review your assessment results Identify the subject areas and the number of professional development points you ll need to renew your certification All candidates will be required to earn at least 25 points for renewal Most candidates are expected to need far fewer points than were required for renewal in the past INLA Renewal Method: Step 3 Earn INLA Points Begin earning points for renewal by completing the professional development activities The earlier you complete the assessment, the more time you ll have to earn points (up to 4 years) INLA points can be earned through your choice of Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) Continuing Medical Education (CME) Academic Education Presentations Publications 25

INLA Renewal Method: Step 4 Apply for renewal by submitting: Application Renewal fee Logs documenting completion of your learning activities (your ILNA points) ONCC staff will compare the logs you submit to your assessment results to verify you ve completed your learning plan If you haven t registered for an exam.. There s no better time than now! 26

Questions? 27