Certification News - Spring 2008 - (Page 4)

Vo l u m e X X I I , N o . 1 S p r i n g 2 0 0 8 certification/news Employer Spotlight Columbia St. Mary’s Triples Number of Certified Nurses Michael Smart, RN, BSN, OCN® he cancer program at Columbia St. Mary’s (CSM) in Milwaukee, WI, deserves accolades for its pursuit of excellence in oncology nursing care and support of oncology nursing certification. As clinical director of oncology, Nancy Delzer, MSN, RN, AOCN®, BC-PCM, recognizes the value of certification in improving the confidence and competency of oncology nurses as well as helping to ensure the quality of care provided to patients with cancer. Under her leadership, enthusiasm for certification has spread throughout the CSM system, and the number of oncology nurses has reached record numbers, including 26 OCN®s and 4 advanced oncology certified nurses. This represents a threefold increase in the number of oncology certified nurses since Delzer became clinical director. At CSM, an annual dinner held each May provides formal recognition of nurses who have achieved certification. CSM ensures other forms of profession- T al achievement are recognized as well. Nurses who have completed the ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy course, a requirement to administer chemotherapy at CSM, as well as those who have presented at conferences or workshops, are commended for their contributions and achievements. Perhaps as importantly, the annual dinner serves as an opportunity for oncology nurses in the various CSM campuses to connect and collaborate with one another. Additionally, to stimulate the development of oncology nurses, the CSM cancer program hosts a quarterly journal club in which oncology staff nurses prepare topics for discussion with the assistance of clinical nurse specialists. The journal club allows for discussion of real problems encountered in both inpatient and outpatient practice with a review of the current literature and practice recommendations. When asked what areas of excellence make CSM stand out, Delzer talks about the dedication of nurses who have identified themselves as oncology nurses, and she takes great pride in CSM’s clinical nurse specialists who “are top in the country.” She “cannot say enough about them. They are dedicated to teaching both patients and staff. They have an exceptional clinical knowledge base and ability to connect with patients.” Delzer also points to an expectation of excellence and the inclusion of education as part of the organizational culture as keys to ensuring excellence, “We expect more from our oncology nurses in terms of required education.” Nurse managers ensure that staff are provided the time and support needed to pursue educational opportunities. Congratulations to the nurses at the CSM cancer program on all of their accomplishments. Their commitment to excellence provides an example of what oncology nursing should be, and their success in tripling the number of oncology certified nurses is inspiring. Add ONCC Activities to Your ONS Congress Schedule top by the ONCC Certification Oasis in the Grand Hall of the Pennsylvania Convention Center where certified nurses can enjoy chair and hand massages, light refreshments, and a break from the hectic Congress schedule. Nurses who are not yet certified will find answers to their questions about certification. The Certification Oasis is supported in part by Lindi Skin and ONCC’s testing partner, Pearson VUE. The ONCC Recognition Breakfast for Oncology Certified Nurses, supported by Merck and Co., Inc., will be held on Friday, May 16, at the Philadelphia Marriott from 6:30-8:15 am. Dave Balch, founder of The Patient/Partner Project, will present “You Can Handle More Than You Think You Can: Your Amazing Ability to Be Brave and Strong.” Although the event is full, certified nurses who were unable to reserve a ticket may show up and will be seated if space is available after all ticket holders have been seated. 4 S

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Certification News - Spring 2008 Contents Editor's Message Meet Cyndi Miller Murphy Employer Spotlight CPON® Role Delineation Practice Round CBCN Items Field Test

Certification News - Spring 2008

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