Chemotherapy Certification Requirements Needed for an RN
It’s a common misconception that Registered Nurses (RNs) need chemotherapy certification in order to deliver chemo and biotherapy treatments. There are actually no chemotherapy certifications for nurses. The health care agency that employs the RN is responsible for determining what nurses are competent to
deliver these treatments and to train them adequately. Nurses who wish to further their competency in these fields are encouraged to participate in further study through the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), whether by attending a training or becoming a Certified Oncology Nurse. It is the position of the ONS that all chemotherapy and biotherapy providers earn the society’s Chemotherapy Provider Card, however, it is not necessary to practice or deliver treatments.
ONS Chemotherapy Provider Card
According to the ONS position paper entitled “Education of the Professional RN Who Administers and Cares for the Individual Receiving Chemotherapy and Biotherapy,” the ONS advocates for all providers of chemo and biotherapy services to carry the ONS Chemotherapy Provider Card. This card is not a certification nor does it teach recipients how to perform these services. Rather, it indicates that the RN has completed the ONS chemo and biotherapy course. The aim of the course is for RNs to show a high degree of demonstrated knowledge and to help ensure that ONS preferred methods are used consistently by all RNs who perform these procedures.
Oncology Nurse Certification
Becoming a certified oncology nurse, according to the ONS “does not [include] a hands-on competency for chemotherapy administration.” This is another common misconception surrounding delivery of chemotherapy services. The goal of oncology certification is to certify that RNs “have met or exceeded rigorous criteria for knowledge and experience.” It is meant to measure skills, not to teach them. Depending on the RN’s experience and level of education, she can apply for the title of Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) or Advanced Oncology Nurse (AOCN). Advanced Oncology Nurses must have a Master’s Degree in
Nursing and extensive experience in oncology. Nurses who specialize in pediatrics can obtain status as a Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON).
Continued or Advanced Study
Aside from obtaining oncology certification at the advanced level, nurses involved in chemotherapy and biotherapy treatments can continue their education through ONS. They offer education courses on chemotherapy, biotherapy, cancer specific chemotherapy, as well as updates and renewals for all courses. ONS recommends two guides for nurses interested in advancing their chemotherapy knowledge. These are entitled “Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing” and “Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice.” They also have a comprehensive list of university and health care facilities that offer continuing education courses and university-level specialty courses in chemotherapy and oncology.
ONS Preferred Skill Set
ONS sets forth eleven main criteria that oncology nurses and chemotherapy providers should demonstrate to provide the highest level of care. These cover topics like pharmacology, personal safety and patient monitoring and interaction. They also emphasize skills like patient education and post-chemo treatment
care. The goal of the ONS is to ensure not only a high standard of care, but a consistently applied standard of care among all oncology professionals.
Agency Determination of Competency
It is the responsibility of the hospital or health care agency to decide who is competent to deliver chemo and biotherapy services. This decision is made by doctors and hospital administrators in conjunction with the regulations set forth by the state’s nursing board and in observance of any state or federal regulations. ONS states that the employer should “clearly define the process of determining competency” as well as provide a peer review and continuing education or training process. Many hospitals are requiring specialization or an ONS Chemotherapy Provider Card for new RN hires.
Oncology Nursing Society
http://www.ons.org/faq/chemo.shtml
