“A Nurse’s Journey Towards Orthopedic Specialty Certification.”

Ronald Eugene Osea RN,MSN,ONC

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Adult Orthopedic Unit

Purpose To provide information about orthopedic specialty certification among registered nurses, and how to effectively prepare for the exam.

Desired Outcomes By the end of this educational instruction, we will have:

- an understanding of what specialty certification is, and it’s importance and benefits.

- an understanding of how to prepare effectively for the specialty certification exam.

What is Specialty Certification?

It is a “voluntary” examination given by nongovernmental agency. It validates knowledge, skills, abilities and experience in areas beyond the scope of RN licensure. (AACN-American Association of Critical Care Nurses)

Why certify in Orthopedics?❖ It promotes professional development and advance the practice of

orthopedic nursing.

❖ Many employers and patients recognize the value of certified nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff.

❖ Shows commitment to continuing education and excellent practice, and dedication to providing the highest quality care to patients.

❖ It could satisfy one’s goal for personal, professional, financial gain.

❖ (ONCB-Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board)

What are the advantages of being certified?

❖ May benefit from personal satisfaction and increased confidence that comes from passing a nursing certification exam.

❖ It may help a nurse survive staff cutbacks and be more competitive in the job market.

❖ It may also lead to a pay increase in some circumstances.

❖ Can enhance the job opportunities which may be available.

❖ It may be seen by an employer as a demonstration of your determination to learn and grow professionally and your desire to improve your patient care skills.

❖ Studies have demonstrated that specialty-certified nurses have higher rates of patient satisfaction and lower rates of errors.

❖ Anderson, L.. (2012)

What is ONC?❖ “Orthopedic Nurse Certified” (ONC) is the basic credential

that recognizes the achievement of specialty knowledge in orthopedic nursing by registered nurses.

❖ It is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification, the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certification.

❖ It is valid for 5 years. Recertification can be done by satisfying the needed contact hours, or by retaking the examination.

❖ (Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board)

What is ONCB and NAON?

❖ Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) grants certifications to registered nurses. (ONC for orthopedic staff nurses, ONP-C for orthopedic nurse practitioners, and OCNS-C for orthopedic clinical nurse specialists)

❖ The National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that exists to enhance the lives and careers of orthopedic nurses.

What are the requirements in order to be eligible to take the orthopedic specialty certification examination?

To be eligible to take the ONC exam, the interested RN must: Hold current and unrestricted licensure as an RN in the US.

For international RNs, eligibility is in accordance with requirements of CGFNS.

Minimum of 2 years full experience practicing as an RN.Minimum of 1000 hrs of work experience in orthopedic nursing

practice within the past 3 years.

Test Specifications

Conditions - Degenerative Disorders (42), Orthopedic Trauma (28), Sports Injuries (26), Metabolic Bone Disorders (12), Inflammatory

Disorders (10), Pediatric/Congenital (6), Musculoskeletal Tumors (5), and Neuromuscular (6)

Task - Self-care, Pain Control, Complications, Activity, Nutrition, and Psychosocial.

Every several years test specifications are analyzed and maybe modified depending on the type of changing level of priorities and

importance in nursing care

(Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board)

How do I prepare for the ONC exam?NAON’s orthopedic self assessment software CD (earn CEUs)Take the online self-assessment examination given by ONCB.

ONCB free test taking strategies videoLook for ONCB Ambassadors in your area via ONCB for free

personal test taking advice.NAON ’s online orthopedic nursing review course (you also earn

CEUs)NAON’s core curriculum for orthopedic nursing 7th edition book

Group study vs. self studyReview books and flashcards available from other resources

(amazon, etc)

Exam cost

ONC® candidates$290 NAON members, online application$315 NAON members, paper application

$405 non-members, online application$430 non-members, paper application

Recertification

Can be done in 2 ways: Retaking the examination or renewing it by fulfilling the needed

number of CEU’s, and other needed minor documents.

Retesting

❖ Retest for Success Program - participating facilities can register 5 or more RNs to take the certification exam. These RNS can prepare and take exam independently or as a group within 90 days after their facilities had registered them.

❖ If any of the RNs failed to pass the exam, they can take the exam without paying additional test fee as long as they take it within 90 days after the first examination date.

❖ (Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board)

What is it to be a certified nurse in VUMC?

Professional practice enrichment

Self-confidence boost

Job security

Competitiveness

Exam fee reimbursement upon passing

How do I become a part of NAON?

❖ Any nursing students, nurses (associate, vocational, practical), and even retired nurses could become a part of NAON.

❖ Membership fees differs with type of membership chosen.

❖ Membership is renewed annually every December 31st.

❖ www.orthonurse.org

What are the benefits of being a NAON member?

❖ Networking❖ Educational Opportunities❖ Volunteering to be part of

committees, chapters❖ Traveling - NAON CONGRESS❖ Leadership skills enhancement

The Middle Tennessee NAON Chapter❖ NAON members who are at certain area of a state can join a

local chapter near them. Some states has no chapters as of this time. There is a plan to form satellite chapters soon. International nurses can form their own chapters with help from the NAON Chapter Advisory Team.

❖ SE-032 Middle Tennessee, Franklin, TN

❖ President: Shari Kingman

❖ Contact Information:615-284-8799 or 615-430-9035

❖ Email: shari.kingman@sth.org

–Gonzualo Arzuaga

“If you have the ability to dream it, trust in your ability to make it happen.”

ReferencesAmerican Association of Critical Nurses. (2016) Retrieved from http:// www.aacn.org/wd/certifications/content/consumer- whatiscert.pcms?menu=certification

Anderson, L. . (2012). The benefits of nursing specialty certification.Retrieved from http://www.nursetogether.com/ benefits-nursing-specialty-certification

Core Curriculum 7th Edition. Retrieved from http://www.orthonurse.org/media/qhgzyhzj.jpgOrthopedic Flash

Card. Retrieved from http://www.testprepreview.com/images/orthopaedic-flashcards.jpgOrthopedic Nurses Certification Board. (n.d.). A quick look at ONCB recertification. Chicago, IL.

National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. (n.d.). NAON resource guide. Chicago, IL.

Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board. (n.d.). A quick look at ONCB recertification. Chicago, IL.

Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board. (n.d.). Certifying excellence in orthopedic nursing.Chicago, IL.

THANK YOU!!!