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A national survey of certified, recertified, and noncertified oncology nurses: comparisons and contrasts.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES
To explore opinions about the OCN credential, the ways in which it was obtained and retained, and the extent to which it is valued by employers.


DESIGN
A descriptive comparison study using a cross-sectional survey design.


SAMPLE
Questionnaires were mailed to a nationwide sample of 2,429 RN members of the Oncology Nursing Society; 1,217 (50%) surveys were returned. The majority of respondents were female, 30-49 years of age. Caucasian, and had practiced nursing for more than 11 years.


MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES
Certification status, work role characteristics, preparation strategies for the certification examination, and motivation for obtaining certification.


FINDINGS
Oncology nurses recognize the importance and value of OCN certification. The primary reasons oncology nurses obtain and retain certification include the desire for personal achievement, professional growth, and development. OCNs were more likely to work in a setting where the employer supports professional development through continuing nursing education.


IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE
Because health care is increasingly delivered in ambulatory/home settings and the population is aging, oncology certification needs to be encouraged among nurses who work in these settings or with geriatric populations. Certified nurses tended to experience more job satisfaction than noncertified nurses.