Core Values
Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation

When all else changes, values endure.

Values are our organizations’ guiding principles. They represent our core beliefs for the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and its family of affiliated corporations, including the ONS Foundation and the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. The ONS values serve to guide our leaders and members. All are encouraged to assign their personal meaning to each of these words, for values are beliefs, both personal and collective. The explanatory phrases with each value are meant as guides for understanding. These phrases should neither limit the intent of the value nor serve as a definition.

INTEGRITY
The organization and its members exhibit integrity and earn trust through ethical behaviors and uncompromising professionalism to all parties in business, professional, and personal interactions.
• Professional and ethical behavior

INNOVATION
ONS and its members face every endeavor with creativity and knowledge. We strive to apply our broad perspectives consistently while leading the transformation of cancer care.
• Innovation in testing and thinking

STEWARDSHIP
We are committed to protecting and nurturing the resources of the members and the organization. We do this through judicious and prudent use of all of our financial resources and the time and talents of our members and staff. We are accountable to the members and the public to nurture and grow our human and financial assets.
• Fiscal responsibility
• Professional support, development and mentoring

ADVOCACY
We, as an organization and as individuals, advocate on behalf of people with cancer to ensure their quality of life and their access to exemplary care throughout the continuum of life. We advocate on behalf of the nursing profession and the oncology specialty to ensure respect and recognition, access to education, safe working environments, and fair reimbursement. We also serve as advocates for public policy, particularly in matters of health.
• Informed consumers, providers, professionals, employers

EXCELLENCE
We strive to foster excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and administration. We are committed to nothing less than excellence in our organization and the care of patients.
• Maintain fair, valid and reliable certification process
• Data-driven and/or research-based decision making
• Education

INCLUSIVENESS
We celebrate and support diversity of thought and of individuals. We strive for a culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse membership to strengthen our ability to meet the needs of everyone we serve.
• Cultural and ethnic diversity and sensitivity
• Collaboration
• Recognition

Updated March 2003