Ethical Practice and Certified Nurses
ONCC developed and maintains a Code of Ethical Practice and policies for its programs that serve to protect the public, safeguard the integrity of the profession and ONCC credentials, and hold professionals to a minimum standard of practice.
The Code of Ethical Practice sets forth values, ethical principles, and standards to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be judged. The purpose of this code is to identify the moral obligations of applicants, candidates, and certificants of any ONCC certification program inherent in their professional roles. Specifically, applicants, candidates, and certificants of any ONCC certification program are obligated to support and maintain the integrity of the profession of oncology nursing in order to promote the health and well-being of patients and families.
Nurses certified by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation will:
- Respect the basic human rights, dignity, worth, and unique attributes of all patients.
- Protect the patient from harm, respect patient autonomy, and advocate for the patient’s welfare.
- Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of patient information, except when disclosure is required by law.
- Maintain the knowledge and skills necessary for competent practice in the specialty.
- Respect and exercise moral duties to self—including inherent dignity, worth, and professional integrity—and the integrity of the profession.
- Report to ONCC any known or suspected violations made by ONCC-certified nurses and potential ONCC-certified nurses.
As an applicant, candidate, or certificant of any ONCC certification program, nurses must maintain a current, unencumbered RN/APRN license. Nurses must notify ONCC within 30 days of any encumbrance placed on their RN or APRN license, including any formal discipline or restrictions, provisions, or conditions that limit their nursing practice in any way. Failure to report such in a timely manner risks having sanctions placed on application, candidacy, or certification up to and including denial or revocation.
Policies and procedures are established and administered fairly and equally to all individuals subject to the Code of Ethical Practice and ONCC policies. ONCC is committed to providing equitable, consistent, and legitimate adjudication of allegations of misconduct that will lead to results for individuals, ONCC, and the public it serves that are accurate, fair, and defensible.
April 2025: Updated in its entirety with adaptations from the 2025 ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.