Attaining certification validates that a nurse has met rigorous requirements for both experience and knowledge in oncology nursing. It’s a reason for both nurses and their employers to celebrate.
Most certified nurses say they were encouraged to apply for certification by a colleague. Here are some ways you can promote certification among your colleagues:
Place an announcement in your chapter or institution newsletter that reads, "Ask Me About Certification!" and include your name, phone number, and email address.
Join the Oncology Nursing Certification Advocate program. As an advocate, you will receive the most up-to-date information about certification. Advocates will also be given ribbons to wear at select oncology conferences.
For more information, contact ONCC at 877-769-6622 or email us.
Boost morale, enhance job satisfaction, and encourage other nurses to become certified and improve the quality of care at your facility by recognizing certified nurses. Here are a few ideas for recognizing certified nurses. Share your celebration ideas on our Facebook page.
Celebrate Certified Nurses Day™, March 19
Endorsed by the American Nurses Association and many other nursing certification organizations, this is a special day of recognition and celebration for certified nurses around the world. March 19 was picked as the day to honor certified nurses since it's the birthday of Margretta "Gretta" Madden Styles, the renowned expert of nurse credentialing.
Notify the local media that it's Certified Nurses Day and include the names of all certified nurses on your staff.
Invite certified nurses to an event held in their honor.
Reward certified nurses with gift certificates or special bonuses.
Post signs throughout your facility announcing Certified Nurses Day and featuring photos of your certified nurses.
Send letters of appreciation to your certified nurses.
Offer a free meal to all nurses who attend a certification drive.
Offer personal encouragement & recognition
Mention the advantages of certification during annual reviews.
Host a special event for certified nurses during Nurse's Week.
Display the names of certified nurses on a plaque in the unit. (ONCC offers a free recognition plaque to patient care settings where a majority of nurses are ONCC-certified).
Nominate a certified nurse for an ONCC certified nurse of the year award