The Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board's (ONCBŪ) certification exams recognize a commitment to lifelong learning and a high level of knowledge that contributes to effective patient care and safety. Having a specialty nursing certification is almost a requirement in the 21st century. Many employers and patients recognize the value of certified nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff. The ONC examination is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS). Click here to learn more about the ABNS standards for accreditation.
Stay a step ahead in your career by earning the ONCŪ and ONP-CŪ or OCNS-CŪ, credentials for advanced practice nurses.
Yager named first Certification Advocacy Award winner
ONCB members proudly announce the designation of Melissa Yager, BSN, RN, ONCŪ, as the winner of the first annual Nursing Certification Advocacy Award. Ms. Yager, who is Orthopaedic Nurse Educator at Sharp Memorial Hospital (San Diego, CA), was surprised with the award announcement at a hospital assembly on March 19. ONCB was represented during the ceremony by public member Holly Smith Jones. Ms. Yager was nominated by Debra Palmer, MSN, RN, ONP-CŪ, who also was present at the ceremony.
Among the activities that earned Ms. Yager the first advocacy award are her involvement in creating orthopaedic guidelines of care for use at five hospitals, her creation of a certification bulletin board on the unit, and her personal efforts to recognize the units orthopaedic-certified nurses. As the award winner, Ms. Yager received a complimentary registration to the NAON Congress in Seattle. She will be recognized during the ONCB-sponsored Eye Opener session on Tuesday, May 18.
Applications for the 2011 Nursing Certification Advocacy Award will be accepted this fall, with a deadline of January 1, 2011. ONCB members encourage orthopaedic-certified nurses to nominate notable colleagues for the award. Questions about the award can be addressed by ONCB (888-561-6622; oncb@oncb.org).
ONCB members met in Seattle following the Annual NAON Congress in May 2010
Apply for Fall 2010 Exams
The application window for fall 2010 computerized testing at multiple sites will be open from June 1 through August 31, 2010. Detailed information on the application and exam schedule and procedures is available here. Candidates will be able to schedule exams during the months of October and November 2010.
Easy online examination application is available, but paper applications also are accepted.Please see the Candidate Handbook (link) for the written application, which should be completed and mailed to AMP with the appropriate fee.
All deadlines are RECEIPT deadlines, not postmark deadlines; please allow appropriate mailing time for delivery of paper applications no later than the deadline identified above. There is no late application option. NOTE:In 2011, ONCB will offer increased testing flexibility through quarterly computerized examinations nationwide. Apply in. . .Test in. . . JanuaryMarch MarchMay JuneAugust SeptemberNovember Also beginning in 2011, paper-and-pencil testing will no longer be conducted at AAOS and NAON Congress.
ONCB to fill two director vacancies in 2011
Two director positions are available for certificants interested in serving on the board. Directors, who serve a 3-year-term, are responsible for oversight of all ONCB activities and represent the board at NAON's Annual Congress. The role requires email access for regular electronic communication, as well as attendance at two meetings annually. Travel expenses to the meetings are paid by ONCB. Click here for the director application. Completed applications must be received by the ONCB no later than January 1, 2011, and appointments will be made by March 1. New directors will be asked to attend the ONCB meeting at the conclusion of the NAON Congress in Baltimore, and will assume their new roles at the conclusion of that meeting. Questions? Contact ONCB (888-561-6622; oncb@oncb.org) for more information.
Why should I be certified?
Certification shows that you are committed to lifelong learning and that you have a high level of knowledge that contributes to effective patient care and safety.
Certified nurses have increased confidence as excellence practitioners.
Employers and patients recognize the value of certified nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff.
The needs for certification nurses specifically trained in orthopaedics is growing as the general population ages and requires more health care services.
The ONC and APN credentials are recognized by your colleagues and employers as a mark of excellence. They show you are educated, engaged, and committed to providing the highest quality care to your patients.
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To subscribe to the Orthopaedic Nurse Communication Network (ONCNet), please send your name and email address to oncb@oncb.org. This will allow you to receive regular email communication from ONCB with current news and updates.
