The new ONC online practice examination is now available to help with your examination preparation! The online module is a 50-item multiple choice practice examination (with 3 bonus items) developed to be parallel in content and difficulty to the actual orthopaedic nursing certification examination. The online practice module should be regarded as a diagnostic tool to assess strengths and weaknesses, rather than a study guide for the ONC examination. Questions are based on the ONCB role delineation study, a regularly updated survey of orthopaedic nurses to determine the knowledge, skills, and abilities consistently used to treat patients. The online practice module and the actual ONC examination both represent a comparable sampling of questions from a pool of potential topics for the ONC examination. The practice module will be available online to you for a period of 48 hours from the date the order is placed. Follow this link to order the module for your exam prep!
ONCB launches flexible computer-based testing process with 2008 exams
Test available at over 160 sites nationwide
ONCB announces an exciting change to its test process for 2008! Paper-and-pencil testing will only be offered in conjunction with the annual AAOS Meeting and at NAON Congress. Other examinees can take advantage of the ease and convenience of computer-based testing at over 160 sites across the nation. ONCŪ candidates will now get IMMEDIATE feedback after completing the computerized test. That's right -they will know their exam scores before they leave the center on their scheduled test date! Because ONCB's exams for advanced practice nurses (APNs) are relatively new, with item performance statistics still being analyzed, results of the OCNS-C and ONP-C exams will continue to be sent to candidates by mail within 4 weeks of their test dates.
Another great benefit to computer-based testing for all candidates is the opportunity to schedule the examination during a 2-month window rather than on a single date in the spring or fall. Candidates may apply in January - March to test in May or June, and in June - August to test in October or November. The online application and scheduling process can be used for all computer-based testing. However, candidates for the paper-and-pencil examinations at AAOS and NAON Congress will need to submit written applications at least 6 weeks prior to the test date.
ONCB announces the following fee schedule for the 2008 exams: ONCŪ candidates $275 NAON members, $375 non-members APN candidates $325 NAON members, $425 non-members
Additional exam information and an application are in the new Candidate Handbook. AMP staff can be reached with questions at 888-519-9901, or ONCB staff contacted at 888-561-ONCB [6622].
Test site locations for 2008 CBT are available through the AMP website (www.goAMP.com) by choosing "Candidates" from the menu near the top of the home page. You will be prompted to choose a category (Healthcare), choose a program (Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board), and choose an exam (Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Orthopaedic Nurse Certification). You can then choose "Test Site Locations" and click on your state to identify the closest site. These locations are the same for all the exams. A written application (from the Candidate Handbook) is required for the paper-and-pencil exam offered during the AAOS conference on March 4 in San Francisco, and must be received by AMP by January 22, 2008 (6 weeks prior to the test date). Application deadline for the paper-and-pencil examination at NAON Congress is April 4, 2008; exams will be administered on May 18, 2008. Remember that online registration for the May-June computer-based test window opens in January 2008.
It's now ONCŪ!
ONCB was recently notified that its application for registration of the ONCŪ credential was approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office. Effective immediately, you will see the ONCŪ appearing in all ONCB's marketing materials with the recognizable "circled R". Registration of the certification mark protects it under law from use by any one with a similar purpose. ONCB will soon issue applications to register its APN credentials as well.
Certificate-prepared NPs eligible to test through 2008 only
NP prepared by post-baccalaureate certificate rather than graduate degree will only be eligible to take the ONP-C examination through 2008. Please read the "talking points" on this issue recently decided by the ONCB on recommendation from the Test Committee. Questions can be directed to the ONCB national office (888-561-6622; oncb@oncb.org).
Why should I be certified?
Certification --"why or why not?"--is a question that many orthopaedic nurses consider. The benefits of certification include a promotion of quality patient care, an elevation of the standards of orthopaedic nursing practice, and an increase of self-esteem and personal satisfaction. The life-long learning process of nursing is enhanced with the ONC certification. Certification can open a world to networking and collaborating with other ONCs across the country and the world. Help promote the greatest standards of nursing in orthopaedics through obtaining your certification.
Using Category A and B appropriately for recertification
To clarify the difference between Category A (orthopaedic nursing content) and Category B (general nursing content) used for recertification, ONCB members recently developed operational definitions. These provide the framework for evaluation of continuing education offerings. Please ontact ONCB at any time with questions about your specific continuing education.
CE options changed for ONC reactivation option
If your credential expired less than 2 years ago, you are eligible to apply for reactivation of your ONC. For the CE requirement, ONCB now offers two options. The former ONC may either complete the Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review course offered by NAON, or demonstrate attainment of 20 contact hours of orthopaedic nursing education for each year or part of a year that the credential was expired. The individual whose credential expired in June 2005, for instance, must provide proof of 20 new contact hours in orthopaedic nursing education to apply for reactivation before July 1, 2006. If the credential expired more than 12 months but less than 2 years ago, the nurse must provide proof of 40 contact hours in orthopaedic nursing education earned during that period. The application and policy are available on the "dowload forms" page of this Web site. Questions? Contact ONCB (888-561-6622 or oncb@oncb.org).
Already certified in orthopaedic nursing...
... and looking for ways to volunteer with ONCB? With two new credentials coming on board, we have to choose a broader approach. Click on Downloads Forms . . .below the list of forms is a preview of ONCB's volunteer opportunities. Complete the online interest form today!
Guestbook 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.
Site hosted by the ONCB. Please contact us at oncb@oncb.org for further information or questions. Site last updated 2/2008.
