See what our doctors, patients, and nurses are saying about the importance of orthopaedic certification…
Doctor Testimonials:
“The role of the orthopaedic certified nurse practitioner is of paramount importance in ensuring a safe and quality experience for the surgical and non-surgical patients. Having worked with and without a nurse practitioner for long stretches in my career, I cannot imagine not working without an ONP partner. The orthopaedic NP enables our service to see more patients, see them more frequently, and to spend more time with them. Every aspect of clinical care and communication is enhanced by the APN- physician partnership.” DP, Chicago, IL
“Nurses with orthopaedic certification allow one to assimilate, cognitively assess, identify, and apply best practices to their solution. In addition, they have the vision to see the short-term and long-term consequences of their actions.” PG, Royal Oak, MI
“In working with my certified, orthopaedic nurse on our hip/knee elective joint program, I appreciate the expertise she brings to our program given her OCNS-C. She has provided current evidence-based practice information which we have used to keep our practice up to date.” LS, Rolling Meadows, IL
Patient Testimonials:
“I am so grateful that my orthopaedic doctor has such a dedicated and knowledgeable Ortho Nurse Practitioner. My certified nurse has seen me through this entire four-month experience, and I couldn’t have had a better support person, knowledgeable, caring, and always there when called upon. My doctor and his patients are so fortunate to have this certified nurse, as a partner, a source of comfort, and a knowledgeable and caring Nurse Practitioner.” DB, Chicago, IL
“At the time of my knee replacement surgery, I subsequently experienced a negative reaction, in that I developed an AFIB condition with respect to my heart, which resulted in my spending nearly a week in a cardio ward at a different hospital. Throughout both my surgery and my subsequent stay in the cardio ward my ONCB registered Nurse Practitioner went way beyond the call of duty – including visiting me in the cardio ward on her day off. As I also subsequently underwent two other orthopaedic surgeries on my leg and shoulder, the ONCB registered Nurse Practitioner and I had several opportunities – all excellent – to demonstrate her exceptional nursing skills. Should I ever have a further need for orthopaedic surgery, I know I will be in good hands.” DM, Saint Petersburg, FL
Nurse Testimonials:
“Orthopaedic nursing certification is important to me as it was a personal and professional accomplishment. The networking opportunities this has afforded me is invaluable as I always strive to deliver exemplary orthopaedic care.” MC, Royal Oak, MI
“My ONC has been important to me since my 1988 certification. Professionally, as a consultant to the legal community, it demonstrates my expertise as an orthopaedic nurse consultant. The certification further has an impact on the jury at the time of my trial testimony.” MM, Alpharetta, GA
“I am a pediatric orthopaedic operating room nurse at Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio. I took the very first Orthopaedic Nursing certification exam in Phoenix, Arizona in 1988. Since my job has always been a specialty area -within a specialty nursing environment -within a specialty hospital, I was looking for a way to validate the passion I had for orthopaedic nursing. In 1988, I chose to take my orthopedic certification exam over taking the CNOR exam for operating room nursing-which I eventually took it 5 years later. I encourage all my fellow orthopedic operating room nurses to take the ONC exam. Most OR nurses that are in orthopaedics have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of orthopaedic nursing and can easily apply that knowledge to the exam. I still have that passion for orthopaedic nursing, and it has been an incredible 34 years – especially when I look back at all the advances in orthopaedic surgery during those years. I am looking forward to renewing my certification next year in 2023!” DH, Ohio
“Orthopaedic nursing certification has opened many doors from a professional standpoint. I have felt valued and recognized by my peers and teammates. I’ve focused on continuing my education, demonstrating expertise in my specialty, all while providing the best evidence-based care to my patients.” DP, Chicago, IL
“Orthopaedic certification is important to me because it validates my commitment to orthopedic nursing. It also gives me the opportunity to elevate my knowledge of orthopedic nursing. I am proud to say I am “Ortho Certified.” EWG, Royal Oak, MI
“My certified orthopaedic nurse is honestly interested in improving the wellbeing of patients and community members. She has dedicated many years to ensuring excellence in patient care and improving patient outcomes. She is persuasive in her educational abilities to assist patients in developing healthy habits during her joint replacement classes, as well as supporting and educating nurses of every level in patient care. It is difficult to find someone as dedicated as she is to her patient and her profession…” CP, Chicago, IL
“I got certified about 12 years ago. At the time I had been a nurse on an in-patient orthopedic unit for 4 years and really wanted to supplement my knowledge and practice. Studying for the ONC was actually fun (I know it sounds crazy, but it was!). Topics I was reading about and studying were appearing in my practice. Since being certified, I’ve been able to stay current by attending conferences/webinars and reading articles. You become part of a community that shares the passion of Orthopedic Nursing. I am proud to be Orthopedic Nurse Certified.” KS, Chicago, IL
*If you would like to submit a testimonial, please email it to oncb@oncb.org.