Why Orthopaedic Nursing Certification?

I took the first certification! My ONC opened many doors for me…I am so proud of my ONC!

I certified years ago with nine of my colleagues. It was an adventure to study the textbook and take that exam with pencil and paper back then. Being a certified nurse means we are among the cream of the crop–knowledgeable, experienced, and proud of it.

I was encouraged by my leadership to get my orthopedic certification in 2010, just a couple years after becoming a nurse. Becoming certified helped me to be more confident in my profession. I am very passionate about continuing my education and keeping my certification up and to help my coworkers to become certified. I love being an orthopaedic-certified nurse!

Orthopaedic CNS certification validates my knowledge and enables me to be the APN resource for nurses on my unit.  My OCNS-C credential helps me to be an important resource for our executive director and service line vice president as we work to refine our joint replacement program.

My OCNS-C was an essential element when I applied for my APRN license in DC.  DC had just begun a program in which clinical nurse specialists could apply for APRN licenses.  The OCNS-C certificate helped me obtain this license.  I was then able to get a 5% raise and a new position within my organization.

The leader of our special unit was so enthusiastic, motivating and encouraging our unit to become 100% ONC nurses. Her enthusiasm was contagious. The benefits for our patients are immeasurable… the most knowledgeable team of orthopaedic nurses caring for orthopaedic patients. The credential has given me self-confidence when interfacing with patients and their families.

In trial testimony, the Daubert Rule indicates an expert must attest/prove expertise in their field. A judge then rules if the witness is an expert. My ONC credential enabled the judge to rule I am indeed an expert in orthopaedics. The ruling has helped me in other cases.

I became certified as an ONP-C with its first offering in 2006.  This certification motivates me to stay current in orthopedic education, and to bring the best practice guidelines I can to our practice.  I eventually became an expert witness in orthopedic nursing, largely due to my certification and commitment to the highest quality orthopedic practice.  Being a certified orthopedic nurse practitioner personally motivates me, professionally stimulates me, and has opened avenues for me to contribute concretely to our profession.

I decided to become certified for the knowledge; what better way to learn than to study for an certification exam?  I love orthopedics and wanted to further my knowledge so I can assist the patient to a better outcome.  Having this certification backs up the experience I have gained over the years of being an orthopedic nurse.

I obtained my orthopaedic certification because my unit encouraged and supported me in this endeavor.  This certification has ensured I am actively continuing my education, staying abreast of the newest practice trends, and expanding my knowledge in areas I don’t commonly encounter.  I wear my ONC pin on my badge with pride, like the Navy SEALs wear their trident. I have moved my practice from my original orthopaedic unit to Hospital Pain Management, but I still consider myself an ortho nurse first. About half my patients have orthopaedic diagnoses.