Why Orthopaedic Nursing Certification?

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

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 became certified in 2005, only 3 years after becoming an RN. It was a personal challenge for me, and I never dreamed I would pass the exam so early in my career. My certification has opened so many doors for me, primarily giving me an advantage when applying for jobs. Everyone wants a certified nurse on their staff! I am SO proud to hold the ONC credential!

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.

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.

As an APN in orthopaedics, my certification through ONCB has helped enrich my knowledge base, maintain a network of colleagues within the field, and has motivated me to pursue orthopedic ‘extracurriculars’ outside the walls of my workplace.

I learned about the ONC certification through a joint replacement surgeon in 2008. With his teaching skills and my passion for orthopaedics, I was able to obtain my ONC certification in 2012. I am a recent NP graduate and look forward to taking the ONP-C exam as soon as I’m eligible!

Certification has served as both a personal and professional validation of my orthopaedic knowledge and skill. At our organization, certification has helped to establish and improve use of evidence based practice and identifies the staff as leaders in these patient efforts.

I decided to obtain an orthopaedic certification because orthopaedics affects almost every aspect of nursing care and patients from every age group. My certification is important to my organization and especially important for organizations that have achieved or are trying to achieve Magnet.

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!