1. “A Nurse’s Journey
Towards Orthopedic
Specialty Certification.”
Ronald Eugene Osea
RN,MSN,ONC
Vanderbilt University Medical
Center
Adult Orthopedic Unit

2. Purpose
To provide information about orthopedic specialty
certification among registered nurses, and how to
effectively prepare for the exam.

3. Desired Outcomes
By the end of this educational instruction, we will have:
- an understanding of what specialty certification is, and it’s
importance and benefits.
- an understanding of how to prepare effectively for the specialty
certification exam.

4. What is Specialty
Certification?
It is a “voluntary” examination
given by nongovernmental agency.
It validates knowledge, skills,
abilities and experience in areas
beyond the scope of RN licensure.
(AACN-American Association of
Critical Care Nurses)

5. Why certify in Orthopedics?
❖ It promotes professional development and advance the practice of
orthopedic nursing.
❖ Many employers and patients recognize the value of certified
nurses and demand highly trained nursing staff.
❖ Shows commitment to continuing education and excellent
practice, and dedication to providing the highest quality care to
patients.
❖ It could satisfy one’s goal for personal, professional, financial gain.
❖ (ONCB-Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board)

6. What are the advantages of being certified?
❖ May benefit from personal satisfaction and increased confidence that comes from
passing a nursing certification exam.
❖ It may help a nurse survive staff cutbacks and be more competitive in the job
market.
❖ It may also lead to a pay increase in some circumstances.
❖ Can enhance the job opportunities which may be available.
❖ It may be seen by an employer as a demonstration of your determination to learn
and grow professionally and your desire to improve your patient care skills.
❖ Studies have demonstrated that specialty-certified nurses have higher rates of
patient satisfaction and lower rates of errors.
❖ Anderson, L.. (2012)

7. What is ONC?
❖ “Orthopedic Nurse Certified” (ONC) is the basic credential
that recognizes the achievement of specialty knowledge in
orthopedic nursing by registered nurses.
❖ It is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty
Nursing Certification, the only accrediting body specifically
for nursing certification.
❖ It is valid for 5 years. Recertification can be done by satisfying
the needed contact hours, or by retaking the examination.
❖ (Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board)

8. What is ONCB and NAON?
❖ Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) grants
certifications to registered nurses. (ONC for orthopedic
staff nurses, ONP-C for orthopedic nurse practitioners,
and OCNS-C for orthopedic clinical nurse specialists)
❖ The National Association of Orthopedic Nurses
(NAON) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that
exists to enhance the lives and careers of orthopedic
nurses.

9. What are the requirements in order to be eligible to take the
orthopedic specialty certification examination?
To be eligible to take the ONC exam, the interested RN must:
Hold current and unrestricted licensure as an RN in the US.
For international RNs, eligibility is in accordance with
requirements of CGFNS.
Minimum of 2 years full experience practicing as an RN.
Minimum of 1000 hrs of work experience in orthopedic nursing
practice within the past 3 years.

10. Test Specifications
Conditions - Degenerative Disorders (42), Orthopedic Trauma (28),
Sports Injuries (26), Metabolic Bone Disorders (12), Inflammatory
Disorders (10), Pediatric/Congenital (6), Musculoskeletal Tumors (5),
and Neuromuscular (6)
Task - Self-care, Pain Control, Complications, Activity, Nutrition, and
Psychosocial.
Every several years test specifications are analyzed and maybe
modified depending on the type of changing level of priorities and
importance in nursing care
(Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board)

11. How do I prepare for the ONC exam?
NAON’s orthopedic self assessment software CD (earn CEUs)
Take the online self-assessment examination given by ONCB.
ONCB free test taking strategies video
Look for ONCB Ambassadors in your area via ONCB for free
personal test taking advice.
NAON ’s online orthopedic nursing review course (you also earn
CEUs)
NAON’s core curriculum for orthopedic nursing 7th edition book
Group study vs. self study
Review books and flashcards available from other resources
(amazon, etc)

13. Exam cost
ONC® candidates
$290 NAON members, online application
$315 NAON members, paper application
$405 non-members, online application
$430 non-members, paper application

14. Recertification
Can be done in 2 ways:
Retaking the examination or renewing it by fulfilling the needed
number of CEU’s, and other needed minor documents.

15. Retesting
❖ Retest for Success Program - participating facilities can
register 5 or more RNs to take the certification exam. These
RNS can prepare and take exam independently or as a group
within 90 days after their facilities had registered them.
❖ If any of the RNs failed to pass the exam, they can take the
exam without paying additional test fee as long as they take it
within 90 days after the first examination date.
❖ (Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board)

16. What is it to be a certified nurse in VUMC?
Professional practice enrichment
Self-confidence boost
Job security
Competitiveness
Exam fee reimbursement upon passing

17. How do I become a part of NAON?
❖ Any nursing students, nurses (associate, vocational,
practical), and even retired nurses could become a part
of NAON.
❖ Membership fees differs with type of membership
chosen.
❖ Membership is renewed annually every December 31st.
❖ www.orthonurse.org

18. What are the benefits of being a NAON member?
❖ Networking
❖ Educational Opportunities
❖ Volunteering to be part of
committees, chapters
❖ Traveling - NAON CONGRESS
❖ Leadership skills enhancement

19. The Middle Tennessee NAON Chapter
❖ NAON members who are at certain area of a state can join a
local chapter near them. Some states has no chapters as of this
time. There is a plan to form satellite chapters soon.
International nurses can form their own chapters with help
from the NAON Chapter Advisory Team.
❖ SE-032 Middle Tennessee, Franklin, TN
❖ President: Shari Kingman
❖ Contact Information:615-284-8799 or 615-430-9035
❖ Email: shari.kingman@sth.org

20. –Gonzualo Arzuaga
“If you have the ability to dream it, trust in your
ability to make it happen.”

21. References
American Association of Critical Nurses. (2016) Retrieved from http://
www.aacn.org/wd/certifications/content/consumer-
whatiscert.pcms?menu=certification
Anderson, L. . (2012). The benefits of nursing specialty
certification.Retrieved from http://www.nursetogether.com/
benefits-nursing-specialty-certification
Core Curriculum 7th Edition. Retrieved from http://www.orthonurse.org/media/qhgzyhzj.jpgOrthopedic Flash
Card. Retrieved from http://www.testprepreview.com/images/orthopaedic-flashcards.jpgOrthopedic
Nurses Certification Board. (n.d.). A quick look at ONCB recertification. Chicago,
IL.
National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. (n.d.). NAON resource guide.
Chicago, IL.
Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board. (n.d.). A quick look at ONCB recertification. Chicago,
IL.
Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board. (n.d.). Certifying excellence in
orthopedic nursing.Chicago, IL.

22. THANK YOU!!!