Revising the blueprint for the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) examination: a role delineation study.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a role delineation study of basic oncology nursing practice as a basis for revision of the blueprint for the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) examination.


METHODS
Three-phase study of oncology nurses' practice.


METHODS
735 oncology nurses randomly chosen from all nurses who are OCN certified.


METHODS
A pilot survey was mailed to a small group to allow refinement of the survey instrument. The revised survey then was e-mailed to a total sample of 3,000 OCNs. The results and input from experts on the subject matter were used to revise the test blueprint.


METHODS
Frequency and importance of 223 oncology nursing activities previously identified by the group of experts in oncology nursing.


RESULTS
The highest ranked items for the combined frequency and importance scales pertained to the subscales Professional Performance, Patient/Family Education, Comfort, Protective Mechanisms, and Coping. The lowest ranked activities pertained to subscales Research, Detection, Sexuality, and Prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
The blueprint for the OCN examination reflects entry-level oncology nursing practice and includes eight domains of practice: Quality of Life (36%), Protective Mechanisms (13%), Gastrointestinal and Urinary Function (10%), Cardiopulmonary Function (8%), Oncologic Emergencies (7%), Scientific Basis for Practice (12%), Health Promotion (3%), and Professional Performance (11%).


CONCLUSIONS
Because oncology nursing is changing, reconfirming and updating the blueprint for the certification examination is necessary. Certification examinations beginning in April 2003 will be based on the revised blueprint.
McMillan
Susan C
SC
College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. Smcmilla@hsc.usf.edu
Heusinkveld
Karen
K
Chai
Sally
S
Miller Murphy
Cynthia
C
Huang
Chi-Yu
CY
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States