title: What do orthopaedic nurses do? Implications of the role delineation study for certification.
abstract: The Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) conducts a role delineation study (RDS) every 5 years. Results identify tasks performed by orthopaedic registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists, and musculoskeletal health conditions commonly seen by patients under their care.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to define current practice patterns among orthopaedic nurses and validate content for future certification examinations.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey methodology was used to identify task and knowledge statements that represented orthopaedic nursing practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 5,634 e-mails sent, 1,194 valid responses were returned (response rate 22.7%). This is consistent with results of the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board's 2007 RDS (23.3% response rate) and is considered acceptable for an RDS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Survey results were analyzed with assistance of psychometric staff at Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc., and used to review and revise examination specifications for the 3 certification programs. New specifications were implemented with March 2012 testing.
authors.forename: Dottie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D002568:Certification; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D016530:Orthopedic Nursing; D000078329:Workforce