2021 Annual Conference

Capture Value of the CNS

Significance & Background
A long-established ONN program existed in a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCICCC) but lacked structure and defined outcomes as a navigation program. Practice depended on the setting, local needs, and physician demands. A common set of core competencies and baseline performance was needed for all ONNs regardless of specialty.

This multi-phase project was designed to evaluate the application of the 2017 ONN core competencies to build an evidence-based orientation model for novice ONNs in an NCICCC. Phase 1 involved assessing current-state role and job functions, reviewing the job description, developing competency measurement requirements, identifying learning opportunities from self-assessment, and developing ONN education.

Evaluation Methods
Incumbent ONNs were evaluated to ensure minimum qualifications were met. They provided input into operationalizing competencies for role delineation. Pre- and post-education self-assessments were utilized to identify learning opportunities and led to the development of learning plans and schema for an emerging ONN program. A two day multi-modal education course was developed to address competency areas collectively ranked weakly. Criteria for each competency were identified as a method of measurement.

Outcomes
Prior to intervention, ONNs scored themselves as Level Zero or One (limited experience and knowledge) for 19 of 40 competencies. Post education, only five competencies were rated Level One or less and the number of ONNs indicating an acceptable level of proficiency for each competency increased by 50% to 100%. All of the ONNs reported appreciation of the education course along with improved confidence and knowledge.

Implications
Utilizing nursing competencies is not new practice. However, developing an orientation program framework that allows ONNs to measure improved performance of required knowledge in their roles will have far reaching implications. Operationalizing the 2017 ONN competencies established baseline measurement requirements for ONN education. This framework will be utilized moving forward for novice ONN onboarding and professional development. The ONN core competencies guided the development of an evidence-based practice orientation framework and allowed standardization across disease specialty nursing practice. This orientation model prepares nurses with a variety of oncology experience and applies nursing competencies across the broad continuum of oncology care. This abstract will add to the literature relevant to the application of the ONS ONN competencies in development of an orientation program model.