Ethical Practice and Certified Nurses
Ethical Practice and Certified Nurses
ONCC has developed a code of ethical practice and policies for its programs that serve to protect the public, safeguard the integrity of the profession and ONCC credentials, and hold professionals to a minimum standard of practice. Policies and procedures are established and administered fairly and equally to all individuals subject to the code of ethical practice and ONCC policies. ONCC is committed to providing equitable, consistent, and legitimate adjudication of allegations of misconduct that will lead to results for individuals, ONCC, and the public it serves that are accurate, fair, and defensible.
The Code of Ethics sets forth values, ethical principles, and standards to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be judged. The purpose of this code is to identify the moral obligations of all ONCC-certified nurses inherent in their professional roles. Specifically, ONCC-certified nurses are obligated to support and maintain the integrity of the profession of oncology nursing in order to promote the health and well-being of patients and families.
Nurses certified by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation will:
Respect the basic human rights and the dignity of all patients, without consideration of social or economic status, race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, personal attributes, nature of the health problem(s), or any other factors.
- Protect the patient from harm and advocate for the patient’s welfare.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient information, except when disclosure is required by law.
- Maintain the knowledge and skill necessary for competent practice in the specialty.
- Respect his/her own self worth and professional integrity, and the integrity of the profession.
- Report known or suspected violations made by ONCC-certified nurses and potential ONCC-certified nurses to ONCC.
As an ONCC-certified nurse, you also are required to notify ONCC within 30 days of any restriction placed on your RN or APRN license. If you don't report the restriction in a timely manner, you may risk having sanctions placed on your certification.