Karmanos nurse shares her journey to become an oncology certified nurse

Providing the best cancer care for patients requires receiving support from your colleagues and giving the same level of support. For Brittany Campeau, RN, OCN, the countless employees she works with daily, plus their support, make her proud to be part of Team Karmanos.

Campeau has worked at Karmanos Cancer Institute for about 4.5 years and has always wanted to become an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN).

“My manager has been encouraging me to become certified, but I also knew completing this certification would comfort the patients I help,” said Campeau. “Sometimes, those diagnosed with cancer experience such uncertainty, and I want them to know they are being taken care of.”

OCN is a certification offered through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). Though Karmanos encourages all staff to become certified, the certification is voluntary for nurses. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have two years of experience as an RN (registered nurse), have at least 2,000 hours practicing in adult oncology and meet specific educational requirements.

Campeau officially received her OCN certification at the beginning of 2023.

“I am so fortunate to work with an amazing group of individuals,” said Campeau. “My manager helped me sign up for the OCN review course that helped me prepare for the exam and Karmanos paid for the exam.”

Karmanos supports employed nurses seeking to obtain their OCN by funding the exam. Newly certified OCNs also receive pay increases. To learn more about the OCN certification, click here.