CARIBOU, Maine — Kaitlyn Umphrey, a registered nurse at Cary Medical Center, has successfully passed a national exam and is now a certified oncology nurse.
Umphrey, who works in the new Jefferson Cary Cancer Center, received the Roberta Scofield Memorial Certification Award, which provided a scholarship to cover the cost of the National Certification Exam. To receive the scholarship the nurse had to submit a 250-word essay to the Oncology Nursing Society, of which she is a member.
Up to 150 nurses nationwide were awarded the scholarship based on the quality of the essay. Candidates must demonstrate dedication to Oncology Nursing and a commitment to obtaining or renewing oncology nursing certification. Umphrey began working in Oncology at Cary Medical Center in 2012.
“I knew oncology is where I wanted to work,” said Umphrey, who cares for patients undergoing treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy. “It has kept me on my toes from Day One. Oncology is, unfortunately, one of the most unpredictable areas of nursing as there are so many different types of cancers that affect patients in various ways.
“With many types of cancers comes many methods to treat all of these cancers,” she said. “Some of these treatments can cause a variety of complications and side effects. As a chemotherapy nurse, I wanted to better assist my patients through their treatment journey to make it more tolerable.”
After Umphrey received the scholarship she spent the next eight months self-studying for the test through various sources. The Oncology Nurse Certification exam focuses on subject areas such as symptom management, oncologic emergencies, health promotion, screening and early detection. The test features 165 questions and was offered at a testing center in Bangor.
“I found my patients and oncologists to be most helpful in preparing for the exam,” she said. The test was challenging but I’m so glad I did it. Healthcare is a career that is constantly changing to improve patient outcomes. Becoming an Oncology Certified Nurse has helped me provide better education to my patients during the very difficult journey of cancer treatment in hopes to create a better outcome.”
Umphrey passed the exam on her first try.
Regen Gallagher, DO, is chief medical officer at Cary Medical Center and administrator for the Jefferson Cary Cancer Center. She said that Umphrey’s ability to pass the exam on her first try was most impressive.
“It often takes candidates several tries to pass this exam,” said Gallagher. “We have been so impressed with Kaitlyn’s commitment to her work as an Oncology Nurse and the passion she has caring for her patients. We are very proud of her.”
Umphrey will be recognized in the Oncology Nurse Certification Corporation (ONCC) Certification News and/or other publications approved by ONCC. Excerpts of her winning essay may be reprinted in ONCC materials.
