Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation

January 26, 2015Sent via email and postal mailRevdex.com, Western Pennsylvania Holiday Drive, Suite Pittsburgh, PA 15220Dear MsEdwards,Thanks you for the opportunity to respond to the complaint identified as The Oncology Nursing
Society (ONS) is a professional organization of over 37,registered nurses and healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research, and administration in oncology nursingThe Society offers useful information and opportunities for nurses at all practice levels, settings, and specialties.Oncology Nursing Society is accredited to provide registered nurses with continuing nursing education credit (CNE)A completed evaluation is required for all ONS educational offerings whether a conference, online course or face-to-face live program and is not optionalSeveral programs offered include a second component of successfully passing a post-testThe passing of a post-test does not negate the submitting the required program evaluation.Completion and submission of a program evaluation is mandated by our accrediting bodyWhile the evaluation may seem a simplistic form or data tool to some, ONS places great value on the data obtained from our learnersThe data is also incredibly beneficial as we explore program improvements regarding content as well as how the program is deliveredThis information is incorporated into future programs which improve the information delivered to nurses with the ultimate hop of benefiting patient careRequirements for successful completion of all programs are provided to nurses in advanced of any offering.Below is the explanation of the ONS documents that have been submitted regarding this case.• Item#l: ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course brochure for the chemo instructor courses in 2013;• Item #2: ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course Instruction sheet provided by the chemo instructor to the classparticipants outlining successful completion requirements;• Item #3: Four slides from the ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course outlining the successful course completion requirements, including completion of the evaluation within week of successfully completing the course requirements;• Item #4: ONS’s CE roster, showing that no credit was issued as complainant did not complete the evaluation;• Item #5: The ONS Evaluation Center report showing those who did submit the evaluation for that courseThecomplainant is not listed; and• Item #6: Copy of the ONS profile (database) item specific to the complainant.With respect to the specific complainant, requirements and expectations were provided on several occasions by the ONS Chemotherapy Instructor as noted aboveThe complainant was one of attendees at the ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course held on November & 19,in Baton Rouge, LA taught by a course instructorThe course was hosted by a medical center that charged SIfor employees and $for all other attendeesThe course registration fee was paid directly by the participant to the medical centerONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Instructors were independent contractors with the ability to set their own course fees and schedulesThe course instructor paid ONS directly for the course materials at a cost of $90/participantItem #shows a copy of the course brochure for Once approved by ONS, the course instructor adapted the ONS brochure template with specific course informationItem #outlines the instructions required for successful course completion, including attending the live course, passing the post-test, andcompleting the evaluationEach instructor provides the participants with a copy of this instruction sheet, in addition to showing the course requirements slides at the course (Item #3).At the completion of the two-day live course, the instructor provided each participant with a paper/pencil testEach participant had to receive a passing score of 80% or above on the post-testThe complainant received a score of 70% on his first post test and 90% on a retestThe complainant refers to a three-day courseThe ONS Chemotherapy Course was actually a two-day live courseHis third day would have been due to the need to retestThe complainant had until November 16, to complete the evaluationItems and are copies of reports run from the ONS evaluation system showing who completed the evaluation and received CNE creditNote that the complainant did not complete the course evaluation in the ONS Evaluation Center (online).Regarding the complainant’s issue with ONS having the wrong email address, ONS did not have record of his email address until he contacted the ONS office on January 8, ONS staff created his database record on December 5, to document his participation in a course even though he did not earn creditThat is why he appears on the roster with “0” creditIn order for a student to access the evaluation a profile/account needed to be createdAn explanation of the ONS profile was provided on the handout distributed by the course instructor and is referenced on the 3rd slide on Item #Item 6, top image, shows what was in the profile before January 8, The bottom image shows when the email address was entered into the system (January 8, 2015).Regarding the complainant’s reference to changing to an online system, ONS has been using an online evaluation process for the Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course since January It is not a new processEffective January ONS transitioned the Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course to a completely online format rather than a instructor-led courseParticipants now both test and submit their evaluation online and can complete the course work over a four week time frame rather than a two-day class room experienceThis change allows for learning at one’s own pace and has opened the course to an international audience.ONS offers educational programs to adult learners and is diligent in providing information to help the individual be successfulInformation can be presented but ultimately the learners are responsible for reading the requirements to ensure ' the expectations are understood and metAgain, thank you for the opportunity to provide details with respect to ONS processes and requirementsONS demonstrates good faith effort to work with all of our customers to be sure they have ample opportunity to earn contact hours and enjoy the full benefit of their purchase from ONS.If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.Regards,Michele RMcCorkle Dietz, RN, MSNExecutive Director, ONS External Relations and Business Development

Review: I took the online course for Chemo therapy resertification class, passed the test required to obtain the resertification card, and never recieved my card. I contacted them many times, requesting this, and was told that because I did not complete an evaluation of the program contents, which is a opinion of mine of the course, I did not qualify for the card. When I took the exam online and passed the test, it did not force me to this site to complete this part, nor did it tell me I could not log out without doing it, it also did not tell me I would not get my card and have to take the 2 day course which is a course for not recertifying in the proper time frame, and costs more money! I paid for this course, took the class, passed the test in the time frame allowed, and now they will not give me my card, nor will they let me do the evaluation to get the card, they said they contacted me, and mind you only by email. They did not send me a letter, try to call me and they did have my phone number and my address, I have been trying to work with them since June, and have gotten no where, and now I have learned I am not the only one who has had this happen to, whom also took the same online class at the same time, took the class passed the test and also did not do the evaluation part and did not get her card.Desired Settlement: I want my recertification card, I earned it! I have offered to do their evaluation of the course and they have refused and stated that I am going to need to take the 2 day course, unacceptable! I paid for the course, passed the test, I want my card!

Business

Response:

September 3, 2013

Review: I have a problem with this company. Just like the complaint before me stated. He was not sent a card after 1- Paying fees 2- Completing Test and 3 day course 3- Filling out evaluation. These were all completed prior to the company changing to an online system. This change is what I believe lost peoples information. I called today and the company "lost my email address" (The address that I already received many emails from the company as well as my initial login for the class). It is impossible to speak to anyone on the phone. They sent me emails back and still got my name wrong. I am launching an investigation with the Attorney Generals Office. These people need to take Oncology a little more seriously and not STEAL peoples money. It's not right, Period.Desired Settlement: I want the card I EARNED and PAID FOR!

Business

Response:

January 26, 2015Sent via email and postal mailRevdex.com, Western Pennsylvania 400 Holiday Drive, Suite 220 Pittsburgh, PA 15220Dear Ms. Edwards,Thanks you for the opportunity to respond to the complaint identified as 10373027. The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional organization of over 37,000 registered nurses and healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research, and administration in oncology nursing. The Society offers useful information and opportunities for nurses at all practice levels, settings, and specialties.Oncology Nursing Society is accredited to provide registered nurses with continuing nursing education credit (CNE). A completed evaluation is required for all ONS educational offerings whether a conference, online course or face-to-face live program and is not optional. Several programs offered include a second component of successfully passing a post-test. The passing of a post-test does not negate the submitting the required program evaluation.Completion and submission of a program evaluation is mandated by our accrediting body. While the evaluation may seem a simplistic form or data tool to some, ONS places great value on the data obtained from our learners. The data is also incredibly beneficial as we explore program improvements regarding content as well as how the program is delivered. This information is incorporated into future programs which improve the information delivered to nurses with the ultimate hop of benefiting patient care. Requirements for successful completion of all programs are provided to nurses in advanced of any offering.Below is the explanation of the ONS documents that have been submitted regarding this case.• Item#l: ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course brochure for the chemo instructor courses in 2013;• Item #2: ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course Instruction sheet provided by the chemo instructor to the classparticipants outlining successful completion requirements;• Item #3: Four slides from the ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course outlining the successful course completion requirements, including completion of the evaluation within 1 week of successfully completing the course requirements;• Item #4: ONS’s CE roster, showing that no credit was issued as complainant did not complete the evaluation;• Item #5: The ONS Evaluation Center report showing those who did submit the evaluation for that course. Thecomplainant is not listed; and• Item #6: Copy of the ONS profile (database) item specific to the complainant.With respect to the specific complainant, requirements and expectations were provided on several occasions by the ONS Chemotherapy Instructor as noted above. The complainant was one of 12 attendees at the ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course held on November 18 & 19,2013 in Baton Rouge, LA taught by a course instructor. The course was hosted by a medical center that charged SI00 for employees and $250 for all other attendees. The course registration fee was paid directly by the participant to the medical center. ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Instructors were independent contractors with the ability to set their own course fees and schedules. The course instructor paid ONS directly for the course materials at a cost of $90/participant. Item #1 shows a copy of the course brochure for 2013. Once approved by ONS, the course instructor adapted the ONS brochure template with specific course information. Item #2 outlines the instructions required for successful course completion, including attending the live course, passing the post-test, andcompleting the evaluation. Each instructor provides the participants with a copy of this instruction sheet, in addition to showing the course requirements slides at the course (Item #3).At the completion of the two-day live course, the instructor provided each participant with a paper/pencil test. Each participant had to receive a passing score of 80% or above on the post-test. The complainant received a score of 70% on his first post test and 90% on a retest. The complainant refers to a three-day course. The ONS Chemotherapy Course was actually a two-day live course. His third day would have been due to the need to retest. The complainant had until November 16, 2013 to complete the evaluation. Items 4 and 5 are copies of reports run from the ONS evaluation system showing who completed the evaluation and received CNE credit. Note that the complainant did not complete the course evaluation in the ONS Evaluation Center (online).Regarding the complainant’s issue with ONS having the wrong email address, ONS did not have record of his email address until he contacted the ONS office on January 8, 2015. ONS staff created his database record on December 5, 2013 to document his participation in a course even though he did not earn credit. That is why he appears on the roster with “0” credit. In order for a student to access the evaluation a profile/account needed to be created. An explanation of the ONS profile was provided on the handout distributed by the course instructor and is referenced on the 3rd slide on Item #3. Item 6, top image, shows what was in the profile before January 8, 2015. The bottom image shows when the email address was entered into the system (January 8, 2015).Regarding the complainant’s reference to changing to an online system, ONS has been using an online evaluation process for the Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course since January 2010. It is not a new process. Effective January 2014 ONS transitioned the Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Course to a completely online format rather than a instructor-led course. Participants now both test and submit their evaluation online and can complete the course work over a four week time frame rather than a two-day class room experience. This change allows for learning at one’s own pace and has opened the course to an international audience.ONS offers educational programs to adult learners and is diligent in providing information to help the individual be successful. Information can be presented but ultimately the learners are responsible for reading the requirements to ensure ' the expectations are understood and met. Again, thank you for the opportunity to provide details with respect to ONS processes and requirements. ONS demonstrates good faith effort to work with all of our customers to be sure they have ample opportunity to earn contact hours and enjoy the full benefit of their purchase from ONS.If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.Regards,Michele R. McCorkle Dietz, RN, MSNExecutive Director, ONS External Relations and Business Development