Joan M. Rhoa, R.N., B.S.N., O.C.N., is one of the first nurses in the nation to add the “C.B.C.N.” designation after her name. The label signifies her status as a Certified Breast Care Nurse.

Rhoa, a clinical nurse III in the Rita Cooper Finkel and J. William Finkel Women’s Health Center, was among 120 nurses nationwide to complete and pass the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation’s first-ever Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN) examination in February.

Joan Rhoa (Photo by Darrin S. Joy)

“Joan is a very skilled and caring nurse with extensive experience in breast cancer care,” said Cathy Cole, R.N., clinical nurse manager in the Cooper Finkel Women’s Health Center. “We’re very excited to see her abilities recognized.”

Rhoa credited much of her success to her City of Hope experiences. In contrast to the oncology nurse certification exam, “the CBCN test was strongly weighted toward surgical breast oncology,” she said. “My practice at City of Hope really helped with that.”

The CBCN examination tests nurses’ ability to practice competently within the breast care nursing specialty. Covered areas in the 165-question test include breast cancer prevention and detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and end-of-life care.

To be eligible for CBCN testing and a four-year renewable certification, nurses must hold a current, active and unrestricted registered nurse license and have at least 12 months experience as a registered nurse within the previous three years. They also must have practiced in breast care for at least 1,000 hours within the prior 36 months and have completed at least 10 hours of continuing education in breast care.

The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation offers CBCN testing quarterly. Information about the test is available at www.oncc.org.