HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 18, 2004)–Kendra Atherton and Lynn Leather, registered nurses at John R. Marsh Cancer Center at Robinwood Medical Center, were recently awarded certification in oncology by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. The corporation is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the American Board of Nursing Specialties.

Susan Lopp, director of John R. Marsh Cancer Center, was delighted with the results of the recent certification. “It is always great when individuals seek to increase their knowledge and expertise with advanced certification in their field,” Lopp said. “With the addition of Kendra and Lynn, we now have eight registered nurses who have obtained the oncology nurse certification. This is certainly one of the things that contributes to the excellence in service provided by the John R. Marsh Cancer Center.”

As part of a continuing education program called Nurse First, the certification is given to nurses who have demonstrated a specialized knowledge of oncology nursing. It is based on predetermined standards, the individual nurse’s qualifications as well as knowledge of practice in a defined functional or clinical area of nursing. This certification is valid for four years. 

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