Camille Utter, RN, BSN, OCN, director of Scotland Cancer Treatment Center, has earned the additional certification of Certified Breast Care Nurse by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

Earning this voluntary certification validates Utter’s knowledge in breast care and makes a difference to the patients provided oncology care at Scotland Cancer Treatment Center.

The examination is aimed at testing the knowledge necessary for the nurse to practice competently in breast care. The credential may be used in conjunction with established institutional mechanism to assure the delivery of quality care.

To be eligible to take the test, Utter had to have:

A current, active, unrestricted RN license at the time of application and examination, and

A minimum of one year of experience as an registered nurse within the three years prior to application, and a minimum of 1,000 hours of breast care practice within the two and one-half years prior to application, and completed of a minimum of 10 contact hours of continuing education in breast care nursing within the 3 years prior to application.

As cancer treatments become more complex, patients require increasingly specialized care. Breast care practice may include nursing practice along the entire continuum of breast care, from prevention and detection, diagnosis and treatment, survivorship, to end of life care. Oncology certified nurses have both the knowledge and experience to deliver that care effectively and are better equipped to recognize problems and take appropriate action, resulting in better patient care.

Certification strengthens patients’ confidence in their caregivers and offers peace of mind at a time when they may be feeling vulnerable and uncertain. To patients with cancer, certification means the nurse is not only a caregiver, but also a qualified caregiver.

Dr. Kelvin Raybon, Scotland Cancer Treatment Center’s medical oncologist, commented on Mrs. Utter’s efforts to strengthen patient care. “Mrs. Utter’s certification is an added benefit not just to the Cancer Center and our patients, but also to the newly formed Scotland Multidisciplinary Breast Program. This group meets regularly to discuss and make recommendations for breast cancer patients in order to ensure every patient receives quality health care services in a very timely manner. It is our goal to help our patients navigate more efficiently through the health care system. We are all proud of Mrs. Utter for taking this step to increase the level of care provided to our patients.”

For information about Scotland Cancer Treatment Center, call the Center at 291-7630 or toll free at 1-877-762-2735.