Catawba Valley Medical Center’s (CVMC) disease prevention coordinator Peggy Messick, RN (registered nurse), BSN (bachelor of science nursing), OCN (oncology nurse certified), successfully renewed her oncology nursing certification recently.

Ms. Messick, who currently works in the CVMC Health First Center in Valley Hills Mall, coordinates public education for cancer and heart disease as well as supportive services for cancer patients and survivors. Prior to her present position, she served in direct patient care on the inpatient oncology unit at CVMC from 1986 to 2002.

Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), the designating organization, allows nurses to accumulate points toward certification renewal by completing professional development activities. Initial OCN certification is available to nurses who have a current, active, unrestricted RN license; a minimum of 12 months of experience as an RN within the three years prior to application; a minimum of 1,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the two-and-one-half years prior to application, and completed a minimum of 100 continuing education contact hours in the specialty of oncology nursing or an academic elective in oncology nursing.

Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit, public healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. CVMC, twice recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet facility, was named as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers as well as twice awarded as a “Distinguished Hospital for An Outstanding InPatient Experience” by J.D. Power and Associates.