CCI Blog

In many ways, certification acts as a compass directing a nurse’s clinical practice towards accepted standards. Nurses who attain certification, and the facilities that support them, demonstrate a commitment to improving patient outcomes and mastering the knowledge it takes to do so. CCI created the TrueNorth Award as an avenue for recognizing facilities that use certification to guide their perioperative nursing staff to be models of competent practice, lifelong learners, and advocates for patient safety.

We are pleased to have had the opportunity to sit down with Diana Braswell, the Clinical Nurse Manager, Perioperative Services, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Pflugerville, to the processes setin place by the 2020 TrueNorth winners, which contributed to them receiving the award.

The holiday season can be especially stressful for nurses. While many are jet setting to visit family and friends throughout the holiday season, countless nurses are working long hours instead. Often, the facility is short-staffed this time of year, which means that the nurses working those undesirable shifts are having to add to their already massive workload.

In 2019, CCI was honored to present Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children with the TrueNorth Award. CCI’s TrueNorth Award recognizes facilities that use certification as a compass to guide their perioperative nurses towards being lifelong learners, models of competent practice, and advocates for excellence and patient safety.

2019 is a noteworthy year at CCI because it marks the 40th anniversary of the CNOR credential. This milestone holds significant value, as it represents 40 years of continued dedication to safe, quality patient care and professional development through lifelong learning. To celebrate, we are taking a moment to reflect on the past 40 years.

History of CNOR

The journey towards CNOR certification began back in 1978 in the walls of AORN. During that time, the AORN House of Delegates of the 1978 Congress voted to provide a certification program for operating room nurses. At this time, the AORN Board of Directors appointed a Certification Council, which consisted of five AORN members and four members from associated professional nursing organizations.

The Certification Council was responsible for the development, direction, implementation, and evaluation of the entire certification process. The Certification Council introduced the CNOR Credential in 1979. As nurse Illana O. Staudigl recalls, "It was very exciting to follow the progression of the idea when it was first discussed at the AORN Congress until it became fact." The Certification Council brought in volunteer nurses to sit for the trial exam to help iron out those last-minute details. The rest is history!

Company culture refers to the shared vision, values, and behaviors that define the workplace environment. A positive company culture can make employees in your organization feel fulfilled and delighted about their job. Creating a desirable and healthy company culture is essential in any organization, but it proves to be particularly beneficial in the OR.

What is the CNS-CP Credential?

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Perioperative Certification credential (CNS-CP), is designed for advanced practice registered nurses who have completed graduate preparation in the CNS role. Keeping the unique role a CNS plays in mind, this credential is centered around promoting optimal perioperative patient outcomes, which include:

Many professions in the modern era experience a high rate of change and nursing is no different. This is especially true for perioperative nurses, given the challenging environment they face in the operating room. With the continual evolution of technology and recent fluctuation in staff availability, a number of noteworthy trends have begun to develop. 

CCI and U.S. Military CSSM Partnership

CCI has established a relationship with the U.S. Military to ensure all nurses are given the opportunity to develop professionally while enhancing their perioperative knowledge. CCI’s CEO James Stobinski, a former military OR nurse, has assisted CCI in developing avenues that open opportunities for military nurses. “CCI offers a combination of discounts and test preparation resources for military nurses. The discounted price of the certification examination is $275, and we also offer access to an online, recorded preparation course” says Stobinski. CCI continues to emphasize the importance of offering opportunities to these nurses and is continually looking for ways to bridge the gap. Stobinski says it best by stating, “CCI is proud to maintain a close, productive working relationship with all branches of military to facilitate their ongoing professional development”. We are proud to not only have a member of the U.S. Military as our CEO, but to also have a member on our Board of Directors and many within our community of certified nurses.

Earning your CNOR represents a deep personal commitment to nursing excellence and outstanding patient care. And that doesn’t end once you pass the exam! To demonstrate your continued competency, you may recertify your credential. Your CNOR credential is valid for a period of five years. After that time period, you may apply for recertification. Simple enough, right? Read on for some useful information on the steps to take, available methods, alternatives, and some hints and tips as you navigate the road to recertification.