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.

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.

CCI established the CNOR Certification Coaches program as an opportunity for certified nurses to become more involved with CCI, certification, and their fellow nurses. The CNOR Coaches program acts as a volunteer mentorship opportunity for nurses dedicated to helping others achieve certification in the perioperative field, thus increasing overall 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.

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.

National Nurses Week is quickly approaching! The celebration begins on May 6, 2019 (National Nurses Day) and continues through May 12 in honor of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, who is well-known as the founder of modern nursing. Nurses week began in 1993, when the American Nurses Association (ANA) declared May 6 – 12 the national week to celebrate and promote the nursing profession. This week is a time for nurses, other health care providers, community leaders, and everyone in between to acknowledge the positive impact and contributions of the 4 million registered nurses in America.

You may be wondering the best way to celebrate your nurses’ during this week. In preparation for National Nurses Week, we’ve pulled together a variety of ways to ensure each nurse in your facility feels appreciated and celebrated!