Over the past year, as we celebrated our 45th anniversary, we connected with members of our CCI family. We were eager to hear, firsthand, what makes our organization so special to them. By reaching out to our valued community members, we aimed to capture the essence of CCI and the impact we have made in serving the perioperative nursing profession.

Hear What We Had to Say!

"There are so many things to love about CCI I could go on forever! The one thing I feel that is central to and responsible for all the ways that CCI is awesome is our shared values of being collaborative, resourceful, ethical, and dedicated. These values are the bedrock upon which CCI is built, permeating every aspect of our program offerings and fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and achievement supporting the perioperative nursing community!" - Melissa, CEO

“One thing I love about CCI is the work culture. I am confident that I belong to a company that is compassionate, transparent, and dedicated. Our work culture fosters collaboration, encourages individual growth, and instills a profound sense of pride in belonging to a company that places its people at the forefront. The commitment to transparency and openness is especially evident in our leadership, who not only encourages feedback but actively seeks it out. It's a testament to the company's dedication to continuous improvement and ensuring that every voice is heard.”     - Sydney, Employee

“CCI encourages and assists Perioperative Nurses to maintain their continuing education throughout their career. Life long learning is a real need and a real challenge. The world of the Perioperative Nurse evolves so quickly! The technology and the associated skills and knowledge required of the nurse changes constantly. Access to education and certification is critical. Thank you CCI!” - Denise, Volunteer

“I have been fortunate enough to be a board member of CCI for the last 3 years. CCI has ignited my passion for certification and for nursing. I have been privileged to work with such an amazing team of directors and a CEO who is innovative and always looking for improvement. Certification brings standards to nursing and is instrumental in bringing the highest level of care to our patients. CCI has set the bar and the CNOR is the gold standard for Perioperative nurses.”            - Arthur, Board of Directors Secretary/Treasurer

“I love seeing a community of nurses who live by CCI's mission to drive safe, quality patient care!” - Lindsey, Employee

“I absolutely love, love, love CCI's dedication to nursing excellence! They continuously put action behind their brand by offering education opportunities for nurses to attain professional certifications. CCI not only stands for Competency & Credentialing Institute, it stands for Caring & Compassionately Involved in nursing advancement!” - Nikki, Volunteer

“CCI provides accredited certifications that allow perioperative nurses the ability to enhance their professional standing. These certifications are available to perioperative nurses at all stages of their career and I LOVE that!” - Marian, Former Board Executive

“I love the opportunity that getting involved with CCI as a volunteer on various committees and then the Certification Council has brought to not only my career, but my personal life. The more I volunteered, the more I saw an organization that supported a collaborative approach in bringing certificate holders from all over together for a common goal - increasing the knowledge and presence of certified perioperative nurses. As a new member of the CCI staff, I see firsthand how CCI supports its nurses and respects what nurses can bring to the table to better the certification process. Proud to be a CNOR since 2008.” - Kimberly, Employee

“I am a new volunteer at CCI. I have loved the support and collaboration from the team! I am very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the team!” - Mary Clair, Volunteer

“I love that CCI is committed to perioperative nurse certification.” - Sharon, Board Member

“CCI does so very much good work, and being part of it is a marvelous perk! We make a positive impact on the nursing profession, as we help each of our nurses through an individual progression. We provide support for nurses to get from “here” to “there,” while showing all along the way how much we care. We are learners and thinkers at our core, and we’re always looking for ways to do more! So, cheers to CCI as we celebrate our 45th year, and our vision for the future is ever so clear!” - Lisa, Employee

“I became a member of the CCI family a couple of years ago and developed a passion for helping others achieve certification status. I since in 2023 became a Certification Coach. I have emailed and requested information about products to help others pass their certification and CCI has always been prompt and thorough to provide me with tools and that means a lot. I am proud to be a part of the CCI family and look for many great years to come. Thank you CCI for the support!” - Troy, 2023 & 2024 Certification Coach

“I love CCIs unwavering focus on demonstration of clinical competence and professional excellence through the creation and delivery of valuable professional credentials. Be it certification or Micro Credentials, CCI is meeting the needs of perioperative professionals by providing education, study materials and testing in delivery formats that meet today's busy professionals. CCI continues to innovate, offering products that are relevant, timely and valued by those of us who hold these credentials and those who strive to earn them.”                                     - Jennifer, Board Member

“I love the culture at CCI! Every day I look forward to working with my colleagues as we share a commitment to continuous improvement and how it contributes to a positive work experience for everyone involved.” - Kevin, Employee

“I love CCI and volunteering as a way to give back to the nursing profession. I love CCI because it supports nursing and promotes continued learning and professionalism.” - Jennifer, Volunteer

“It is really hard to share just one thing but if I had to narrow it down to what makes CCI great, it would be the employees. Their commitment to excellence is a blessing to this organization!”         - Elaine, Former Board President

“Being a part of the CCI team has grown into something I never could have imagined. I am honored to work so closely with our nurses making a difference in the perioperative nursing world and impacting better patient safety through continuous professional development. We all have someone or know someone who needs care at some point in their life, and working with our certificants gives me more ease to know our loved ones are being taken care of and treated the way we all would want to be treated. Cheers to 45 years, CCI!”                                                          - Samantha, Professional Development Associate

“After obtaining my CNOR, the most important thing that I love about CCI is the platform used for tracking my continuing education contact hours and points. It is very user friendly. I love that CCI updates the information entered in real-time. This platform helps me stay organized with tracking items for my renewal for my CNOR and my nursing license.”                                               - Rachelle, 2024 Certification Coach

"The sense of community at CCI is inspiring. The staff is always willing to lend a hand and provide guidance. It's a truly empowering environment." - Anonymous

“Working at CCI as the Senior Manager of Education and Professional Development is incredibly fulfilling. Having volunteered with CCI prior to my employment, I have a deep connection to the organization's mission and values. I love the opportunity to partner with perioperative professionals, guiding and supporting them through their journey to certification as well as in their continuing professional development. It's exciting to witness their growth and transformation as they acquire new skills and knowledge. Supporting their professional development is more than just a job; it's a passion. I get to be a small part of their success stories, helping them achieve their career goals and enhancing the quality of care they provide. Each day brings new challenges and triumphs, making my role both dynamic and rewarding. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing that my work directly impacts the improvement of perioperative standards and the advancement of dedicated professionals in the field. Moreover, I also get to learn and grow alongside them, constantly expanding my own knowledge and expertise. This continuous learning process enriches my experience and keeps me deeply engaged in my role.” - Tabitha, Senior Manager of Education & Professional Development

“I love how CCI offers a variety of certification options for nurses at every level of preoperative nursing, less than 23 months, experienced, management, and even ambulatory specific!! What a great way to validate our capabilities while fulfilling our life long learning commitment.”                - Beth, Volunteer

“CCI is extremely supportive of nurse educators obtaining tools to support novice nurses in preparing for and obtaining their national certifications through their CNOR Coach program. Additionally, through their CNOR Strong and True North recognition programs, CCI provides an achievement goal that can be shared by all collective nurses in a unit. Thank you for all you do CCI!” - Randy, Certification Coach

“I love that CCI offered the PEP-COM class. My position had been vacant for 8 months and did not have anyone to teach me my role as a "surgical services educator". The PEP-COM class taught me so much! I learned how to do research and prepare a lesson plan. I also learned I am a leader, and I am a Nursing Professional Development Practitioner, not just "the educator.”              - Cathy, Educator

"The community CCI has fostered is incredibly supportive. I've made lifelong friends and professional connections through my involvement with the organization. It's a true asset to have such a supportive network." - Anonymous

“I love perioperative nursing and I love CCI. My certifications show my commitment to patients and to myself to ensure that I stay up to date on evidence-based practice. I have been asked by patients what my CNOR on my badge means and I love to explain to them that I have been tested and continue to prove my knowledge on best practices. Now that I have become the Director of Credentialing with CCI, I can further my support to OR nurses by ensuring these credentials remain relevant and continue to support our OR nurses.” - Shannon, Director of Credentialing

“As a volunteer of the National Certified Surgical Services Manager certification (CSSM) standard setting committee, I am able to help shape how we assess nursing competencies within the perioperative field. We rely on nursing staff from a variety of states, hospitals, roles, backgrounds, and experiences to create exam content. Volunteering helps to ensure that the assessment captures the competencies required for nurses' success and accurately reflects the diverse perspectives, standards, and expectations of current nursing practice. Many years of nursing practice allows me to review test content for fairness, clarity, and meaningfulness to ensure a fair assessment for all examinees. I am proud to be part of the process that evaluates the effectiveness of test items to develop a scoring key that reflects perioperative nursing expectations.” - Susan, Volunteer

“CCI is dedicated to ensuring excellence in perioperative nursing care. I am proud to be a volunteer on the CCI council, as well as holding 2 certifications through CCI. Obtaining and maintaining my CNOR and CSSM certifications has and will always be so very important to me to ensure I have our patients' best interest at the front of my mind at all times.”                                   - Amanda, Certification Council Member

“I love how connected and engaged CCI is with our community and the standard of care and safety of the care we provide to our patients.” - Joshua, Board Member

“I appreciate the opportunity to be associated with a competency & credentialing institute for the certification of perioperative nurses. I enjoy the teaching and learning process and the application of evidence-based practice. I am honored to be surrounded by a group of volunteers who are dedicated to lifelong learning in the surgical profession.” - Kuoyu, Volunteer

“I would not be where I am, in my professional development, without the staff and their assistance at CCI. The staff at CCI encourages success and helps you to elevate your knowledge and professionalism which, in turn, allows you to give the best care to the patient. Thank you!”     - Caroline, BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA

"CCI isn't just about certifications. They genuinely care about helping individuals reach their full potential. The resources and support they offer have been invaluable in my career journey."          - Anonymous

“One thing I love about CCI is that we foster compassion throughout the company! CCI is so much more than a certification body, but rather an organization that helps every one of its constituents develop and pursue their career aspirations and professional development goals.”     - Hana, Employee

“I have a profound appreciation for the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) due to its steadfast dedication to excellence in perioperative nursing. The CNOR certification from CCI has been crucial to my professional growth, embodying the highest standards of knowledge and practice in the field. This certification ensures that perioperative nurses like myself are fully prepared to deliver exceptional patient care. Earning the CNOR has not only affirmed my skills and expertise but also driven my commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. My passion for perioperative nursing certifications arises from the confidence and competence they impart, allowing me to significantly contribute to my surgical team and enhance patient outcomes.” - Jimmy, Volunteer

“CNOR certification with CCI validates my skills and competency as a peri-operative nurse while giving me the confidence to put my knowledge into successful practice.”                                         - Jana, Certification Coach

"While CCI is a leading certification body, it's so much more. They foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.” - Anonymous

“I have been blessed to work at CCI for eleven years. The one thing I loved then and still do is the fact that my primary job is to help educate nurses about the best standards of practice to take care of their patients. After working in the operating room for over 30 years, promoting safe patient care while at the same time partnering with our community on their journey to continuous professional development is like a dream job! As the director of education and professional development, I am responsible for supporting the entire education team in developing content to support the mission and vision of CCI and the entire perioperative community.” - Dawn, Director of Education and Professional Development

“CCI advocates for the recognition of perioperative nursing excellence through certification by acknowledging and validating clinical nursing knowledge. As a strong supporter of nurses and patient safety, I love that CCI's innovative leadership continues to pave the way for increased opportunities to recognize and engage perioperative nurses in professional development.”           - Charlie, Volunteer

“I love that we prioritize education, credentialing, and ongoing professional growth, which makes a real impact on the quality of patient care. Being part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven work keeps me inspired every day. CCI truly invests in its employees, supporting both our professional development and well-being.”                                    - Melissa, Director of Marketing & Business Development

"CCI is making a real difference in the industry by promoting high standards and ethical practices. It's great to be part of an organization that's committed to making a positive impact."  - Anonymous

“I believe in lifelong learning and found that certification was a gateway to improving my knowledge and showing expertise in perioperative nursing. Being passionate about learning and certification, I began volunteering to work for CCI. Volunteering has increased my knowledge of perioperative nursing and given me a new perspective on how the exam is developed. Contributing my time and knowledge to working with a group with a defined aim is rewarding. I find satisfaction in being a part of a diverse, extremely knowledgeable group of perioperative nurses; my outcome from volunteering is improved knowledge of my chosen career. Volunteering for CCI is rewarding and worth giving my time to an organization that identifies ways to improve knowledge of perioperative nursing through testing. I cannot say enough good things about CCI.” - Beverly, Volunteer

“One of the many things I truly appreciate about CCI is their commitment to growth—not just for our certificants, but for our staff as well. It’s inspiring to be part of an organization that values development at every level!” - Mai-Linh,  Director of Organizational Systems

“I was recently given the opportunity to volunteer for a job task analysis group for the CNOR exam. I love that CCI gathered a group of professionals with a wide range of experience and knowledge. Our two-day meeting was interactive, informative & an excellent example of what team collaboration should be like. The time and attention that CCI spends on ensuring that relevant knowledge is assessed on their exams is top notch.” - Jami, Volunteer

"CCI offers a wide range of training programs and certifications that have significantly enhanced my skills and knowledge. I'm grateful for the opportunities to continually learn and grow."             - Anonymous

“I love how much CCI cares about perioperative nurses and the future of nursing. The CCI team is always thinking of new ways to support our nurses in their pursuit of delivering the best patient care and achieving their professional goals. It is a privilege to work alongside driven and dedicated professionals each day!” - Taylor, Digital Marketing Manager

“CCI has significantly contributed to my professional development as a perioperative nurse and educator by offering opportunities for active involvement in the CNOR Test Development Committee and the Exam Review Committee. Through my volunteer work within these committees, I have gained valuable insights into the development and assessment processes for the CNOR exam, which has deepened my understanding of perioperative standards and best practices. This experience has not only enhanced my expertise but also allowed me to contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession as a whole. My participation in these committees has been instrumental in my growth and has provided me with a unique perspective on the field.” - Louie, Volunteer

Thank You For Your Support

We are excited for the years to come and are looking forward to continuously innovating perioperative certifications and professional development programs to help perioperative nurses everywhere on their journey of lifelong learning. CCI would not be where we are or who we are today without to support of all of our stakeholders and partners. We're incredibly thankful for our amazing community and can't wait to unveil the exciting things we have planned for you.