CCI Blog

After six years, James X. Stobinski, Ph.D., RN, CNOR, CNAMB, CSSM(E), CEO of the Competency and Credentialing Institute, announced his retirement, anticipated on February 23, 2023. Stobinski started with CCI in September 2011. Under his leadership, CCI added three credentials, seven microcredentials, and two Certificate of Mastery programs, and received accreditation for four of the six CCI credentials, all with the primary goal of ensuring competency in the perioperative nursing community.

We had the opportunity to sit down and interview Jim to reflect on his time spent with CCI. He provided insight on what he will miss most about employment and how he plans to spend his retirement. 

The Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM) credential is one of a kind. CSSM is a perioperative management credential designed for perioperative managers, directors, and nurses who oversee personnel, a budget, a business unit, or a service line. Earning the CSSM is a mark of distinction and recognizes the significant role managers play in delivering safe patient care. If you’re in a perioperative management role, then the CSSM certification may be right for you!

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.