Operating room nurses play an important role in the healthcare system assisting the surgeons and ensuring patients safety during surgical procedures. If you are thinking of becoming a Certified Operating Room Nurse, then you are in the right place. Here in this blog, we will guide you on how to obtain Operating Room (OR) nurse certification.
What is an operating room nurse?
Operating room nurses are also known as surgical nurses or perioperative nurses. Their duty is to provide care for the patients before, during and after surgery. Their role is to monitor vital signs, assist surgeons, make sure that the environment is clean, and instruments are sterilized for the procedure and much more.
What is Operating Room Nurse Certification (CNOR)?
The word CNOR stands for Certified Nurses, Operating Room. It is the certification that is given to nurses who have specialized knowledge and skills in surgical nursing or perioperative nursing. This certification is awarded to the nurses by Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI).
Why is it important to get certified?
If you want to stand out in your career and want to become best at what you do, getting certified is the first thing to consider. Certifications will polish your skills, make you more knowledgeable and will help you noticed fast by the employers. If you are certified it can help you with the following:
- Professional recognition
- Career advancement and high salary
- Personal satisfaction
- Provide improved patient care
How to know you are eligible for CNOR certification (Operating Room Certification)
The requirements of CNOR certification or operating room nurse certification are:
- You must have an active RN license.
- At least 2 years of experience in the operating room.
- You are currently employed in the same field of perioperative practice to show your commitment.
How to get your CNOR certification?
To get the OR nurse certification you must make sure that you are eligible for the certification. After that you should follow the following steps:
- Sign up by completing an application form online. Which is available on CCI website. Once you are approved you can select the date, time, and center for your exam.
- Study and prep for the exam using resources.
- Take the exam: The CNOR exam consists of 200 MCQs and time given to complete the test is 3 hours 45 minutes.
Additional Certifications
CNOR certification is one of the most relevant certifications you can go for if you want to pursue your career as a perioperative nurse, but some the other available certifications are as follows:
- CRNFA (The Certified RN First Assistant)
- CSSM (Certified Surgical Services Manager)
- CNS-CP (The Clinical Nurse Specialist Perioperative Certification)
Preparation tips for getting your OR Nurse Certifications
To pass your exams you need to prepare in advance.
- Review courses and invest in CNOR study guides.
- Group study is another great way to prepare for exams.
- Take practice exams to improve yourself.
For how long is CNOR certification valid?
The CNOR certification is valid for 5 years after that you must renew it.to renew you have to complete continuing educational courses.
What are the advantages of OR nursing certification?
Some of the advantages and benefits of the OR nurse certification are as follows:
- Professional development
- Increased job opportunities
- Leadership role opportunities
- Greater job security
- Increased confidence
What are the career opportunities after you get your operating room nurse certification?
After getting your perioperative nurse certification you can access a wide range of career opportunities according to your needs and interests. Some of the career opportunities you can go for are:
- Perioperative nurse educator
- Nurse managers or director
- Clinical research nurse
- Surgical nurse specialist
Conclusion
Operating room nurse certification is an important credential that can help you in professional recognition and career advancement. In this blog we have decided the requirements for getting OR RN nurse certification and how to prepare for the exams. It is important to know that the CNOR (certified nurse operating room) certification is valid for 5 years and then you must renew it. there for it is important to invest your time and effort to get the OR nursing certification which will help you both personally and professionally.
If you are a travel nurse or want to become a travel nurse, then join SkillGigs now. You can also download our app and become part of our Skillgigs world. Happy travel nursing!
