Essentials of CNOR® Certification

for RNFAs

2011

Make sure you join the teleconference: 866-740-1260

Access Code: 368-6729#

HOUSEKEEPING DETAILS

• Submit questions via the Chat feature • Questions will be answered at the end of the

webinar as time permits• Unanswered questions will be addressed in a

post-webinar email • If you need additional information or support,

please call us at 888-257-2667

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PRESENTERS

Jim Stobinski PhD, RN, CNORDirector of Credentialing and Education

Julie Mower, MSN, RN, CNS, CNOREducation and Credentialing Project Manager

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OBJECTIVES

1. Review eligibility requirements for CNOR certification.

2. Identify components of the CNOR exam.

3. Discuss available exam prep aids.

4. Recognize the unique needs of the RNFA preparing for the exam.

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VALUE OF CERTIFICATION

• BENEFITS:• YOUR EMPLOYER• THE PERIOPERATIVE TEAM• YOUR PATIENT• YOU

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RNFA PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Acceptable programs are found on our website at www.cc-institute.org

• These programs require:• Students to be CNOR or CNOR eligible• CNOR must be attained prior to awarding of certificate

of completion • CNOR is prereq for sitting for CRNFA certification

exam (exception is APRN)

• 1998 is an important year

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AORN POSITION STATEMENT FOR RNFA’s

• Supports eligibility criteria for CRNFA exam.• Primary changes from previous position statement:

• Effective Jan. 1, 2020, must have bachelor’s degree prior to entry into RNFA program.

• Must have CNOR in order to practice as RNFA.

This document may be found at: http://www.aorn.org/Clinical_Practice/Position_Statements/Position_Statements.aspx#axzz2HbwbQpR9

Reference: AORN. (2012). AORN Position Statement on RN First Assistants. AORN Journal, 96(6), 578-581.

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR CNOR

• Have a current unrestricted RN license.• Be currently working full-time or part-time in

perioperative nursing in the area of nursing education, administration, research or clinical practice.

• Have completed a minimum of 2 years and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing, with a minimum of 50% (1,200 hours) in the intraoperative setting.

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THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO EARN THE CNOR CREDENTIAL

The Exam

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CNOR EXAM

• 200 multiple choice questions• 3 hours and 45 minutes• Tests ability to apply knowledge to perioperative

practice setting• Questions are developed by pool of CNOR nurses• Administered by Prometric• May be taken Monday – Saturday, except holidays

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CNOR EXAM CONTENT

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• The Candidate Handbook is found at http://www.cc-institute.org/cnor/prepare/handbook-plan

• The estimated Subject Area breakdown on the CNOR exam is as follows:

Subject Area% of

Questions

1. Preoperative Patient Assessment and Diagnosis 14%

2. Develop Individualized Plan of Care 9%

3. Intraoperative Activities 31%

4. Communications 9%

5. Transfer of Care 5%

6. Cleaning, Disinfecting, Packaging and Sterilization 12%

7. Emergency Situations 8%

8. Management of Personnel Services and Materials 6%

9. Professional Accountability 6%

Total 100%

Information is subject to change without prior notice.

TAKE-AWAYS

• Exam questions are based on knowledge/skill set of an RN with two years of perioperative experience.

• CNOR exam covers:• Both circulating and scrub roles• Variety of specialties• Exam is based not necessarily on what you do, but on what your patient needs.

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FEES AND DEADLINES

2013 Fees• Regular fee $385• AORN fee $310

Deadlines - complete online application and payment at www.cc-institute.org. CCI has monthly deadlines with 3 month testing windows.

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If you apply in... You can test in...

January February, March, or April

February March, April, or May

March April, May, or June

HOW SHOULD I STUDY?

CCI offers many complimentary study tools and resources. Visit our website at www.cc-institute.org. • Candidate Handbook• Study plan• CNOR exam content outline• Learner/self assessment tools• Sample test questions• Facebook Perioperative Nursing Question of the Week• Information on upcoming Prep-for-cert courses

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EXAM PREPARATION REFERENCE BOOKS

• Current edition of AORN Standards and Recommended Practices

• “Big 3” reference books1. Phillips, N. (2013). Berry and Kohn’s Operating room

technique (12th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

2. *Phippen, M.L., Ulmer, B.C., & Wells, M.P. (2008). Competency for safe patient care during operative and invasive procedures. Denver, CO: CCI.

3. Rothrock, J.C. (2011). Alexander’s care of the patient in surgery (14th ed.). St. Louis, MO. Elsevier.

* Available as an e-book only

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OPTIONAL REFERENCES

• Pathophysiology textbook• Medical dictionary• Lab/ diagnostic test reference manual• Drug reference-check hospital formulary or Epocrates at

www.epocrates.com  • AORN Journal• AAMI standards• Websites

• The Joint Commission at www.jointcomission.org• CDC at www.cdc.gov

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CCI PRODUCTS https://store.cc-institute.org/

• CNOR Exam Study Guide• CD-ROM with 100 practice questions• Flashcards with 200 practice questions• CNOR Exam Study Bundles• Apps

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OTHER RESOURCES

• School textbooks• Classmates/instructors• AORN at www.aorn.org

• RNFA position statement• Webinars• AORN Journal

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THE BEST STUDY AID IS...

• Your work setting!• Broad experience in multiple specialties • Scrub and circulate• Other departments • Current practices vs. evidence-based literature• Peers • Other members of perioperative team

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EXAM PREPARATION WEBINARS

The following webinars are found on our website; they are also offered live quarterly. Check our website for dates.

• An Insider’s Look at the CNOR exam• February 13, 2013 at 7:00 PM EST

• Last Minute Tips for a Painless Testing Experience• February 20, 2013 at 7:00 PM EST

Each webinar provides an opportunity to ask questions of CCI staff at the end of the program.

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Questions?

2011

Please know that the CCI staff is here to help you achieve your goal of CNOR certification.

If you have questions, please contact us at 888-257-2667 or info@cc-institute.org

www.cc-institute.org 2011