Essentials of CNOR ® Certification for RNFAs 2011 Make sure you join the teleconference: Access Code: #

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 If you need additional information or support, please call us at

PRESENTERS Jim Stobinski PhD, RN, CNOR Director of Credentialing and Education Julie Mower, MSN, RN, CNS, CNOR Education and Credentialing Project Manager 3

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. 4

VALUE OF CERTIFICATION BENEFITS: YOUR EMPLOYER THE PERIOPERATIVE TEAM YOUR PATIENT YOU 5

RNFA PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Acceptable programs are found on our website at 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 6

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: _Statements.aspx#axzz2HbwbQpR9 _Statements.aspx#axzz2HbwbQpR9 Reference: AORN. (2012). AORN Position Statement on RN First Assistants. AORN Journal, 96(6),

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. 8

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO EARN THE CNOR CREDENTIAL The Exam 9

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 10

CNOR EXAM CONTENT 11 The Candidate Handbook is found at The estimated Subject Area breakdown on the CNOR exam is as follows: Subject Area % of Questions 1. Preoperative Patient Assessment and Diagnosis14% 2. Develop Individualized Plan of Care 9% 3. Intraoperative Activities31% 4. Communications 9% 5. Transfer of Care 5% 6. Cleaning, Disinfecting, Packaging and Sterilization12% 7. Emergency Situations8% 8. Management of Personnel Services and Materials 6% 9. Professional Accountability6% Total100% 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. 12

FEES AND DEADLINES 2013 Fees Regular fee $385 AORN fee$310 Deadlines - complete online application and payment at CCI has monthly deadlines with 3 month testing windows. 13 If you apply in...You can test in... JanuaryFebruary, March, or April FebruaryMarch, April, or May MarchApril, May, or June

HOW SHOULD I STUDY? CCI offers many complimentary study tools and resources. Visit our website at 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 14

EXAM PREPARATION REFERENCE BOOKS Current edition of AORN Standards and Recommended Practices “Big 3” reference books 1.Phillips, N. (2013). Berry and Kohn’s Operating room technique (12 th 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 (14 th ed.). St. Louis, MO. Elsevier. * Available as an e-book only 15

OPTIONAL REFERENCES Pathophysiology textbook Medical dictionary Lab/ diagnostic test reference manual Drug reference-check hospital formulary or Epocrates at AORN Journal AAMI standards Websites The Joint Commission at CDC at 16

CCI PRODUCTS CNOR Exam Study Guide CD-ROM with 100 practice questions Flashcards with 200 practice questions CNOR Exam Study Bundles Apps 17

OTHER RESOURCES School textbooks Classmates/instructors AORN at RNFA position statement Webinars AORN Journal 18

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 19

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. 20

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 or 2011