NursingLink

I took the CNOR exam in 1982, so none of the books if I still had them would help you at all.  I understand, from several RN's who have taken the test in the past few  years, it still focuses heavily on anesthesia meds, reactions, usage etc as well as duties assisting the anesthesiologist.  Know your hypothermia stuff too..  The rest is common sense.

I have the AORN Standards, Recommended Practices & Guidelines from 2001 (when I started working in the OR).  I have Alexander (11th edition) but its up to the 13th addition now.  I do have the CNOR exam study Guide and Practice Resource book from 2007.  I'm just wonder how much has changed on the exam.  I did get the brand new edition of the Berry & Kohn's Operating Room Technique.  I used that for me CEU for license renewal this year.  Andersons writes an exam covering the entire book that helps you study.

I did research at work regarding education and benfits.  UC Davis will reimburse me for the certification exam & the study materials.  Once I'm certified they give you a $1000/yr bonus to maintain your certification.  We also have a big library at work that carries all the books.  So I guess it won't be too hard.

CCI also has the 20 week study timeline letting you know what materials to study with and what chapters to focus on.  I don't think it should be too difficult.

The offer is still open, if any one wants to study either in person or hold discussions online.  Actually an online study group would be kind of fun.  We'd get to talk to other nurses from around the country taking the exam. 

Kaiser, and it's in the nursing contract pays you more than $5/hr for a CNOR.  UC Davis fools everyone with a $1000/yr bonus, which comes to 50cents an hour, if you work full time at 80/per pay.  However, CNOR is a good thing to have, especially if you can get to the annual congress.

Certified Nurse Operating Room.  same thing as if you become certified in case management.  You must be a member of AORN, you recertify every 5 years, must have so many CEU's within those five years, pertaining only to the OR. and AORN must approve those CEU's.   Depends on the institution where you work, often it's a measly $1.00/hr, sometimes more.  The cnor test was far more difficult to me than the state boards.  I studied for six months before I took the certification test.  You must be an OR nurse for five years before you can even take the test. This may have changed.

The perks, going to congress every year, in a different city for a week. Often the hospital will pay for trip.  You can get your CEU's free, going to different seminars during this week.  You get to see all the neat cool stuff available, get tons of samples and goodies, not to mention socializing with OR nurses all over the country.  Free dinners, lunches, it's just a great experience.

http://www.cc-institute.org/cert.aspx

Employers who require you to become a CNOR might pay the fees, but I've never worked anywhere where  they have.  You do get a higher pay rate, depending on where you work. 

Things may have changed with the exam Starlight, I took it in 1982.  So many things have changed in the OR since I first started, it's almost not the same place to work.

Congrats to you. Maybe one day I can do that.

OR Nurse Angie ~

Congratulations on achieving your CNOR!! I am very proud to have mine, and know what a relief it is to have that test behind you!  Starlight, I'm sure you can do it, as well.  :)

Good job!