CCI

As spring begins, familiar phrases such as “April showers bring May flowers,” “Don’t forget to smell the roses,” and “Breathe big” remind us of an often-overlooked aspect of patient care – complementary and holistic care. Nursing plays a crucial role in implementing evidence-based practices to enhance the health and well-being of individuals (ANA, 2025).

The public is exposed to the nursing profession through personal interaction but also through the representation of nursing through professional organizations. Professional nursing organizations (PNO) are key to representing the specialized knowledge, ethics, and values that are foundational to the profession (Castaños, & Bowden, 2024).

Every year, millions of Americans volunteer across the globe, driving positive change within the communities they serve. The perioperative community is no exception, with volunteerism impacting various sectors, including nonprofit organizations. Celebrating volunteerism is an opportunity to honor the countless selfless individuals who contribute to society through their generosity and commitment of time.

As 2025 begins, all of us at the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) want to extend our gratitude to everyone who connected with us at conferences throughout the year. Meeting the perioperative community face-to-face gave us invaluable opportunities to share insights, address key questions, and engage in meaningful conversations. In this column, we’re excited to provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, making these insights available to our entire community.

As 2025 approaches, it’s hard to believe how much we’ve accomplished this past year at CCI. We’re closing out 2024 – our 45th anniversary year – with a sense of pride, gratitude and excitement for the future. This year has been one of growth, innovation and enhanced connections with our certificants.

At the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI), we understand the critical importance of certification in perioperative nursing. Certification not only validates a nurse’s specialized knowledge and expertise but also contributes to improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, and enhanced job satisfaction.