By Melissa McKewen
In the constantly changing landscape of health care, it is crucial to acknowledge and cultivate excellence in nursing. The Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) is dedicated to this aim through its prestigious award programs: CNOR Strong and TrueNorth. These programs go beyond mere recognition; they are designed to promote a culture of innovation, continuing education, and excellence in the perioperative nursing profession through certification.
Studies have shown that nurses who have obtained the CNOR credential are more confident in their clinical practice. They have validated their specialized knowledge in perioperative nursing and placed a higher value on a culture of safety (Wright, et. al., 2021). A team of CNOR-certified nurses who have mastered the standards of perioperative practice, fostered a culture of professionalism, and demonstrated improved outcomes in surgical patients (Boyle, et. al., 2014) are what we refer to as CNOR Strong at CCI.
The CNOR Strong program highlights the facilities and health systems where at least 50 percent of eligible perioperative nursing staff are CNOR-certified but also consistently recognizes and rewards nurses who become CNOR-certified or maintain their certification. This initiative began in 2016 and celebrates the dedication, expertise, and commitment to delivering top-notch patient care. Those interested in becoming a CNOR Strong awardee should continue to promote certification and advocate with leadership to support nurses interested in becoming certified to help attain the fifty percent certification requirement.
CNOR Strong is not only an award; it is a recognition of the exacting standards that these nurses and facilities uphold every day, ensuring the safety and well-being of their patients throughout the perioperative journey. An average of 150 recognitions are granted during each award cycle.
CCI’s TrueNorth Award, which was launched in 2013, celebrates facilities that prioritize certification as a guiding principle for their perioperative nurses. Strong leadership and organizational support for certification are often crucial in a nurse’s decision to obtain and maintain certifications (Wright, et. al., 2024) and are essential factors for recipients of this award. TrueNorth awardees and nominated facilities set outstanding standards of excellence in perioperative certification, emphasizing the significance of continuous learning, proficient practice, and promoting excellence and patient safety. Every year, the TrueNorth award is given to a single winner who receives funding for a celebratory reception, an award presentation by CCI leadership, and access to professional development activities at no cost.
To be eligible for this award, facilities must submit a comprehensive application that outlines how they acknowledge and incentivize certified nurses. The application must also provide proof of the positive impact certification has on patient outcomes and staff performance. We highly recommend that applicants take the time to prepare their information in advance before transferring it into the application. This not only allows for a thorough review of spelling, grammar, and word count, but also ensures that applicants can easily organize and adjust their information as needed. Additionally, utilizing bullet points can make the information more streamlined and easier to understand. Taking these small steps can make a substantial difference in the success of your application.
CNOR Strong and TrueNorth are programs that aim to empower nurses and acknowledge their contribution to the health care landscape. These programs inspire nurses to push the boundaries of their practice, driving innovation and improvement in patient care.
Each of these programs accepts nominations yearly, and self-nomination of a facility or system is encouraged. The application period for CNOR Strong opens on November 1 and closes on December 31. TrueNorth nominations are accepted beginning October 1, with the window closing on November 30.
Innovation is crucial to healthcare, and CNOR Strong and TrueNorth fosters a culture of innovation within the perioperative nursing profession. Award recipients often represent the forefront of innovative ideas and practices, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field. By recognizing and celebrating their achievements, CCI aims to boost nurses’ morale and confidence while encouraging them to embrace innovation in their own practice, ultimately benefiting patients and sharing their learnings with colleagues.
The impact of CNOR Strong and TrueNorth extends far beyond individual recognition for facilities or health systems. These programs have a ripple effect throughout the nursing community, inspiring others to aim for excellence. By showcasing the exemplary work of certificants, CCI not only honors their achievements but also sets a high standard for the profession, driving continuous improvement and raising the bar for patient care everywhere.
References
- Wright, M. I., Polivka, B., PhD., R.N., F.A.A.N., & Abusalem, S., PhD., R.N. (2021). An examination of factors that predict the perioperative culture of safety: The official voice of perioperative nursing. AORN Journal, 113(5), 465-475. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.13373
- Boyle, D.K., Cramer, E., Potter, C., Gatua, M.W. and Stobinski, J.X. (2014), The Relationship Between Direct-Care RN Specialty Certification and Surgical Patient Outcomes. AORN Journal, 100: 511-528. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2014.04.018
- Wright, M.I., Sha, S., Hall, L.A. and Hessler, B. (2024), Factors in the Perioperative Nurses’ Work Environment That Predict Work Engagement. AORN J, 119: e1-e12. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.14095
