3 Actions to Prepare for Recertification Changes

When are you due to recertify your CNOR certification?

Taking the time now to confirm this date will save you a major headache down the road, suggests James Stobinski, PhD, RN, CNOR, CSSM (E).  chief executive officer of Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI).

This is because the nursing accreditation standards set forth by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which CCI is required to follow, are gradually changing to strengthen certification programs toward a higher professional standard that is more consistent with other health care professions, Stobinski explains.

He says these new standards will incorporate a more multi-modal approach with a variety of activities to best capture individual competency. “As the most trusted profession in America, nurses enjoy a very unique position of public trust and we must continue to advance our professional development system in a way to meet current and future care demands.”

Be Prepared Now

No changes will begin to impact CNOR recertification until 2021 at the earliest, and Stobinski says the changes will be introduced in a phased approach to support easy adoption.

CE will still be a part of the new system, but this phased approach will begin to include new structured learning activities, which CCI will facilitate for recertification at no charge.

These completed structured learning activities will earn nurses points toward their recertification. CCI is now in the process of shaping these learning activities though an online learning management system to comply with accreditation standards.

While the inclusion of these new recertification learning activities won’t take effect until 2021, Stobinski says there are three actions every CNOR-certified nurse should be taking now to be ready:

1. Have a Solid Process for Documenting Earned CE Credits

   Whether you are recertifying before or after changes are implemented, a focus on excellent record keeping for all earned continuing education (CE) credits is needed, Stobinski says, noting that an organized process for tracking CE credits includes clear documentation with CE earned through an accredited CE provider. “CE will continue to be a part of the new professional development system but it will not be the sole method for earning points.”

   For perioperative nurses who have earned their CNOR through CCI, this record keeping is automatically maintained, provided that CNOR-credentialed nurses log in to their CCI account so that registered CE can be updated. For CE credits earned through AORN, the certificant may upload these CE to their CCI account and they will not need to re-enter the information.



2. Know Your Recertification Date

   Timing for transition to the new recertification requirements will not take effect mid-certification cycle. This means all CNOR-certified nurses are on track to continue with their current certification process using the CE method until their current recertification cycle expires. Those who recertify their CNOR credential before 2021 may use the recertification method of their choosing until their next recertification. These nurses cannot access the new learning management system until their next recertification.



3. Stay Informed

   This gradual transition to changes for recertification will be marked by frequent communication with nurses to ensure they are well informed for a seamless transition to the new approach, Stobinski says. “No one should be surprised if they stay well-informed with CCI and stay professionally engaged in ongoing development.”

   He says CCI is now planning webinars and other communications to explain recertification changes that will be sent via email and posted on the CCI website as they launch.

   “We want to take the hardship out of converting to the new system,” Stobinski acknowledges. “While this change is unavoidable for all of us, it will ultimately have a positive impact to support perioperative nurses in maintaining their knowledge and competency as leaders in health care.”

FREE RESOURCES FOR MEMBERS

Ensure you are getting the CNE you need to maintain your licensure with more than 200+ free CNE contact hours, available through AORN Journal CNE articles, AORN webinars, discounted events, and more.