[dster]

This is my first post...ever...I have worked in cardiac surgery for almost 4 years (trained OTJ) and have not worked in general surgery. Last week I took the CNOR exam and did not pass. I studied for almost a year, and thought that I was prepared. I'm so bummed; not only about the $250 I'm out, but also the time/energy/not to mention my ego is now bruised. Any advice from veterans?

[brewerpaul]

Sorry, I'm not a veteran but only a newbie with 6 months OR experience. I've lived long enough to give you this advice though-- keep at it! If CNOR is worth it to you, try again, and try again if necessary. Try to find out where you fell short if at all possible.
Down the road, the pride and personal satisfaction that you get from finally passing will eclipse the $250 you "wasted". In fact, don't think of it as waste: think of it as practice!
If the CNOR exam is anything like the NCLEX, I'd also say to take as many practice questions as you possibly can. Knowing how to answer the questions is as important as the actual factual knowledge.

[Calvin80014]

We at CCI saw your email and want to encourage you to try testing again. You will be receiving further information from us including a special application to reapply at a reduced fee. CCI also provides a report for those that have not succeeded in taking the CNOR exam. The report will break down the nine domains and let you know whether you were above, at, or below competency level in each area. This will prove of great assistance in helping you to know which areas to concentrate your studies. Please feel free to contact us with any questions at 888-257-2667 or info@cc-institute.org .

[ebear]

dster, I'm so sorry. Don't kick yourself over this. Grab an AORN Standards book and study it over and over. You'll be fine in time--I promise! Just press on! Try to focus on sterilization issues, local med reactions and physiologic responses of patient positioning.

ebear

[shodobe]

I have had my CNOR for 15 years and I renew this year again. I didn't take my exam until I had been in the OR for 15 years and FAILED! By 1 point! I took it again and passed with flying colors. The CNOR test is very hard and difficult and I know several veteran OR nurses that failed it the first time, so don't worry about it and take it again. The second time will be easier. Also, don't worry about your $250 loss, you get to pay that every 5 years when you renew, isn't that nice! Good luck

[mcmike55]

Hang in there dstr, the CNOR is worth it!
From what you said, studying for a year, it sounds like you already feel it's worth it, so I say, keep at it.
The first time I took mine, I was afraid that I would be so lacking in heart and neuro (my hospital doesn't do 'em) that I would fail. Long story short, I still had enough scores to make up the difference.
Sorry for my lack of info, but do you get a report on your scores? This could give you an idea to work on if your scores were low in a certain area.
Talk with others that have been thru it, study guides from the CNOR people and AORN may help.
Just a thought,,,,,you said you studied for about a year.
Maybe you over prepared???
Treat the whole thing as a learning experience.
Keep at it, good luck. Let us know how you are doing.

Mike