CNOR cert; ACLS/PALS cert

Specialties Operating Room

Published

I'm interested in getting CNOR (I keep accidentally writing "SNOR":lol2:) certified eventually. I think I found a field I love, so it seems like a natural step. :D I was told I am eligible to certify after a year of working.

I asked if the department helped to offset the cost of the exam and the answer was no. I asked if there was a raise or any incentive involved and they said no. It doesn't deter me from wanting to get certified, but that seems a little odd to me. Is that normal?

Besides the personal satisfaction in getting certified, are there any practical benefits?

Also, I am interested in getting PALS certified, and I can take the class paid for by the hospital, but I have to take three days off unpaid. My educator discouraged me from getting this and said I'd be better off in getting PEARS certified (I had never heard of this, but Google tells me this is less advanced and focuses on prevention and early recognition of a kid going downhill). I still feel like PALS would be helpful, because even though anesthesia runs a code, I'd still participate, right? Is ACLS/PALS useless in the OR setting?

Thanks!

Most places will not pay for CNOR nor ACLS or PALS but you can always file those expenses when doing your taxes. Where there is a will there is always a way to advance yourself. Don't let anyone tell you something is unnecessary when it will better your career.

My employer requires BLS, PALS and ACLS. They pay for for the course and your time to take it also. I'm not sure if they pay for CNOR but I know as of now they don't pay extra if you have it.

Specializes in OR.

I found this same attitude with a previous employer but decided to trust my gut and get my ACLS and CNOR anyway. Several years later it added to the qualifications I could offer when applying for a job 1500 miles away. What does this kind of initiative show to a potential employer? What kind of person do you want on your OR team? Someone constantly open to improvement and learning or only doing just enough to get by? I was flown cross country and hired for an open heart surgery position despite having many years lapse since my last exposure to this specialty. I also received relocation reimbursement and live and work in the beautiful pacific NW. I'm sure my 21 years of OR experience was key but my certifications didn't hurt. I do not have a BSN however this is next on the list. I agree with everyone who's said that everything you do to improve yourself and your marketability is valuable. For me the personal satisfaction is also extremely important.

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