CNOR cert; ACLS/PALS cert

[ChristineAdrianaRN, BSN, RN]

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. 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!

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

Nothing you do to further yourself is useless. At the very least, having ACLS and CNOR will make you more marketable- I have seen many job listings for OR nurses lately that state "CNOR preferred".

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

It sounds to me like this facility is more interested in keeping you as an employee than developing you as a professional. Get your CNOR, get ACLS and PALS. Anything you learn will help you and provide better care for your patient. It's a poor excuse (to my mind) to suggest that someone else is responsible in an emergency. You are part of a team, the more you know the more you can help the team and your patient in a crisis. Don't let these people tell you any different.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

You're so right. Even in my OR, there are some that thought it was silly for me to get my CNOR and they don't get why I want to get my BSN. I've never been someone who likes to stay stagnant- I like learning new things and challenging myself.

[ChristineAdrianaRN, BSN, RN]

Exactly this. When I said that I wanted to be PALS certified and the response was, "Oh you don't need to know that, anesthesia runs the codes" it just seemed so odd to me. Why WOULDN'T you want your nurses to be the best, most knowledgeable, and safest caregivers for your patients? I know this is something I want to pursue, it's just tough when you don't have your department to back you at all. Thanks for the responses.

[ChristineAdrianaRN, BSN, RN]

I guess I should also generally ask:

Did your workplace pay for AORN membership? CNOR certification? ACLS/PALS?

My workplace doesn't pay for any of it, but I was curious whether this was standard.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

I will get reimbursed for most of the testing fee for the CNOR exam. My ACLS was free through the hospital, but I had topay $35 for the book. As far as a raise for having my CNOR, I don't think I'll get one. But, I'm still glad I have it.

[CIRQL8]

I have my CNOR. The hospital did not pay for any of the testing or books, but the certification counts as points on my professional career ladder. That is a program that provides an annual bonus depending on one's education, length of employment, years as a nurse, specialized duties, certifications, continuing education, etc. Also, I feel good having it. It is professionally satisfying. Also took an ACLS class. I had education days to burn and the class was provided by the hospital. I have since let it lapse. I haven't had the time to attend a recertification.

[Esh570]

I got my CNOR, ACLS, PALS and NRP. Never got reimbursed for CNOR, but ACLS, PALS, and NRP were pretty much covered by our facility. It definately helps you to keep some of your nursing skills.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

Exactly this. When I said that I wanted to be PALS certified and the response was, "Oh you don't need to know that, anesthesia runs the codes" it just seemed so odd to me. Why WOULDN'T you want your nurses to be the best, most knowledgeable, and safest caregivers for your patients? I know this is something I want to pursue, it's just tough when you don't have your department to back you at all. Thanks for the responses.

Sadly some NM are threatened by staff that want to further themselves or actually think.

[ChristineAdrianaRN, BSN, RN]

Sadly some NM are threatened by staff that want to further themselves or actually think.

How right you are. The longer I am at this facility, the more and more I am seeing that. =(

[msancheeze, BSN]

I guess I should also generally ask:

Did your workplace pay for AORN membership? CNOR certification? ACLS/PALS?

My workplace doesn't pay for any of it, but I was curious whether this was standard.

My workplace does not pay for AORN membership but does encourage membership. They do offer reimbursement for the CNOR certification exam and pay in full for ACLS/PALS courses in addition to paying us our base wage for class time. I have met a mixed audience in my pursuit of continued education - "why would you want to do that, we don't need it here..." but like many others have posted, keeping your skills fresh, your brain sharp, and your skill base diverse never hurts, especially when the job hunt begins!