CNOR Exam

chartleypj · Mar 8, 2004

I took the CNOR several years ago (with 17 years OR experience). I took a CNOR review course offered by a few members of my local chapter of AORN. Learning the art of taking tests especially after being out of school for 18 years was beneficial.

I learned there was something of the answer in the question itself; for example, a question about positioning would yield an answer about positioning. Does that make sense? I also learned that there were probably 2 good answers, but 1 was the best. If you have a good perioperative foundation and adhere to AORN recommended practices, you should do fine.

Good luck,

Paula

shodobe · Mar 9, 2004

I have been asked time and time again what to study for when taking the CNOR test. I think chartleypj has the best answer, study both your CNOR study guide and also really brush up on your AORN standards. I took mine over ten years ago after being in the OR for over ten years. I don't remember having any resource book except the AORN standards to study. I know there are some good study guides out there. It is a tough test and if you know your "stuff" then you will have no problem. The one advice I can give you is, don't stress out, just relax. I was wondering if your job was requiring it to keep working. I know there have been places I have gone for interviews that didn't require it but looked at it in a positive manner. Good luck and let us know if you need any help on this. Mike

pamluke · Mar 14, 2004

I also recently registered to take the CNOR exam. It is definately frustating to know where to begin studying. I have been told by numerous nurses to consentrate on you AORN standards. Also to purchase the CD-rom offered trough AORN. If you recieve any good pointers, please pass them along.

Thanks

:imbar

spineCNOR · Mar 24, 2004

Yes, focus on the AORN standards, more than anything else. When I took the exam years ago, there were several very specific questions on positioning--be sure you are very familiar with that. Some questions about pressure points referred to specific anatomy--"lateral malleoli", rather than "ankle", and "external auricle" rather than "ear".

There were also several specific questions on sterilization (and not just flash cycles)--what temp for how long, etc.

If you know your standards, positioning & sterilization concepts you should pass the exam --good luck!

TroyCookRN · Apr 30, 2009

I am preparing to take the CNOR in 6 days. I ordered the Standards book, the study guide and the CD-ROM with additional practice test questions. I was disappointed with the CD. There were only 100 questions. I paid $44.95 through the AORN website. The edition was 2008 and of course I got the 2009 standards book, so none of the references for the questions matched the newer edition. I recommend just sticking with the study guide.

Good luck to you all,

Troy

$fracturenurse$ · Apr 30, 2009

I took the CNOR in 2003. Know your standards and you will be fine. One thing that sticks out in my mind was questions on sterilization, know everything there is to know about temperatures, time, etc.

You will all do fine. Good luck!

nursinadream · May 4, 2009

I took the exam in October. It is important to have the current standards book from AORN. The OP mentioned a book from 2004. Many standards have been upgraded, and those are the hot topics and will be on the exam. If you have an AORN membership do a free course on the site called PNDS. This has a lot of language in it that will be on the exam R/T the nursing process, management and administration, etc. Yup, that was on the test. Sterilization was huge. From time, temp, cleaning fluids, storage, blue wrappers and handling. As others have said, positioning was also a big area of the test.

OP, Omni, you said you need to pass the test. If your employer is asking this of you, then you should be provided with updated study materials.

Good luck,

Deb

Editorial Team / Admin · May 4, 2009

Just wanted to point out- OP started this thread in 2004, so he or she did have the current standards book.

Also wanted to see if anyone has an opinion about AORN's online course for CNOR prep. It's great that they offer the money back if you don't pass, but it seems like a lot of money to shell out. Anyone here take it?