Perioperative Nurse Certification 2025
The program prepares nurses for the CNOR Certification 2025 exam, the only accredited certificate for perioperative nursing. It also helps RNs develop the skills necessary to work as part of the surgical team.
Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted RN license. CSUN courses combine lecture attendance and 225 hours of lab, simulation and supervised clinical experience.
Free Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse Practice Test Online
Perioperative Nurse Salary
A perioperative nurse is a specialist who works in the surgical department of a hospital. They work closely with surgeons and other medical staff to ensure that patients receive the best possible care during surgery and afterward.
This is a fast-paced environment, so nurses need to be able to think quickly and act decisively. They must also be able to keep calm in stressful situations and reassure patients and their families. Those who enjoy working in a team environment may find this type of nursing rewarding.
Nurses seeking to become a perioperative nurse must first obtain a registered nursing (RN) credential. They can do this by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or by completing a four-year associate’s degree in nursing and then taking a two-year top-up program to earn their BSN. Once they have a valid RN credential, they can begin looking for jobs in the surgical department. This will give them the opportunity to gather experience and prove their ability to work in the field. Once they have accumulated enough experience, they can take the CNOR certification exam.
What Is a Perioperative Nurse
Perioperative nurses work directly with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals to care for patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They also serve as patient liaisons, answering questions and addressing concerns about the procedure. This highly specialized nursing field requires a wide range of skills and emotional stamina to handle life-threatening situations and console anxious family members.
Those interested in pursuing a career as a perioperative nurse need a minimum of an associate’s degree in nursing, though a bachelor’s degree may be more competitive and lead to higher pay. After earning a nursing degree, prospective candidates should seek out jobs that will allow them to collaborate with perioperative nurses and surgeons to get a better understanding of the responsibilities of this specialty.
Perioperative nurses prepare the operating room for surgery by sterilizing equipment and ensuring that all necessary supplies are available. They also prepare patients for surgery by completing paperwork, educating them on what to expect, and reassuring them before the procedure begins. During surgery, they support doctors by delivering anesthesia, taking blood pressure, and monitoring post-op patients in the PACU.
Perioperative Nurse Jobs
Perioperative nurses work in many different medical facilities, including hospitals, outpatient centers and physician’s offices. Regardless of their employer, these nurses must have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing and complete state-specific licensing requirements.
The perioperative nurse job description involves working with patients of all ages in a high-stress environment. These professionals often work closely with surgeons and other members of the surgical team to ensure that all patients receive safe and effective care during the surgical process.
They prepare patients before surgery by completing paperwork, administering medication and setting up equipment. They also communicate with patients and their families to ease concerns about the procedure and answer questions. After surgery, they check patient vital signs, assess wounds and administer postoperative pain management.
Individuals pursuing a perioperative nurse career can pursue certification, such as the Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR). Hospitals will usually pay nurses who have this credential a higher hourly rate than those who do not. The AORN conducted a compensation survey that found that CNOR certified nurses earn an average of $1700 more a year than their peers who do not hold the credential.
Perioperative Nurse Residency Program
A recent survey by the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) revealed that nurses with CNOR certification earn $1700 more per year than their uncertified counterparts. That’s a significant amount of extra income that can be made without having to work overtime or pick up additional on-call shifts.
The perioperative nurse residency program helps new nurses develop the necessary skills for their specific roles and responsibilities in the operating room. Nurses who complete this program, which is offered through AUMC’s nursing department, are eligible for the RN OR Nurse Fellowship, a six-month internship in which they receive hands-on training and mentorship in the OR.
To be a certified perioperative nurse, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and obtain a license through your state’s nursing regulatory agency. Applicants must also have two years of full-time experience, which can be gained through job experience or by enrolling in a BSN or MSN program that offers perioperative nursing courses. The CNOR exam is a timed, computer-based test that contains 185 questions.
Perioperative Nurse Education Requirements
Those who want to pursue careers as perioperative nurses must obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). They must also gain clinical experience in a surgical setting. This may be done in hospitals, outpatient care centers, or physicians’ offices that perform surgical procedures.
RNs with an associate degree and current license to practice can complete the perioperative nurse enhanced skills certificate program at Dallas College, a fully accredited community college in Texas. The six-month noncredit program requires a minimum of 24 credits and includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on clinical work.
Once RNs have earned their degree, they can apply to take the CNOR certification exam through the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI). This test measures nurses’ knowledge of safety standards and practices in operating rooms. Those who are able to pass the exam receive CNOR certification, which must be renewed every five years by earning continuing education credits or by enrolling in a nursing school program that offers perioperative-specific courses.
Perioperative Nurse Responsibilities
Perioperative nurses provide care to patients before, during, and after surgery. They work closely with surgeons and other surgical health care professionals to ensure safe patient outcomes. These nurses must have strong critical thinking skills to deal with complex situations in a high-stress environment.
During the preoperative phase, the perioperative nurse helps patients prepare for surgery by answering questions, explaining the procedure, and addressing concerns. She also assesses the patient’s physical and emotional state. If necessary, she will obtain a medical history and perform a physical exam.
Once the patient is ready for surgery, the perioperative nurse will prepare surgical supplies and equipment. She may also assist the surgeon as needed. For example, if the surgeon is performing an eye operation, the RN will make sure that the cryotherapy cylinder has enough liquid nitrogen and that all viscoelastic options are available.
The perioperative nurse may also serve as the RN first assistant, preparing and handing tools to surgeons during operations. She may also perform procedures such as suturing and controlling bleeding. Other duties include directing patient care, handling sanitation concerns, and assisting with post-anesthesia recovery.
Perioperative Nurse Training
The perioperative nurse job is an exciting career path for nurses. These nurses are responsible for reassuring patients, supporting surgical teams and taking part in life-saving procedures. However, the work environment can be fast-paced and stressful. Therefore, prospective perioperative nurses need to have a full range of fundamental nursing skills and be able to perform in high-risk, demanding situations.
After earning a nursing degree, aspiring RNs should take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and earn a license through their state’s nursing regulatory body. Once they’ve secured a license, they can apply for jobs in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.
Delaware County Community College in Marple Township, Pennsylvania offers an eight-week perioperative nurse certificate program. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in a hospital operating room. The college uses a cohort system and follows AORN guidelines for its program. The school also offers a discounted tuition rate for anyone who already holds an RN license. This is a great option for nurses living in the greater Philadelphia area who want to advance their careers.
CCI CFPN
The Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN) credential from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) is a four-component certification that gives nurses an early career guide to perioperative nursing. The first component involves passing a knowledge-based test, while the second is a self-assessment of perioperative competencies. The third is a personality trait (soft skills) assessment, and the fourth requires nurses to reflect on their learning experiences.
After completing the four key components, nurses can take the CNOR and/or CNAMB exam earlier than those who do not earn CFPN. Health systems can also receive volume discounts for certifying nurses through the CFPN process.
To begin searching for perioperative nurse jobs, new nurses can check the “Careers” pages of hospitals and surgical centers that interest them, as well as the career center pages on professional nursing organizations’ websites. Many of these sites have online job postings, as well as copies of the AORN Journal that can provide valuable information about current perioperative nursing trends. A good place to start is the “Careers” page of the Association for Peri-Operative Nurses website.
Perioperative Nurse Questions and Answers
Perioperative nursing, commonly known as operating room nursing, is a subset of nursing that focuses on caring for patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
A perioperative registered nurse’s every day duties include the following:
- Assisting patients with completing surgical paperwork, answering their concerns, explaining what will happen in the operating room, and reducing their fears prior to surgery.
- Monitoring the condition of the patient during and after surgery.
- Managing nursing care in the operation room in order to keep the atmosphere safe and comfortable.
- Cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments and the operation room.
- Educating patients on optimum recovery procedures, such as wound care and pain treatment alternatives and routines.
Ways to Become a Perioperative Nurse:
- Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited program.
- To obtain RN licensing, you must pass the NCLEX.
- Develop your skills as a registered nurse.
- Consider training to become a certified perioperative nurse.
2025 Perioperative Nurses Week was November 13, 2025 – November 19, 2025
The 3 phases of perioperative nursing are:
- Preoperative Phase: In this phase, perioperative nurses prepare patients for surgery. They evaluate the patient’s health, study the patient’s medical history, perform physical examinations, and verify that all preoperative tests and procedures are completed. They also provide patients and their families with education and emotional support, outlining what to expect during and after surgery.
- Intraoperative Phase: During the surgery, perioperative nurses assist the surgical team by ensuring that the operating room is properly set up, sterilized, and equipped with the necessary instruments and supplies. They assist with patient positioning, vital sign monitoring, drug preparation and administration, and surgical operations as needed. Perioperative nurses are in charge of keeping the operating room clean.
- Postoperative Phase: After the surgery, perioperative nurses continue to care for the patient in the recovery room or post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). They closely monitor the patient’s vital signs, assess for any complications or adverse reactions
Perioperative care is a vast specialty that encompasses a wide range of elective and emergency operations for a diverse population.
The three greatest reasons for choosing perioperative nursing were, being able to help patients, being useful to others and wanting to work in a typical patient care units to be responsible for numerous patients.
Perioperative Nurse salaries in the United States range from $56,780 to $82,241 per year.
Perioperative Nurses earn $36.49 per hour on average.
No, they are not considered as critical care nurses.
The duties of a perioperative nurse can be physically and emotionally demanding, which can lead to feelings of burnout or exhaustion.
Being an effective perioperative nurse requires a variety of skills. Here are some key characteristics:
- Knowledge and Expertise: A qualified perioperative nurse has a thorough understanding of surgical processes, anatomy, and physiology. They stay current on the most recent advances and evidence-based practices in perioperative nursing. This allows them to deliver safe and effective care, foresee potential complications, and respond effectively in life-threatening situations.
- Compassion and empathy: For patients, surgical procedures can be unpleasant and daunting. Patients and their families are shown compassion and understanding by good perioperative nurses, who recognize their anxieties and concerns.
Here are several important legal aspects to consider.
- Scope of Practice: Perioperative nurses must work within their defined scope of practice as determined by their nursing license and applicable laws and regulations. They should be aware of the exact activities for which they are permitted, as well as any limitations or restrictions.
- Patient Confidentiality and Privacy: Perioperative nurses have a legal and ethical commitment to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality. They must follow privacy laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which governs the use and disclosure of protected health information. Nurses should only communicate patient information with those who are directly involved in the patient’s care, and they should adhere to established rules for managing and securing patient records.
To become a perioperative nurse in Australia, you must:
- Obtain a Nursing Degree: Start by completing a Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited educational institution in Australia. This program typically takes three years of full-time study. Ensure that the program is recognized by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
- Register as a Nurse: After completing your nursing degree, you need to apply for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The registration process includes meeting certain eligibility criteria, submitting an application, and providing supporting documents, such as proof of identity, education qualifications, and criminal history checks. Once your application is approved, you will be issued a registration as a nurse.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Begin working as a registered nurse in a healthcare setting, preferably in an area that provides exposure to surgical or perioperative care. This experience will help you develop foundational nursing skills and gain an understanding of patient care in various settings.
- Pursue Perioperative Nursing Education: To specialize in perioperative nursing, you can undertake postgraduate education in perioperative nursing. Several universities and educational institutions in Australia offer postgraduate courses or graduate certificates in perioperative nursing. These programs provide specialized knowledge and skills specific to perioperative care.
- Obtain Relevant Certification: While certification is not mandatory, obtaining the Perioperative Nursing Certification through the Australian College of Perioperative Nurses (ACORN) is highly regarded in the field. The certification demonstrates your advanced knowledge and competency as a perioperative nurse.
- Seek Employment in Perioperative Settings: Once you have completed the necessary education and obtained relevant certifications, you can start applying for perioperative nursing positions in hospitals, day surgery centers, and other surgical facilities.