Eight perioperative nurses devoted to making a difference for patients at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Marble Falls helped the facility earn the CNOR® Strong designation, a national recognition, from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI). This designation is given to facilities with certified CNOR nurses committed to providing high quality care for surgical patients.
"Our surgical nurses work diligently and at a high level in this specialized field," said Betsy Patterson, chief nursing officer, Baylor Scott & White Health – Hill Country Region. "This designation affirms their hard work and dedication to providing care for all of our surgical patients."
Nearly 80 percent of Baylor Scott & White – Marble Falls operating room (OR) nurses are CNOR-certified in their specialty. The certification program is for perioperative nurses looking to improve and validate their knowledge and skills, with the goal of providing the highest quality care to their patients. Research shows that nurses who earn the CNOR credential have greater confidence in their clinical practice.
The CNOR certification also recognizes a nurse's commitment to professional development with an objective, measurable way of acknowledging the achievement of specialty knowledge beyond basic nursing preparation and RN licensure. It encompasses every aspect of perioperative nursing, including pediatrics, instrument processing, emergency situations and professional accountability.
A team of certified nurses who have mastered the standards of perioperative practice provides even more empowerment, further advancing a culture of professionalism and promoting improved patient outcomes.
"Patient safety and positive surgical outcomes are of the utmost importance to a facility," said Tim Ols, president, Baylor Scott & White—Hill Country Region. "Supporting nurses as they exceed expectations to achieve their perioperative nursing certification shows commitment to our core values."
The CNOR designation is given to facilities having at least 50 percent of its OR nursing staff CNOR certified, and provides programs that reward and recognize its certified nurses. This is the first year CCI has awarded this elite status to facilities nationwide.
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
