Cathy Fenton, RN, BSN, CNOR
As a perioperative nurse for thirty-two years, I have had many opportunities to personally and professionally advance my career. I have worked at Memorial Hospital for thirty-four years. When I tell people this, they are amazed. I believed the reason I have remained at this institute is multifold. As luck would have it, I was blessed to have a handful of exceptional mentors, throughout my nursing career. I welcome the opportunities offered to me to function in the expanded role as a RNFA, a preceptor and resource person in the cardiovascular specialty. I was in the Operating Room for ten years when I decided to take the CNOR nursing certification exam. In doing so, I became the first nurse in my operating room to become
certified. My incentive to become certified was my personal satisfaction of passing this
exam which had been developed by a group of my peers. I sign the letters, “CNOR”, proudly.
When fellow staff ask, “What monetary reward or recognition do I receive for having my
CNOR?”, my answer was always the same. I receive “no” additional money! The recognition
I did receive was praise from my head nurse and/or director, for my achievement. But in my
heart, I know my “CNOR” is evidence of my personal and professional commitment to myself
and my patients. I was the Surgical Services Educator when I received my CNOR. I felt the
achievement of certification demonstrated to the staff a sense of my credibility.
Certification was my first step toward furthering my education. Next, I went back to school for
three years and obtained my BSN. The same questions were asked about the monetary reward
for obtaining a BSN degree. In addition, no one wanted to hear about the “Entry into Practice
Issue”. “AORN believes there should be one level for entry into nursing practice. AORN
believes the minimal preparation for future entry into practice of nursing should be the
baccalaureate degree”.
As luck would have it, a new vision for nursing, at my institute, has evolved. Three years ago,
a Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) was developed and presented to nursing.
The program was designed to acknowledge, promote and reward participation in educational
activities, leadership through various avenues, professional certification, scientific investigation
and community involvement. This program awards points to specific categories, which are
further broken down into specified activities in these categories. Each point has a monetary
valve assigned. I have participated in this program for two years. My nursing portfolio which I have
submitted for the past two years, is not only a reflection of my current nursing practice, but
a recognition of past achievements, i.e., my CNOR and BSN. I am currently a member of a
newly established (2008) Professional Nurse Development Council. I serve on a subcommittee
to promote nursing certification and participation in the PNDP, throughout the hospital.
