Jones Memorial Hospital OR Nursing Team Earns Distinguished CNOR Strong Designation for 2026

The Operating Room (OR) nursing team at UR Jones Memorial Hospital has proudly earned the distinguished CNOR Strong designation for 2026. This recognition is awarded to hospitals that demonstrate a high percentage of Certified Perioperative Nurses (CNORs) on staff, signifying a profound commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based surgical care.

The Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) credential is a vital, voluntary certification for operating room nurses. It validates specialized expertise, significantly enhances patient safety, and contributes to improved surgical outcomes. Achieving this certification requires nurses to have at least two years of experience as perioperative nurses and to pass a rigorous examination.

"We are incredibly proud of our dedicated OR nursing team for achieving the CNOR Strong designation," stated Kari Zwiefka, MSN, CSSM, CNOR, CRCST. "Their commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning directly translates into superior patient care and safety within our surgical department."

Currently, the department has 8 registered nurses, with 5 already holding their CNOR certification. The remaining three nurses are actively working towards eligibility, requiring one more year of perioperative experience to qualify for the certification exam.

Research consistently shows that teams comprised of CNOR-certified nurses, who have mastered the standards of perioperative practice, are correlated with improved outcomes for surgical patients. This designation underscores Jones Memorial Hospital’s dedication to fostering a highly skilled and knowledgeable nursing workforce, ultimately benefiting every patient undergoing surgery.

2/18/2026