Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence: AORN and Perioperative Nursing

AORN champions perioperative nurse excellence, past, present, and future.

AORN Diamonds: 75 Years of Shining in Perioperative Nursing
Join AORN as we celebrate 75 years of providing the standards of care for perioperative nurses, their patients and surgical teams. Throughout 2024, we’ll look at how surgery has advanced, how nursing practice has evolved, and with AORN’s guidelines and recommendations, how patient outcomes have improved. 

We will shine a light on some amazing nurses who have propelled our profession forward and the milestones that have advanced the quality of care provided by nurses in the pre-, intra-, and post-operative settings.

Periop Portraits

In 1949, operating room nurses from around the country joined forces to create an association to advance surgical nursing practice. In the 75 years since, AORN has been an indispensable beacon for our profession – championing the roles of all perioperative nurses and expanding evidence-based practice, education, and collaboration.

We're kicking off the 75th anniversary of the AORN community with Periop Portraits, a glimpse into the lives of some of healthcare's unsung heroes: perioperative nurses. This curated collection of personal narratives transcends the operating room and immerses you in the captivating stories of perioperative nurses who navigate the delicate balance between life and death with compassion and expertise. From moments of triumph to encouragement and advice, to the challenges that forge resilience, Periop Portraits brings you closer to the heart of perioperative nursing. More blogs and videos.

Jacqueline Gardocki, MBA, MSN, RN, BSN, CNOR

"I'm going to hold your hand when you go to sleep, and when you wake up, I'll be there for you."

Featured Portrait Blog

Dorothy Wang, BSN, RN, recounts a memorable experience assisting in an emergency open-heart surgery in a cath lab, where the team's resilience and dedication left a lasting impact.

AORN Foundation: Empowering Perioperative Nurses

Step up and join the commemoration of AORN's 75th anniversary by donating in support of perioperative professional education and development. Pay It Forward

It is only through generous individual contributions and corporate giving that the AORN Foundation can meet its mission: To empower perioperative nurses in advancing patient and workplace sa/foundationfety through education and research. Your support provides nurses these resources:

  • Academic scholarships
  • Professional development grants
  • Patient safety resources, like tool kits and webinars
  • Seminars for leadership and nurse education
  • Evidence-based research