November 10-16, 2024, marks the celebration of Perioperative Nurses Week, an annual event dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of perioperative nurses in ensuring safe patient care during surgical procedures.
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), a national organization representing over 160,000 perioperative registered nurses, plays a vital role in advancing the practice of perioperative nursing. AORN’s 43,000 registered nurse members manage, teach, and practice within this specialized area of nursing, focused on patient safety in the operating room.
Perioperative registered nurses are integral members of the surgical team. Collaborating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical assistants, and other personnel, they ensure that each patient receives the highest standard of care. If you or a loved one have undergone surgery, you’ve likely experienced the care of a perioperative nurse firsthand. While surgeons and other medical professionals focus on their specific roles, the perioperative nurse, often called the circulating nurse, is dedicated to advocating for and overseeing the patient’s safety and well-being throughout the procedure.
Here is a perspective from one of our local perioperative nurses, Estela O’Meara:
“I am responsible for planning and directing care for patients undergoing invasive surgeries, ensuring that their needs are met before, during, and after the procedure. This unique nursing specialty requires highly specialized training and education. The skills we gain through this training are essential for protecting our patients when they are at their most vulnerable.”
During Perioperative Nurses Week 2024, we encourage you to join us in celebrating the hard work, expertise, and dedication of perioperative nurses across the country. Our commitment to improving patient care and safeguarding the health of those in our care is unwavering. Thank you to all perioperative nurses for your continued excellence in the field!
#PerioperativeNursesWeek #AORN #SafePatientCare #NursingExcellence