Who We Are

40,000 perioperative nurses from around the world have joined the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). With a diverse population representing more than 40 different practice areas and over a dozen specialties, AORN members work in small, medium and large facilities in rural and urban settings including hospitals, freestanding and hospital-based ambulatory surgery centers, and office-based practices. AORN members work on the front lines, caring for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures from pre-surgery through surgery and recovery.

Governance Structure
AORN's highest governing authority is the House of Delegates which is made up of AORN chapter appointees and members at large. The House meets twice during AORN's annual Congress and makes decisions that guide AORN's Board of Directors.

The House of Delegates elects seven members to the Board of Directors, as well as the President, President-elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five members of the Nominating Committee. The Board of Directors employs an Executive Director to administer the activities of the Association and direct the Headquarters staff according to the policies established by the House and the Board.

Membership Structure
The Association relies on its approximately 350 local chapters, 23 specialty assemblies (subspecialty groups within perioperative nursing), 30 state councils and 40,000 members to chart the course for perioperative nursing. Members help set standards for practice, determine the need for specific educational topics, and act as spokespersons for their nationally recognized association. Members can contribute to the goals of the association through participation on committees and task forces, and through participation within chapters and specialty assemblies.