AORN's DEI Committees

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Perioperative Community

In our commitment to strive for continuous improvement, AORN believes there are opportunities to strengthen the value of diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace and in our association. AORN is dedicated to building a diverse team, fostering an inclusive culture and investing in equity across our organization. We are also committed to incorporating our DEI principles into our work with our members, facilities, industry partners and our community.

Mission: To fulfill the AORN Foundation mission through initiatives representing the community we serve.

  • Barba Edwards Scholarship:
    • Fully endowed the Barba Edwards Scholarship; Over $65K raised since inception;
    • Supported 4 nurses entering or returning to school with academic scholarships.
  • PRIDE Scholarship: Raised $4,000 for LGBTQ+ students in perioperative nursing.

To donate visit AORN Foundation Donation and note that you would like your donation to go toward the Barba Edwards or PRIDE Scholarship.

Mission: Develop and implement community activities impacting people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, in Denver, AORN's national chapters and at Expo. Impacted over 6,000 lives through community outreach events, including: Annual Food and Backpack drives, supporting local organizations in the Denver community, and assembling health kits at Expo.

Mission: AORN supports a diverse membership base that reflects the community in which it serves. Ensure diverse representation in the membership community. Raise awareness and provide training and development resources for members. Committee has conducted primary and secondary research to address racism in nursing and foster more inclusive work environments within the perioperative setting.

Mission: AORN is committed to building a diverse workforce and developing leaders and people to achieve their potential. We strive to promote an inclusive culture where all team members feel they are heard, valued, and accepted for their unique strengths and talents – and empowered to impact the lives of our members and the perioperative community. AORN has been recognized within the local community and on a national level for its continued commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). DEI is sponsored at the highest levels of the organization from the Board of Directors to the Executive and Leadership Teams.

  • AORN Staff Diversity: Since the launch of AORN’s DEI program in 2020, overall employee diversity has grown by more than 60%.
  • Strengthening Our Core Values and Inclusion: DEI has been integrated into AORN’s core values, business operations, and is one of the pillars in AORN’s strategic plan.
  • Career Growth and Equitable Opportunities: AORN has standardized the process for career growth and advancement and conducts regular pay equity audits. Launched new programs to support employee learning and professional development.
  • Education and Training: To foster a deeper understanding of other team members and culture, AORN honors diversity months through awareness and education campaigns and conducts regular DEI training with employees. Partnered with outside firms to engage employees on DEI and ensure progress.
  • Inclusion and Connection: Conducted listening sessions to engage and connect with staff on racial and social injustices. Launched innovative programs to support employees working in a hybrid / remote work environment (e.g., buddy program during onboarding, regular pulse surveys).

Mission: To improve the care, experience, and outcomes of each patient as it relates to DEI by providing relevant information, education and resources to the perioperative team. Committee works with members and teams to provide education sessions, micro-learning courses, posters, webinars, articles, videos, and other resources to understand disparities in care and support patient safety.

Getting to Know Your LGBTQ+ Patient

Dr. Julian Sanchez from Moffitt Cancer Center joined AORN for a live webinar to highlight how you can make a positive difference in providing culturally sensitive and safe care to LGBTQ+ patients.
James L. Cousin II, CPA, MBA, the AORN CFO and Chief Diversity Officer, presents the 2024 year-end highlights of the AORN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative at the 2025 AORN Annual Conference and Expo. Check out our DEI album on Facebook.
 To help Chapters fulfill their Accountability Standards, we've developed a playbook outlining the steps for running a successful food drive campaign for their own community.