AORN Announces Stryker as Mission Partner to Support Perioperative Nurses and Advance Safe Surgery

Denver, Co. (March 2, 2026) – The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has entered into a Mission Partnership with Stryker, marking a strategic collaboration focused on supporting perioperative nurses and advancing safe surgery.

The AORN Mission Partner designation represents the highest level of strategic partnership available to organizations aligned with AORN's mission. Mission Partners collaborate with AORN year‑round on education, thought leadership, and initiatives that advance perioperative practice and patient safety.

"Stryker is a significant partner for AORN because of its leadership in medical technologies and its focus on developing innovations that support perioperative teams and safe surgical care," said AORN CEO and Executive Director David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA‑BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN.

"This Mission Partnership reflects a shared commitment to applying innovation in ways that strengthen perioperative practice, support nurses, and improve patient outcomes."

Through this partnership, AORN and Stryker will pursue initiatives that elevate perioperative education, engage nurse leaders, and address key issues facing the perioperative community.

Kristen Berg, VP/GM of Stryker Surgical Technologies, said AORN plays a vital role in supporting and educating the perioperative community.

"We're honored to be a Mission Sponsor and to support initiatives that help teams share best practices and keep safety at the center of care," Berg said.

"As we head into AORN Expo, we're grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn, and support the nursing leaders shaping the future of perioperative practice. Partnerships like this help advance education and reinforce a shared focus on safety in the OR."

Wyatt added that AORN's Mission Partner Program brings together organizations committed to playing a meaningful role in supporting nurses and advancing safe surgery.

"We value Stryker's commitment to collaboration and to the perioperative professionals who make safe surgery possible every day," he said.

To learn more about the AORN Mission Partner Program, visit: aorn.org/missionpartner

About AORN

Founded in 1949, AORN supports more than 200,000 perioperative nurses with evidence-based research, education, standards, and resources to enable optimal outcomes and promote safe surgery for every patient, every time.

For more information, visit aorn.org.