Fellows of AORN (FAORN)

FAORN Application

Want to become a Fellow of AORN? The FAORN application is open annually from July 1 (0700MT) through September 15 (2359MT). Apply here.

The AORN Fellowship

A Fellow of AORN (FAORN) is recognized as a perioperative nurse leader who has made significant and ongoing contributions to the perioperative profession and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). Additionally, fellows have demonstrated a commitment to practice that extends beyond the local setting to make a sustainable impact on perioperative patient care regionally, nationally, and/or internationally. As a FAORN, fellows demonstrate that their education, professional qualifications, and contributions to perioperative nursing have successfully undergone rigorous evaluation and are consistent with the high standards established by AORN.

History of FAORN

Establishing a fellowship of AORN was the vision of 2018 AORN President Stephanie Davis. To explore the feasibility and structure of an AORN fellowship program, a dedicated Task Force was convened to develop recommendations for consideration. The results of the Task Force’s recommendations were subsequently approved by the AORN Board of Directors in 2020, and the inaugural application cycle opened later that year.

In 2021, President David Wyatt announced the first class of nine FAORN inductees, marking a milestone in the organization’s history. Recognizing opportunities to strengthen and refine the application and selection process, the Board convened a Fellow Redesign Committee in 2021. The committee’s work continued through 2022, resulting in revisions to the fellowship process and the launch of an updated application cycle that same year. Newly selected fellows were subsequently recognized during the 2023 Expo in San Antonio.

Today, the Fellowship Selection Committee continues this important work by guiding the ongoing development of the FAORN program and providing resources for prospective applicants and FAORN sponsors. Through these efforts, the committee helps ensure a transparent, supportive, and successful application and selection process while advancing excellence in perioperative nursing leadership and professional achievement.

FAORN Eligibility

To be eligible for admission as an AORN fellow, individuals must:

• Demonstrate commitment to the mission, vision, and values of AORN. 
• Hold an unrestricted and active license to practice registered nursing at the time of application.
• Hold an active membership in AORN for two years total at time of the application. Fellows must maintain membership in AORN to renew their fellowship status.
• Hold at least one of the following degrees in nursing: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD.
• Hold a master’s degree or higher.  
• Hold a nationally recognized current or emeritus status certification in nursing.
• Have made significant contributions to the activities of the Association and the advancement of perioperative nursing in one of the following areas: (a) clinical practice, (b) education, (c) research/evidence-based practice (EBP), or (d) administration/leadership. 

Sitting members of the AORN Board of Directors and current members of the Fellowship Selection Committee are not eligible to apply for Fellowship or sponsor a candidate for fellowship during their tenure.