A March 10 article from Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) reported that AORN members kicked off the 2024 Congress that same day “with a boisterous roll call by delegates of each state and four international countries – boasting their state sports teams (Tarheels to the Cornhuskers, food specialties (cheese curds to spuds), natural landmarks (Crater Lake to the Grand Canyon) and perioperative milestones (development of anesthesia to newly surgical smoke-free).”
The article adds that “AORN Associate Director for Membership Melissa Hedman reported on the state of our membership – with the total membership stabilizing since COVID-19 and reaching over 43,700 in 2023. Importantly, the percentage of younger, new-to-profession nurses continues to rise with 37% of members now under age 39. Also, 25% of all members are CNOR certified – boosted by the new membership benefit of a complimentary Prep for CNOR course.”
Hedman also reported on the achievements of the organization from the past year, including AORN’s large national research project of perioperative nurses and leaders. The organization cites the increasing numbers of new nurses as a positive sign that AORN’s outreach work with U.S.-based colleges or nursing as a positive sign of their work.
“Danika Bowen of Chamberlain University – the largest US nursing school – reported on the success of its partnership with AORN to bring Introduction to Perioperative Nursing course to its 23 campuses,” the article comments. “The initiative to expose undergraduates to specific nursing specialties, called Practice Ready Specialty Focused model, is aimed at reducing the 30%-40% first- and second-year nursing turnover nationally.”
AORN Foundation president Martha Stratton also shared the 2023 annual report of “such a successful year of advancing education and safety.”
AORN has the full article.
