Why the Title “Perioperative Nurse” Matters

In 1999, AORN voted to change their name to the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. This name was chosen to reflect the fact that nurses’ knowledge and delivery of care extends beyond the OR.1 Perioperative nurses advocate for patients throughout the surgical journey, from planning through recovery.1 Therefore, a title that contains the word “perioperative” helps to shift the focus toward the patient, reflecting the true focus of perioperative nursing: providing holistic, evidence-based, and patient-centered care.2 Today, AORN proudly represents the interests of more than 539 000 perioperative nurses around the world.2 Perioperative Nurses Week, which is celebrated the second week of November, is a time to recognize and celebrate all those who contribute to the profession.2 Figure 1. Three tips to boost perioperative nursing recognition. None reported.