What Events, News, and Opportunities Are Available on AORN's Website?

Updated

AORN's website (aorn.org) serves as a hub for perioperative nursing professionals to register for workshops, follow industry news, submit research, and participate in awards and guideline commenting. The homepage highlights four main areas: Events & Experiences, News & Updates, Membership, and Education. Below is a breakdown of what each area offers and how to engage.

Events & Experiences

AORN hosts in-person and hybrid events designed to strengthen clinical and leadership skills.

  • AORN Guideline and Leadership Workshops — Practical, interactive learning sessions. Registration is available directly through the Events & Experiences section.
  • AORN Congress — A major industry event featuring delegate sessions and leadership transitions. The site notes the "Last Day Second House of Delegates" where the gavel was passed to a new president.
  • Nursing Research Symposium — Accepts abstract submissions for nurses to showcase their work.

News & Updates

The News & Updates section keeps members informed about opportunities to contribute and be recognized.

Opportunity Details Deadline / Status
Abstract submission Showcase work at the Nursing Research Symposium Open (check site for current dates)
Award nominations AORN Award for Excellence and Individual Achievement Awards Through Sept. 30
Guideline public commenting Open for the Guideline for Care of the Patient Receiving Moderate Sedation/Analgesia Open

These are time-sensitive opportunities. The site lists specific deadlines, so check the News & Updates section for the latest status.

Membership and Trial Access

AORN offers a low-commitment entry point for new members:

  • $1 trial membership — Provides 2 months of full access to guideline implementation tools, CNE, and 24/7 support from the perioperative community.
  • No risk, cancel anytime — The trial is described as cancellable at any time.

This is useful if you want to explore AORN's resources before committing to a full membership.

Education and Training

The Spotlight on Education section lists courses with continuing education credits (CH, AEU, IPCH). Examples from the site include:

  • Cesarean section hybrid course — 36.4 CH, 36.4 AEU, 9.7 IPCH. Designed for new and returning labor and delivery nurses.
  • Periop 101 OR — 39.8 CH, 39.8 AEU, 10.8 IPCH. An online course preparing novice nurses for the operating room.
  • Facility subscription — Provides access to current AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice with implementation tools for team-wide standardization.

These courses are aimed at both individual nurses and facilities seeking to standardize training.

How to Participate

  1. Register for workshops — Go to the Events & Experiences section and select the workshop you want.
  2. Submit an abstract — Use the News & Updates link for the Nursing Research Symposium.
  3. Nominate a colleague — Award nominations are open through Sept. 30.
  4. Comment on guidelines — Public commenting is open for the moderate sedation/analgesia guideline.
  5. Start a trial membership — Use the $1 trial link to access tools and CNE for 2 months.

Key Takeaways

  • AORN's website is not just a resource library; it's an active platform for events, awards, research, and guideline development.
  • Deadlines matter — award nominations close Sept. 30, and guideline commenting windows are limited.
  • The $1 trial membership is a low-barrier way to access guideline tools and CNE.
  • Education offerings carry specific credit hours (CH, AEU, IPCH), which can support licensure and certification requirements.

For the most current dates and registration links, visit the respective sections on aorn.org.