AORN Receives Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) is dedicated to enhancing patient care by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in surgical settings. This month, the Denver Business Journal awarded AORN for promoting DEI. AORN was acknowledged for its comprehensive program prioritizing DEI throughout the association through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Efforts like these positively impact perioperative nurses' ability to enhance care and address health disparities among underserved patients.

"Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic necessity,” said AORN CEO and executive director Linda Groah, MSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, FAAN. “AORN recognizes that the strength of our profession lies in the power of our differences. By fostering an inclusive environment, we unlock the full potential of our diverse nursing workforce, enabling us to provide culturally competent care that meets the needs of every patient. DEI is not an option, but an essential pathway to achieving excellence in nursing and transforming health care for all."

The AORN Foundation offers continuing education at conferences, research in the AORN Journal, and scholarships to assist the more than 200,000 perioperative nurses in the United States. The Barba Edwards Scholarship was established to help students and nurses of color advance their nursing careers. The scholarship is available to students or nurses of color pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. This scholarship is a unique opportunity to support and recognize the achievements of underrepresented individuals in the field.

Barba Edwards, RN, MA, was AORN’s first and only African American board president. She served the Association in this role during the 1976-1977 presidential term and gave years of volunteer service to the Association before and after her presidency. The doctor was concerned about the patient's reaction to anesthesia and their pain and discomfort after the surgery. Additionally, she was passionate about improving social justice and was actively involved in the League of Women Voters in her community. She collected data on divorce and abuse court proceedings to expose unfair rulings against women.

The AORN Foundation has set a new goal to raise an additional $10,000 this year directly for the Barba Edwards Scholarship fund.

If you want to donate, please visit AORN Foundation Donation - AORN Foundation. Please indicate if you would like your donation towards the Barba Edwards Scholarship.