AORN Foundation Monthly Newsletter

AORN Foundation Newsletter

Donor Spotlight

Behind every successful perioperative nurse is a community that believes in their potential. In this new donor spotlight feature, we’re proud to introduce the individuals and organizations whose generosity helps advance the AORN Foundation’s mission. Their support fuels scholarships, professional development, and education initiatives that strengthen the perioperative nursing profession and, ultimately, improve patient care.

This month, we are highlighting Bryan Burrs, Executive Leader & Advisor with Johnson & Johnson MedTech whose commitment to the Foundation is rooted in both personal and professional experience:

Bryan Burrs

“The AORN Foundation is important to me because I’ve seen firsthand, both professionally at J&J MedTech and personally through family members who’ve dedicated their careers to nursing, the impact perioperative nurses have on patient outcomes every single day. Serving on the AORN Board of Trustees, including as Vice President representing J&J MedTech, gave me a front-row seat to how much this profession gives and how much investment it deserves in return. Supporting the Foundation is my way of helping ensure the next generation of perioperative nurses has the resources, education, and advocacy they need to thrive.”

Members of the Periop Giving Circle are united by a shared commitment to advancing and supporting the perioperative nursing profession. Brandy Miller, MHA, MSN, RN, CNOR, CAIP, shares what inspires her involvement:

“We spend so much time, energy and resources caring for our patients, the surgeons and facilities we work for. The Giving Circle is our opportunity to care for each other – to lift up one another and walk alongside our nursing colleagues on their professional journey. It is truly my privilege to share, care for and support my fellow brothers and sisters in nursing.”

We’re proud to share that 6 more individuals have joined the Circle:

Jamie Carver, MSN, RN, CNOR
Alia Meah
Shoney Lewis, MSN-HCSM, RN, CNOR, CAIP
Dr. Rebecca Vortman, DNP, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC
Dr. Nikki Washington, DNP, MSN, MBA-HCM, RN, CNOR, CSSL
Stella Yau, MSN, RN, CNOR

Learn more or join the Circle >>

Show Your AORN Pride

As a member of the AORN community, you can make a meaningful impact while showcasing your commitment to periop nursing. The AORN Foundation offers four beautiful lapel pins that celebrate our shared mission and make thoughtful gifts for colleagues, mentors, and friends. Wear your pin as a symbol of support for perioperative nurses and safer surgical care.

Join the Challenge

During the summer months, we're inviting the perioperative community to take part in the $10 Donation Challenge. Supporters like Camille Presberry are helping lead the way through their generosity and commitment to advancing perioperative nursing.

Camille Presberry

As Camille shared:

“The Foundation helped me get through my master’s degree program, so it’s definitely an honor to give back. Every little bit helps support the future of perioperative nursing.”

We'd love for you to join her. By participating in the $10 Donation Challenge, you can help fund scholarships, professional development opportunities, and programs that support perioperative nurses at every stage of their careers. If you are able, please consider making a gift and sharing the challenge with your network to help amplify our reach.

Chapter Happenings

Congratulations to the Kansas Chapter. Through the AORN Foundation Chapter Impact in Action Challenge, they have already earned three entries into the year-end recognition drawing by hosting a fundraising event, making a chapter donation, and submitting event photos. The Challenge is designed to celebrate and recognize chapters that take action to support the Foundation's mission, whether through fundraising, engagement, advocacy, or sharing their impact. Every qualifying activity earns entries and showcases your chapter's commitment to advancing perioperative nursing.

Learn more about the challenge and start earning entries today >>

In 2025, the Virtual Bingo Fundraiser raised more than $5,000 for the AORN Foundation, helping support perioperative nurses through scholarships, grants, professional development, and educational opportunities.

Let's make an even greater impact in 2026. We invite AORN chapters across the country to join AORN CT Chapter 0701 as co-sponsors of next year's Virtual Bingo Fundraiser. Together, we can expand access to vital resources that empower perioperative nurses, advance their careers, and strengthen the future of perioperative patient care.

Join us in making a difference—one game, one chapter, and one nurse at a time.

To learn more, visit the Virtual Bingo Fundraiser Sponsorship page.

And a special thank you to the chapters that have already signed on as co-sponsors - we appreciate your partnership and support.

AORN Baltimore
AORN Capital
AORN of San Francisco Bay
Cape Fear North Carolina #2
Central Ohio

Connecticut Chapter 1
eChapter
Grand Canyon of AORN
North Regional Illinois
San Diego County

Empowering Your Professional Growth

Apply for Research Grant Funding by July 31. The AORN Foundation is accepting applications for grant funding to support high-quality perioperative nursing research. These grants help advance evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes through innovative research initiatives. To learn more about this funding opportunity and eligibility requirements, click here.

Save the Date: The CRNFA application will open Aug. 1.

Leave a Lasting Legacy

Your commitment to perioperative nursing can continue long into the future. By including the AORN Foundation in your estate plans, you help advance education, strengthen the profession, and support tomorrow’s surgical leaders.

To learn more about leaving a legacy gift, please contact Lindsey Turner at [email protected] or (800) 755-2676.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community.

Warm regards,

The AORN Foundation

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