AORN Foundation Monthly Newsletter

AORN Foundation Newsletter

Donor Spotlight

Our donors are dedicated to making sure all perioperative nurses have access to education, leadership development, and continued learning opportunities throughout their career. Each month, it is our honor to celebrate those who have a passion for supporting nurses, their career goals, and the journeys our grant and scholarship programs can assist with.

This month, we are honored to spotlight Joan Spear, MBA, RN, CNOR(E), CRCST, how she was first introduced to AORN and how it has impacted her journey as a Perioperative Nurse.

Joan Spear

“My first job as a nurse was in the OR. Both the Director and Manager in that OR were active AORN members and simply told me I was going to the AORN meeting within a month or two of my hire. I found myself attending all the Washington, DC chapter meetings after that introduction and my love of perioperative nursing simply grew. AORN of Baltimore has been my home following a move to the Baltimore area.

AORN provided Recommended Practices, now Evidence Based Practices, to support clinical practice. Those practices shaped my practice through the years, and now I have the privilege to give back through the AORN Foundation with my endowed scholarship, the Joan Spear Education Endowed Scholarship. Education is something everyone 'owns' and I applaud each individual seeking to gain educational support. I strongly feel the need to support nurses in their quest to seek educational opportunities.”

The Future of Perioperative Nursing

September welcomes the start of a new school year for nursing professionals who are currently working towards new academic goals. From nursing students interested in pursuing a career in perioperative nursing to current periop nurses gaining their Master’s or PhD, the AORN Foundation has been dedicated in supporting these academic pursuits for the future of perioperative care. With this, we have awarded scholarships to 146 recipients to help them with their 2026-2027 school year.

“Receiving this scholarship will also provide me with the opportunity to strengthen my leadership and operational knowledge as I continue to chart my path toward becoming a director of perioperative services. My ultimate goal is to lead an operating room environment where patient safety, quality, teamwork, accountability, and excellence in care remain at the center of every decision. Upon successful completion of my program, I hope to use the knowledge and leadership skills I gain to help shape a perioperative environment that prioritizes safe, equitable, and high-quality care for every patient who enters the operating room.”

— Pamela Massenburg-Nelson, BSN, RN 2026-2027 Scholarship Recipient

Our scholarship program would not be possible without the dedication and help from our Scholarship Committee.

Thank you to every member of our Scholarship Committee:

Ashley Bartholomew
Oluponle Olubajo
Latisha Washington
Amy Swaffer

Mary-Kate Derby
Kharen Lantin
Leanne Ruffner
Crystal Hawk

Interested in supporting nurses in their educational pursuits? Learn how to get involved by establishing a named or endowed scholarship. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

The Periop Giving Circle Continues to Grow

We’re proud to share our newest member of the Periop Giving Circle:

David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN

Learn more or join the Circle >>

Empowering Leaders in the Perioperative Profession

Whether you're aspiring to become a perioperative nurse leader or have recently stepped into your first leadership role, the AORN Foundation's Emerging Leaders Grant can help you develop the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed.

Selected recipients will receive:

AORN Leader Membership
Registration for the 2027 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo Leadership Summit
Exclusive access to leadership-focused education, resources, and support

This is a great opportunity to invest in your future, expand your professional network, and gain the tools needed to lead with confidence in the perioperative setting.

Application is now open through September 30th.

In addition, applications are currently being accepted for the Perioperative Leadership Grant, offered in partnership with Intuitive. This grant supports perioperative professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership skills and advance their impact within the profession.

Explore both leadership grant opportunities and apply today >>

Bingo is Becoming Trivia

This year, we're swapping Bingo for Trivia, and we can't wait to bring together community for a great virtual event. We're excited to introduce Trivia Night, a fun and engaging way to connect with colleagues, enjoy some friendly competition, and support the AORN Foundation.

Registration is now open. Gather your team or join on your own and put your knowledge to the test.

We look forward to seeing you at Trivia Night.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community.

Warm regards,

The AORN Foundation

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