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Perioperative Nurse Week

Honor the heroes in scrubs during Perioperative Nurse Week - celebrate, appreciate, and elevate the passionate dedication to patient care!

Sunday

8–14

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEPerioperative Nurse Week (AORN, 2nd Sun Nov, 7-day)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYHealthcare

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to honor the unsung heroes of the healthcare world as Perioperative Nurse Week rolls around on November 10! Dating back to 1984, this specially designated week was first established by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) to acknowledge the outstanding commitment and specialist skills of nurses who work in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. These are the guardians of the operating room whose unwavering dedication and compassion contribute so greatly to patient safety and recovery. So, let's celebrate, appreciate, and elevate the tireless work done by these incredible nurses, and shout out a huge 'Thank you' for all they do!

TIMELINE

Perioperative Nurse Week Timeline

AORN Founded

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) was established to represent the interests and concerns of perioperative nurses.

Perioperative Nursing Standards

AORN developed the first set of universally accepted standards for perioperative nursing practice.

First Perioperative Nurse Week

The inaugural Perioperative Nurse Week was celebrated to recognize and appreciate the commitment and skills of these specialized nurses.

Advancement in Education

AORN made strides in promoting further education and certification among perioperative nurses, establishing standards of excellence within the profession.

Safety First Campaign

A national campaign is launched by AORN to reinforce the priority of patient safety in the operating room.

Covid-19 Pandemic Impact

Perioperative nurses demonstrated extraordinary resilience and adaptability during the global pandemic, reinforcing their significant role in healthcare.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Perioperative Nurse Week

Organize an appreciation luncheon

Acknowledging the hard work of perioperative nurses, organize a work break luncheon. Catering with their favorite food or even home-cooked dishes can be an excellent way to say 'Thank you' for their tireless efforts and dedication.

GIFT

Gift a personalized piece

Give each nurse a personalized piece - perhaps a white coat with their name or a stethoscope with their initials. This simple gesture can be a meaningful token of appreciation.

NOMINATE

Nominate for recognition awards

Set up a recognition award for perioperative nurses in your hospital. Nominate the best performers and acknowledge their exceptional service and dedication to their work. This public recognition will highlight their selfless services and make them feel greatly valued.

ARRANGE

Arrange professional development workshops

Organize workshops or seminars focusing on further developing the nurses' professional skills. These could cover new technologies, updated guidelines or stress management - all essential elements of a perioperative nurse's job.

SET

Set up a wellness activity

Arrange for a yoga class, mindfulness session or a massage therapist visit to help nurses unwind and relax. These activities not only show your appreciation, but also emphasize the importance of their own wellbeing - a key message given the stressful nature of their profession.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Perioperative Nurse Week is Important

It promotes professional development and self-care

This special week not only appreciates the efforts of perioperative nurses, but it also encourages their professional development through workshops and seminars. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of their physical and mental wellbeing, reminding them and their supervisors to prioritize self-care even amidst stressful situations.

It celebrates unsung heroes

Perioperative Nurse Week is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the unseen heroes of the healthcare industry, the nurses who work tirelessly in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. They offer exceptional service and dedication to their patients, often working under tremendous pressure and stress, and deserve our acknowledgement and appreciation.

It highlights the importance of their work

Perioperative Nurse Week not only celebrates these important healthcare workers but also shines a light on the vital role they play. Their unwavering dedication and specialist skills contribute greatly to patient safety and recovery, making them an integral part of any healthcare team.

Related holidays

SAT

Nov 2026

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It's time to honor and appreciate the hardworking heroes in scrubs during National Nurses Week - don't forget to thank a nurse!

National CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) Week

It's time to honor the unsung heroes of healthcare during National CRNA Week - thank a certified nurse anesthetist for their dedication and skills!

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