In May of 2024 Linda Groah, AORN's longest-serving CEO/Executive Director, announced her plans to retire at the end of the year. In this episode, we celebrate Linda's tenure and look back on the plast 20 years of transformative change in perioperative nursing. 

We delve into the most profound changes in the field, exploring how the role of the perioperative nurse has evolved over the past two decades. The discussion highlights the impact of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist on nursing practice, detailing how it has enhanced patient safety and standardized procedures.

We also examine the challenges and successes of implementing the RN circulator mandate across various states, shedding light on the advocacy efforts and legislative hurdles faced. The episode further explores AORN's significant contributions to eliminating surgical smoke, emphasizing the improvements in patient and nurse safety that resulted from these efforts.

Listeners will gain insights into the major shifts in perioperative nursing education, including the move towards evidence-based guidelines. The CEO shares the motivations behind this shift from traditional standards of practice, underscoring the importance of evidence-based care in improving outcomes.

Join us for an engaging and informative conversation that reflects on how periop nursing got to where it is today. Also, look out for part 2 of our discussion with Linda when we discuss the future of the profession. 

Support the show

Welcome to the Periop Talk—your go-to podcast series where we examine the world of perioperative nursing.

Episode after episode, we're bringing you professional tips, clinical wisdom, and personal stories that highlight the real world of perioperative nursing.

Curious about the latest surgical techniques? We got you. Wondering how to navigate the challenges of the periop journey? We're here for that too.

Our podcast series isn't just about sharing information; it's about building a community. Meet the people behind the masks, hear their journeys, and join the rotation of periop professionals making a difference. From students and new nurses to seasoned pros, we've got content for every stage of your perioperative practice.

Periop Talk is your peek behind the red line to the world of perioperative nursing. It's not just about the OR – it's about the heart and soul of healthcare. Let's scrub in and start making surgery safer, one podcast at a time.

Watch more episodes at: (1) Periop Talk vlog - YouTube