2025 Governor's Proclamation

Dear Colleagues,

As we celebrate Perioperative Nurse Week, I want to take a moment to honor the extraordinary work you do every day. Whether you're in a bustling OR suite, an ambulatory surgery center, or supporting surgical care in rural communities, your dedication to safe, compassionate, and expert care is the heartbeat of our profession.

This week is more than a celebration—it's a recognition of the skill, resilience, and advocacy that define perioperative nursing. We are the stewards of surgical safety, the champions of patient dignity, and the voice for innovation in healthcare delivery.

As your State President, I am proud to stand beside you in advancing our shared mission. Together, we’ve strengthened legislative advocacy, elevated workplace safety, and expanded support for nurses across all practice settings. Your engagement fuels our progress, and your stories inspire our future.

Let us use this week to reflect on our impact, recommit to our values, and uplift one another. Whether you're mentoring a new nurse, leading a quality initiative, or simply showing up with courage and compassion—know that you are seen, valued, and celebrated.

Thank you for all you do. Happy Perioperative Nurse Week!

With gratitude and pride,
JD Buchert, DNP(c), M.Ed., MS, RN, CNOR
State President, AORN