What we do
EORNA works to raise the standard of perioperative patient care across Europe, by supporting the nurses who deliver it. We do this through education, standards, accreditation and research, and by giving perioperative nursing a collective, influential voice at European level.
Setting standards and sharing knowledge
EORNA develops the reference points that perioperative nurses across Europe use in their day-to-day practice. This includes the EORNA Core Curriculum for Perioperative Nursing, the EORNA Framework for Perioperative Nurse Competencies, and a growing library of best-practice guidelines covering areas such as perioperative care and surgical attire. Because our members work across many different healthcare systems, we take care to reflect that diversity rather than assume one country’s approach applies everywhere.
Accrediting education
Through EORNA ACE (Accreditation Council for Education), we accredit perioperative education programmes against agreed European standards — helping employers, educators and nurses trust the quality of the training on offer. EORNA accredits educational processes; it does not endorse commercial products.
Bringing the profession together
Every two years, the EORNA Congress brings perioperative nurses from across Europe together to share research, evidence and practical experience. Alongside the Congress, EPND (European Perioperative Nurses Day) is our annual opportunity to celebrate the profession and raise its visibility, in member countries and beyond.
Representing the profession
EORNA’s six committees carry out this work in practice — covering education, perioperative nursing care, governance, accreditation and external relations, congress delivery and communication. Our Board, made up of representatives from our member associations, meets twice a year to set direction and agree priorities on behalf of the profession.
Working with others
EORNA collaborates with European and international organisations that share our commitment to patient safety and professional standards, so that perioperative nursing has a seat at the table on issues that affect the profession. See who we work with →
