Empowering Perioperative Nurses Through Education

2026-08-26

By Jaana Perttunen, EORNA President

In the dynamic and high-stakes world of the operating room, staying current isn’t optional – it’s essential. For perioperative nurses, continuous learning is not just about professional development; it’s about ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and care. At EORNA, we believe that empowered, well-educated nurses are at the heart of every successful surgical team.

Why Ongoing Education Matters in the OR

Perioperative nursing is a specialised field that demands both technical expertise and clinical precision. As surgical techniques, technologies, and protocols evolve, so too must the knowledge and skills of those supporting them. Continuing education ensures that nurses:

Maintain and improve clinical competence

Stay updated on evidence-based practices

Enhance patient outcomes and safety

Strengthen their leadership and critical thinking capabilities

For many perioperative nurses, however, access to consistent, high-quality education remains a challenge. That’s where EORNA steps in.

EORNA’s Role in Advancing Perioperative Nursing Education

One of EORNA’s core missions is to standardise and promote high-quality perioperative education across Europe. We support nurses at every stage of their careers—from new professionals building foundational skills to experienced OR nurses seeking to expand their expertise.

EORNA works to:

Harmonise perioperative education standards across member countries through the EORNA Core Curriculum

Promote accredited, evidence-based learning opportunities such as webinars, e-learning, and workshop

Recognise educational excellence through the EORNA ACE (Accreditation of Continuing Education) programme

Partner with national associations and industry sponsors to broaden access to training and certifications

Spotlight: New Learning Opportunities

This year, EORNA is proud to support a growing number of continuing education resources, including:

New accredited online courses developed with our corporate partners—covering critical topics like latex allergy awareness, infection control, and surgical smoke safety

Country-specific training modules tailored to the needs of national associations

Workshops and webinars aligned with the EORNA Core Curriculum

These initiatives help perioperative nurses build the skills they need to respond to real-time challenges in the OR – whether managing complex surgical instruments, ensuring infection prevention, or adapting to the latest innovations in minimally invasive procedures.

Looking Ahead

As we move toward the next EORNA Congress in Dubrovnik in 2026, education will remain at the heart of our vision. By investing in perioperative nursing education, we are not only supporting nurses’ professional journeys – but we are also protecting patients, improving surgical outcomes, and building stronger healthcare systems across Europe.

At EORNA, we don’t just advocate for lifelong learning. We make it possible.

Want to stay ahead in your perioperative nursing career?

Explore EORNA’s educational offerings and see how we can support your journey: https://eorna.eu/activities/