Operating Room Nurse Day
Operating Room Nurse Day is observed on November 14. It recognizes nurses who care for patients before, during, and after surgery, and highlights the skill and teamwork involved in surgical care.
How the day started
Operating Room Nurse Day was established in 1979 by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) as OR Nurse Day, to highlight the clinical expertise, critical thinking, and advocacy of operating room nurses. The observance later expanded into OR Nurse Week and became Perioperative Nurses Week in 2000. The observance focuses on the work of perioperative nurses, the nursing professionals who support patients and surgical teams throughout an operation. November 14 offers a yearly chance to recognize their contribution and learn more about what their role involves.
What operating room nurses do
Surgical nursing begins before a patient enters the operating room. Nurses may review the patient’s information, help prepare them for surgery, and answer questions about the process. Their work includes protecting patient safety and dignity at a time when people may feel anxious or vulnerable.
During an operation, nurses have distinct responsibilities. A scrub nurse works close to the sterile field, handling instruments and supplies while maintaining sterile conditions. A circulating nurse works outside that field, coordinating activity in the room, documenting care, and helping ensure the surgical team has what it needs. Specific duties vary with the procedure and the workplace, and nurses work closely with surgeons, anesthesiology professionals, and other members of the team.
Care continues after surgery. Nurses help transfer patients to recovery areas, share important information with colleagues, and monitor patients as they wake from anesthesia. They also support families by communicating clearly within privacy rules and hospital procedures. The job calls for clinical knowledge, focus, and the ability to respond calmly when plans change.
Why the role matters
Operating rooms depend on careful coordination. The team must follow safety procedures, keep track of instruments and supplies, and communicate about each stage of a procedure. Nurses help connect these tasks while keeping the patient’s needs at the center of care.
Perioperative nursing is a specialized area of nursing, and preparation can include further education and clinical experience. Some nurses work in operating rooms, while others care for patients in preoperative assessment, recovery, or other surgical services. Their work often happens out of public view, but it is an essential part of a patient’s surgical experience.
Ways to observe Operating Room Nurse Day
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Thank a perioperative nurse you know. A brief, sincere message can recognize the care and attention they bring to their work.
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Share a respectful note of appreciation through a hospital or clinic’s approved staff-recognition channel. Avoid including patient details or other private information.
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Learn about the different stages of surgical care, from preparation to recovery. A hospital’s patient-education materials can explain what patients and families may expect.
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If you’re considering nursing, ask a school or healthcare employer about perioperative nursing pathways, training, and clinical experience. Requirements differ by location and workplace.
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For a classroom or community group, invite a nurse to describe the teamwork involved in surgery, while keeping the discussion general and protecting patient privacy.
This page is for general awareness and isn't medical advice. For questions about your own health, talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
When is Operating Room Nurse Day?
Operating Room Nurse Day: Every year on November 14.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 14 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 14 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 14 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | November 14 | Thursday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on November 11, 2026 · Last updated November 11, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is Operating Room Nurse Day in 2026?
Operating Room Nurse Day is on Saturday, November 14, 2026. After that, it falls on Sunday, November 14, 2027. Every year on November 14.
Is Operating Room Nurse Day a public holiday?
No. Operating Room Nurse Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
What is Operating Room Nurse Day?
Operating Room Nurse Day is observed every year on November 14. It recognizes perioperative nurses and the skill and teamwork they bring to patient care before, during, and after surgery.
How did Operating Room Nurse Day begin?
Operating Room Nurse Day was established in 1979 by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) as OR Nurse Day, to highlight the clinical expertise, critical thinking, and advocacy of operating room nurses. The observance later expanded into OR Nurse Week and became Perioperative Nurses Week in 2000. The observance focuses on recognizing the work of nurses who support patients and surgical teams throughout an operation.
How can you observe Operating Room Nurse Day?
Thank a perioperative nurse or share a note through a hospital or clinic's approved recognition channel. You can also learn about surgical care from patient-education materials, while protecting patient privacy.
