International Federation 
of Perioperative Nurses

The International Federation of Perioperative Nurses (IFPN) is a global organisation dedicated to actively promoting perioperative nursing. The IFPN mission is to support perioperative nurses working towards improving patient care globally; by promoting a safe surgical experience for patients, through evidence-based best researched practice standards and education, together with member organisations and other relevant collaborators.


International partnerships-IFPN

Perioperative Nursing is defined as a specialty that works with patients who are having surgery or other invasive procedures including diagnostics.

The surgical experience covers three phases: 

  1. Preoperative (before surgery),
  2. Intraoperative (during surgery), 
  3. Postoperative (after surgery),

‘Perioperative’ encompasses all 3 phases, and the perioperative professional provides nursing expertise and care throughout the entire patient journey.

A united network that aims to deliver shared ambitions for our specialty

IFPN is not a political organisation, to deliver personal or individual country agendas; it is a collaborative, a united network that aims to deliver shared ambitions for our specialty, through recognition and engagement with international strategic leaders; towards achieving a positive impact on patient experience and outcomes of care. Perioperative nurses have the experience, expertise, education and standardised evidence-based perioperative practice to engage strategically in the global perioperative network. In reality, it is recognised globally, that the delivery of healthcare is not attainable, without the input, commitment and engagement of the nursing profession.

A network engagement of like-minded professionals

IFPN is a network engagement of like-minded professionals, and the liaison and collaboration between the organisations that they represent. We are a support community of perioperative professionals, which lead the Organisation at board level and liaise with the member organisations they represent.

IFPN membership worldwide represents over 500,000 perioperative nurses, relying on a relatively small financial membership, supported by 15 registered association contributions.

The member associations are: 

  • AfPP (United Kingdom)
  • ACORN (Australia)
  • AORN (United States of America)
  • EORNA (Europe) (25 countries)
  • IPNA (Israel)
  • GORNA (Greece)
  • KAORN (South Korea)
  • JONA (Japan)
  • ΚYSYNOX (Republic of Cyprus)
  • ORNAC (Canada)
  • PNCNZ (New Zealand)
  • SPN (India)
  • SOBECC (Brazil)
  • TSORNA (Türkiye)

IFPN is the only international specialty organisation representing perioperative nurses at a global level, through the International Council of Nurses (ICN). Through ICN, IFPN is involved in international activities, strategic engagement and formation of policies on nursing issues, exercising influence in relation to perioperative nursing activity; with a number of affiliate specialty groups within ICN, and within the World Health Organisation (WHO) agendas.

The current elected Executive team consists of President Patrick Voight, Secretary Meryem Yavuz van Giersbergen and Treasurer May Karam.

Latest News

11th EORNA Congress "Lights of Hope" in Valencia, Spain

On behalf of EORNA, the Scientific Committee, and the Local Organising Committee it is our great pleasure to invite you to join the 11th biennial…

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IFPN Presidents Message September 2023

IFPN Presidents Message September 2023 ( ICN meeting in Montreal, Canada and IFPN board meeting in Kos, Greece )

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48th Annual Conference of the Perioperative Nurses College of NZNO 2024

The 48th Annual Conference of the Perioperative Nurses College of NZNO 2024 will be held from 17th until 19th October 2024 in Te Papa Tongarewa…

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5. International & 13. National Congress Türkiye (TSORNA)

The 5. International & 13. National Congress will be held from 16 until 19 November 2023 in Türkiye

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Featured Event

Upcoming Events

INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY

12 May

Coordinated by the International Council of Nurses https://www.icn.ch

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11th EORNA Congress on May 16th – 18th 2024

16 May

On behalf of EORNA (European Operating Room Nurses Association), the Scientific Committee, and the Local Organising Committee it is our great pleasure to invite you to join the 11th biennial congress of European Perioperative Nurses Association on May 16th – 18th 2024.

Following the tradition of previous congresses, a stimulating scientific programme, prepared by the Scientific Committee, will be presented in oral as well as in poster presentations. The attendees are offered an outstanding exhibition, opportunity to meet with colleagues, learn about new developments in perioperative practice, and experience the wonderful hospitality and scenery of Valencia.

The 11th EORNA Congress will take place in Spain, specifically in Valencia, at the Palacio de Congresos.

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48th ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE PERIOPERATIVE NURSES COLLEGE OF NZNO 2024

17 October

The Capital of New Zealand, Wellington and their Perioperative Nurses are excited to once again present our conference and promote our valuable and essential perioperative nursing practice to the world. Our theme is Embracing the Future, Everything counts; Focusing on all streams of Perioperative Nursing including, Peri-anaesthesia, interventional radiology, Post Anaesthetic Care Units, Sustainability, Gender Diversity and Te tiriti o Waitangi of New Zealand.

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