Benefits of membership
All financial members of Australian state and territory perioperative nurses associations are also full members of ACORN and can access the member benefits below.
The ACORN Standards
ACORN members receive extensive resources to aid in awareness, understanding and implementation of planetary health and sustainability in the perioperative environment.
By tackling these challenges, the perioperative setting can contribute to broader planetary health efforts. Promoting environmentally sustainable practices – such as minimising surgical waste, improving energy efficiency and adopting green procurement policies – allows perioperative teams to play a crucial role in improving the health of the planet while maintaining high-quality patient care. This growing awareness encourages health care professionals to consider not only the immediate health outcomes for their patients but also the long-term sustainability of the environment in which they work.
ACORN members receive access to The ACORN Standards included as part of their membership.
Australian patients deserve safe, high-quality, evidence-informed care throughout every stage of their perioperative journey. This is achieved through the expertise, dedication and collaboration of Australian perioperative nurses and interdisciplinary team members who implement the Australian College of Perioperative Nurses (ACORN) Standards to support consistent best practice, patient safety, and optimal clinical outcomes.
The ACORN Standards consist of:
- Standards for Safe and Quality Care in the Perioperative Environment (SSQCPE)
- Professional Practice Standards for Perioperative Nurses (PPSPN)
The Standards for safe and quality care in the perioperative environment (SSQCPE) provide evidence-informed guidance on the clinical processes, systems and practices required to support safe, consistent and high-quality perioperative care. The Standards outline the responsibilities of perioperative personnel and health service organisations across all phases of the perioperative journey, supporting risk reduction, patient safety, infection prevention, effective communication, clinical governance and quality improvement. The Standards are designed to support health service organisations and perioperative teams in delivering best practice care, meeting regulatory and accreditation requirements, and promoting continuous improvement within the perioperative environment.
The Professional practice standards for perioperative nurses (PPSPN) outline the professional expectations of enrolled nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners working within the perioperative environment. The standards support nurses in demonstrating alignment with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) standards through clearly defined behavioural descriptors linked to the NMBA criteria. The PPSPNs also describe the various nursing roles within the perioperative setting and provide guidance on the key responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and educational requirements associated with each role.
ACORN members receive inclusive implementation and educational resources to aid in the implementation of The ACORN Standards and best-practice in their perioperative environments.
The application and translation of ACORN Standards into practice are crucial for achieving clinical excellence and ensuring safe, high-quality patient care in the perioperative environment. These standards provide a structured framework that guides healthcare professionals in delivering consistent, evidence-based practices across all phases of perioperative care. By integrating ACORN Standards into daily practice, healthcare teams can enhance patient outcomes, minimise risks, and promote a culture of continuous improvement. This commitment to best practices fosters a safer, more efficient surgical environment, where patient safety and well-being are prioritised, ultimately supporting the delivery of exceptional care and the advancement of clinical standards in perioperative settings.
Education
ACORN Members can access a 50% scholarship for a variety of postgraduate certificate and diploma qualifications through our partnership with the University of Tasmania.
Study areas available to ACORN members under this agreement are:
- Nursing
- Addiction studies
- Advanced practice
- Dementia
- Health protection
- Healthcare redesign
- Leadership
- Public health
See the Financial support and scholarships page of our Education section for further details.
ACORN members receive a 15% discount on all ACORN Education courses provided.
Please contact [email protected] for your member discount coupon code.
Having a reliable and knowledgeable source of advice is a must. ACORN has over 45 years of experience that has resulted in relevant resources and documents to assist perioperative professionals. In collaboration with our special interest groups, industry experts and perioperative nursing professionals, members have access to resources pages to help in your clinical activities, projects, and quality improvement projects.
Every month ACORN provides education that is accessible to all. It doesn't matter if you are home or at work, all you need to be able to participate is a tablet, mobile phone, or computer. The webinars are online seminars, presented by perioperative nurses, and clinical experts, from a range of specialities, and you can participate from the comfort of your own home.
The webinars are recorded and available via the button below for viewing at any time. Webinar subscriptions are available for individuals or organisations.
ACORN Education webinars are free for all individual ACORN members - this is a member benefit of being part of the ACORN community. Ensure that you login to your ACORN account to access these webinars.
View ACORN webinars (ACORN members only)
Financial Support and Scholarships
ACORN members receive financial support in gaining essential industry-based qualifications to ensure best practice and patient safety. Industry-based financial support includes:
- A full scholarship for the Bravura Laser Safety Officer (LSO) education course
- 15% discount on Medcast Advanced Life Support (ALS) course registration fee
- 15% discount on Medcast Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course registration fee
Publications
The monthly e-newsletter keeps members update to date with current perioperative news, events, education, standards, job vacancies, local associations and new initiatives.
Sent to members on the 1st of the month except January. Check your email accounts, junk mail or email [email protected] to subscribe.
According to ACORN members (Education survey 2021 and 2022), the Journal of Perioperative Nursing in Australia is our number one-member benefit. The journal provides current research, education, and articles to enhance the perioperative professional’s development and engagement.
Collaboration
The biennial ACORN Conference is a highlight in the professional calendar for all. The event provides an opportunity to network, share, and learn. Members receive a substantial discount to attend or can apply for a scholarship.
We also celebrate International PeriAnaesthesia Nurses Week (IPAW) in February and Perioperative Nurses Week (PNW) in October.
ACORN members have the opportunity of being involved in several speciality area Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Networking, collaboration, and focused groups are created to enhance, support, and drive positive change and advanced perioperative nursing in the Australian healthcare system.
- ANZCA collaboration on each college’s standards, guidelines, and professional documents
- Representation at CONNMO
- Representation at Peak Nursing groups
- Direct work with ACSQHC, ANMF and Standards Australia
- Media engagement on perioperative issues
- ACORN position statements
Other Benefits
ACORN Fellows are special members who have made a significant contribution to the goals of the College and perioperative nursing or demonstrated professional excellence. This recognition is important as it celebrates and provides awareness of perioperative nurses as professionals.
For more details about ACORN Fellows
Excellence in Perioperative Nursing (EiPN) awards are presented to ACORN members who have made an outstanding contribution to perioperative nursing. An EiPN award is presented in the following three categories – Individual, Novice and Team.
For more details about the EiPN awards
During International PeriAnaesthesia Nurses Week in February, the ACORN G.A.S. awards highlight those who advocate for not only our patients, but for our future perianaesthesia profession. They are Guiding to novice nurses, they are Approachable to colleagues, patients, and visitors, and have a Special gift of seeing the unseen.
For more information about the G.A.S. awards
During Perioperative Nurses Week in October the ACORN G.L.U.E. awards acknowledging a special nurse who keeps the team together ‘like glue’. They are Genuine, they make you Laugh, they are Unique, and above all, show Empathy.
PII is available to ACORN members through a partnership with Guild Insurance, insurance partners of several AHPRA peak bodies and insurer to their members.
ACORN members receive a 10% discount on all Wellness Footwear shoes, compression socks and other work-related items.
ACORN members are eligible to join the QANTAS Club, ACORN Corporate Membership, at a discounted fee and receive associated benefits.