AORN Launches Global Education Series
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has partnered with U.S. military nurse educators to launch a global webinar series. The initiative focuses on evidence-based training and simulation, a model that could be expanded to obstetric and midwifery education.
- The collaboration between AORN and military educators involves the Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Brooke Army Medical Center, and overseas military nurse educators. Since 2017, this partnership has been part of the Clinical Nurse Specialist curriculum, mentoring trainees in creating continuing education for the wider perioperative community. - Webinar topics developed through this partnership include malignant hyperthermia management, culturally congruent care for Muslim patients, and sterile storage practices, all based on AORN's evidence-based guidelines. - The application of simulation in midwifery education is seen as a valuable tool, particularly for managing infrequent but critical obstetric emergencies. It allows student nurse-midwives to assume leadership roles in a safe environment and has been shown to improve self-assessed preparedness for events like shoulder dystocia. - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 38% from 2022 to 2032. However, the World Health Organization estimates a global shortage of 310,000 midwives by 2030. - In Virginia, recent legislation has significantly impacted the practice of midwifery. House Bill 1904, effective July 1, 2025, allows certified nurse midwives to be part of the 24-hour on-call roster for nursery care when a physician is unavailable and permits the use of telehealth for physician consultations. - Additionally, Virginia's House Bill 1923, also effective July 1, 2025, mandates that private insurers and Medicaid reimburse Licensed Certified Midwives (LCMs) and Licensed Midwives (LMs) at the same rates as Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) for providing the same services. - Emerging technologies in maternal care include digital health platforms and mobile apps that facilitate remote monitoring of vital signs like blood pressure and glucose levels. Some platforms, like Mae Health, focus on providing culturally competent resources for Black expectant mothers to improve pregnancy outcomes. - Artificial intelligence is also being integrated into maternal healthcare to predict potential complications such as preeclampsia and fetal distress. AI algorithms can analyze large datasets to identify at-risk pregnancies early, allowing for timely interventions.
