About Us

About Us

The National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that enhances the lives and careers of orthopaedic nurses. Formed in 1980, NAON was designed to promote the highest standards of nursing practice by educating its practitioners, promoting research and encouraging effective communication between orthopaedic nurses and other groups with similar interests.

NAON membership consists of more than 4,000 RNs, APRNs, LPNs, LVNs, student nurses and affiliate members from across the country and around the world who share an interest in musculoskeletal healthcare.

View an electronic version of NAON's History Scrapbook.

Mission

To advance the specialty of orthopaedic nursing in education, research, application of best practices, and to provide professional development and collaboration opportunities.

Value Statement

NAON promotes a culture of professional collaboration developed through trust, respect, integrity and passion for the specialty of orthopaedics. NAON values integrity, trust, vision, innovation, and stewardship.

Vision Statement

NAON is the premier professional society for all orthopaedic nurses and allied health professionals caring for patients in all practice settings with musculoskeletal conditions. NAON offers easy access to valuable knowledge, information, and resources, while creating a supportive and inclusive community.

NAON strives to become the trusted source for patients and caregivers for information on musculoskeletal conditions and care options, helping them to feel empowered about their health and well-being.

Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan of NAON is a disciplined effort to produce fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses is, what it does and why it does it, all with a focus on the future.

The Executive Board along with Executive Management develops a long-term vision and a short-term plan to address the needs of the Orthopaedic Nursing community and the patients they serve. This plan establishes goals over a period of years that assumes the organization will need to respond to a dynamic, changing healthcare environment.

NAON Bylaws

NAON is governed by its Bylaws which can be reviewed here.