WesternU College of Graduate Nursing professor named AORN Fellow
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) selected Western University of Health Sciences College of Graduate Nursing Associate Dean and Professor Rodney Hicks, PhD, APRN, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN, as a Fellow of AORN, a prestigious acknowledgment reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and contributions to the field of perioperative nursing.
The title of Fellow of AORN is an honor that reflects a commitment to advancing perioperative nursing practice, education, and leadership. Individuals recognized as Fellows have not only displayed excellence in their roles but have also contributed significantly to the broader perioperative community, according to AORN.
AORN Fellows are recognized for their sustained contributions to perioperative nursing and commitment to the advancement of the field. The fellowship is awarded based on a stringent set of criteria that includes a significant impact on perioperative nursing practice, leadership, education, research, and community involvement.
“Dr. Hicks has improved perioperative medication safety guidelines through evidence-based practice,” said CGN Dean Mary Lopez, PhD, MSN, RN. “His work influences the College’s pre-licensure nursing students and thousands of practicing nurses nationwide.”
Dr. Hicks, who is part of the fourth cohort of Fellows and will become California’s second FAORN, has advanced perioperative nursing practice by co-creating the national recommendations for Medication Safety in the AORN recommended practice guidelines. Organizations must follow these recommended practices as they are legally enforceable. The AORN recommendations impact more than 65 million people a year.
AORN will induct this new cohort of Fellows at the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo in April 2025 in Boston, Mass.
