Individuals undergoing invasive surgical and/or anaesthetic procedures have a right to be cared for by appropriately qualified staff in a safe supportive environment whilst in peri-operative care.

Those qualified and experienced staff working within the multi-disciplinary team are expected to perform in a competent manner, displaying an awareness of current developments in research and knowledge relating to the operating department and peri-operative care.

A systematic approach to holistic care should maintain the identity and dignity of each individual patient without prejudice to health status, nationality, creed, religion or other beliefs.

The patient, the relatives and any significant others, are entitled to receive the necessary information and physical and emotional support needed to help them through the stages of perioperative care.

The recognized Operating Room Nurses Association of each European country may nominate two members to the EORNA Board. Each National Association therefore holds membership of EORNA on behalf of its members.

The Board of Directors is led by the Officers of EORNA who themselves come from individual member associations. From the Board four officers: the President; the Vice President; and the Coordinators (Secretary and Treasurer) are elected. Officers serve a three year term, and cannot be re-elected within the forthcoming six years after finishing the term, apart from the President who may be re-elected for one additional three year term.

EORNA Board meetings (two days) are held twice a year in spring and autumn. These meetings are held in different venues around Europe, thus enabling all members of the group to share professional knowledge and national culture with colleagues. All officers meet a day before and a day after the main meeting to coordinate the business and responsibilities of each Officer. The official language of EORNA is English.

The expenses of the Association are funded mainly through the annual subscriptions paid in April each year by each member country. Currently this is €330. EORNA has a written policy regarding areas from which sponsorship is acceptable. Attendance of two representatives at the meeting is financed by the individual associations. The coordinators have the role of managing the finances of the Association and of producing annual audited accounts for the information of the members.