Every year, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) marks Time Out Day as a powerful reminder of the vital role surgical safety plays in healthcare. On June 11, 2025, perioperative professionals across the country will again reaffirm their commitment to one of the most critical steps in the surgical process: the time out.
What Is Time Out Day?
Time Out Day was established in 2004 to support and promote the Joint Commission’s Universal Protocol for preventing wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-person surgery. The "time out" is a standardized safety pause taken immediately before a procedure begins, during which the surgical team confirms the patient’s identity, the correct surgical site, and the intended procedure.
Why It Matters More Than Ever in 2025
While time outs have become a standard safety practice, Time Out Day serves as a crucial annual reset—a moment to reflect, reeducate, and reenergize the commitment to patient safety. In a fast-paced surgical environment, even the most experienced teams can be vulnerable to distraction or assumption. Time Out Day is a call to vigilance in the face of routine.
In 2025, as surgical technology continues to evolve and operating rooms grow increasingly complex, the human element of safety remains irreplaceable. AORN Time Out Day reminds us that a 60-second pause can prevent a lifetime of regret.
Empowering the Surgical Team
Time Out Day is also about empowerment. It reinforces that every team member—from the circulating nurse to the anesthesiologist—has the authority and responsibility to speak up if something seems off. This cultivates a culture of collaboration and respect where patient safety comes first.
How to Observe Time Out Day
Educate:
Host brief training sessions or distribute materials on the proper time out process.
Engage:
Invite the whole surgical team to participate in simulations or discussions.
Elevate:
Share stories of how a proper time out prevented a potential error.
Encourage:
Recognize staff who consistently advocate for safety.
Equip:
Use visual tools and products—like posters, printed towels, or bright colors—that serve as clear, consistent reminders to take a time out before every procedure.