The operating room is a place where precision, collaboration, and excellence converge to save lives. For Dr. Ray-an Talatala, DNP, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC, FAORN, it is also a dynamic space where leadership, mentorship, and cultural identity intersect, redefining what it means to be a perioperative nurse in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Professional Background
I am Dr. Ray-an Talatala, a perioperative nursing professional development specialist at NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue: a level 1 trauma center and part of one of the largest public health systems in the U.S. With over 13 years of clinical nursing experience, I am dedicated to advancing perioperative nursing, utilizing the power of research and evidence-based practice.
My professional journey began in the Philippines, where I progressed from a staff nurse to a nurse manager in a trauma and teaching hospital. I also served as a visiting professor, teaching perioperative nursing at a local university. After moving to the United States I broadened my mission, leading and driving innovation in perioperative nursing through large-scale initiatives and transformative projects.
At NYC Health and Hospitals, I lead local and system-wide clinical initiatives, mentor nurses, and advocate for surgical safety. I’ve published research in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. I am a member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) National Nursing Research Committee and a President-Elect of the AORN New York City Chapter. I also serve as a peer reviewer and column coordinator for the AORN Journal. Additionally, I led the effort that earned NYC Health and Hospitals/Kings County the distinction of becoming New York City’s first AORN Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Prevention of Retained Surgical Items, surpassing 61 other hospitals in the process.
As an AORN Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Awardee and a Distinguished Fellow of AORN (FAORN), I remain committed to advancing perioperative nursing through leadership, research, and education, continually striving to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes locally, nationally, and globally.
Earning a DNP Degree at Aspen University
In October 2024, I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Aspen University. This achievement was a defining moment in my career, as the DNP program provided me with the advanced leadership skills necessary to address complex healthcare challenges. The knowledge I gained empowered me to lead high-impact projects that advanced patient safety and perioperative nursing on multiple levels.
Aspen University’s DNP program has equipped me with the tools to implement evidence-based solutions, enhance patient safety, and drive meaningful change in perioperative practice. Earning a DNP also played a crucial role in my selection as a FAORN, which remains one of the greatest honors of my career. My doctoral education has prepared me to assume advanced leadership roles, enabling me to champion innovative system changes that have significantly improved patient outcomes, particularly within underserved populations.
Fellowship in AORN
Being named a Fellow of AORN is a prestigious distinction that honors exemplary leadership, clinical excellence, and a sustained commitment to advancing perioperative nursing. With only 27 current Fellows nationwide, I am deeply honored to stand among this esteemed group. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that I am the first FAORN from the State of New York. The title is not only a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for both New York State nurses and the Filipino nursing community, which I am proud to represent.
Becoming an AORN Fellow requires significant contributions in practice, education, and leadership. For me, this recognition reflects my deep commitment to improving patient safety through evidence-based quality improvement projects, such as preventing retained surgical items, pressure injuries, unintentional perioperative burns, and errors in surgical specimen management.
The responsibility that comes with being an AORN Fellow is immense. I see it as an opportunity to continue mentoring the next generation of perioperative nurses and advocate for diversity in healthcare leadership. I am passionate about supporting novice and emerging perioperative nurses and helping them achieve their own success. By sharing my experiences and offering mentorship, I aim to inspire and empower the future leaders in the field.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to collaborate with brilliant nurses and make a significant impact in the perioperative arena. I believe that leadership is about empowering others to succeed, and my goal has always been to create an environment where nurses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to patient safety and perioperative nursing practice. By providing mentorship and creating platforms for professional growth, we can empower novice perioperative nurses to make their mark within their organizations and beyond.
Looking forward, I remain committed to advancing surgical safety, improving clinical outcomes, and advocating for inclusive leadership in healthcare. I am particularly focused on addressing the needs of underserved populations, as I believe equitable access to quality care is a fundamental right for all patients, regardless of their background.
Future Journey
My career as a perioperative nurse has been driven by a commitment to excellence, patient safety, and the mentorship of future generations. From my early days as a staff nurse in the Philippines to my current role in New York City, I have always led with purpose, integrity, and compassion. I am committed to carrying forward the legacy of nursing excellence in perioperative practice—advancing patient outcomes and making a meaningful impact on the lives of surgical patients.
Earning my DNP and being named an AORN Fellow are not merely personal achievements; they represent the broader influence of my contributions to perioperative nursing. Through a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning, mentorship, and leadership, I remain dedicated to making a meaningful and enduring impact on the profession. As a DNP-prepared nurse leader, I am confident in my ability to shape the future of healthcare. Through inter-professional collaboration and partnership, together we can push the boundaries of what’s possible and elevate perioperative nursing care, for the benefit of our patients and the entire nursing community.
We are honored to count Dr. Ray-an Talatala among our alumni. His exceptional leadership, groundbreaking contributions, and unwavering commitment to his field inspires us deeply. With advocates like Ray-an advancing the profession and mentoring new nurses, we can be optimistic about the future of perioperative nursing.