National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) was established in 1980 to promote education and research related to nursing care of persons with orthopaedic conditions. Today, NAON is one of the premier national nursing associations for 7,000 registered and licensed practical/vocational nurses representing all 50 states and several foreign countries. NAON's major purpose is to promote, in cooperation with all members of the health care team, the highest standards of nursing practice, to promote research, and maintain effective communication between orthopaedic nurses and other external interested persons and groups. Members are the “backbone” of NAON. As such, the NAON values their innovation, creativity, and continuous support that provides the vitality that is the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses. Membership in NAON is challenging, exciting, but most of all rewarding.