March 31, 2025- NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced that it has been nationally recognized by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) as a Center of Excellence in Surgical Safety: Smoke Evacuation and has earned the AORN Go Clear Award. This recognition demonstrates the commitment of Bellevue’s Operating Room Nursing Leadership and Nursing team to provide a safe and healthy environment for both patients and surgical staff by eliminating surgical smoke, a hazardous byproduct of powered surgical instruments and lasers that poses significant health risks to those exposed. The AORN Go Clear Award is presented to facilities that have shown a proactive approach to protecting the health and well-being of everyone in the operating room by ensuring a smoke-free surgical environment.