The Association of Operating Room Nurses of Dallas is an outgrowth of the early Operating Room Supervisor's of Dallas group which began in 1947. Shortly after the end of World War II, the operating room supervisors of Dallas hospitals felt the need to meet together on a regular basis to share information and help each other solve problems about conditions in area operating rooms. Civilian hospitals were faced with many shortages of supplies and equipment, and military nurses returning to civilian life were bringing new surgical techniques and information from field hospitals. The supervisors held an organizational meeting at the Adolphus Hotel and, at their second meeting on May 2, 1947 elected officers and adopted bylaws.

By 1952, the membership had expanded to include registered nurses working in operating rooms as well as operating room supervisors. About this same time the Texas Hospital Association helped to form a state wide association of operating room nurses and, in May, 1953, the Texas Association of Operating Room Nurses was formed. It operated as an independent group, but met with the Texas Hospital Association during its annual convention. A national association, the Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc., was formally organized in 1957. AORN of Dallas has been a member of that group since its inception.

The Dallas chapter holds regular meetings to educate members about advances in operating room technology and procedures, organizes public information and lobbying efforts on behalf of the profession, and provides an opportunity for area operating room nurses to share common concerns.

The national AORN organization sponsors annual meetings, called Congresses, held throughout the United States. AORN of Dallas has assisted with Congress meetings in Dallas in 1964, 1975, 1981, 1985, 1988, and 2001.