Something for everyone—2003 AORN Congress - President's Message

AORN Journal,  Jan, 2003  by Donna S. Watson

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In March, AORN celebrates its 50th Congress. The theme, 50 Years of Excellence: Vision to Reality, is a testimonial to the ongoing success of AORN and its annual Congress. Many wonder how Congress started. The original idea for creating a venue where OR nurses could come together to discuss issues, share information, and participate in education started with the vision of Amy Armour Smith, RN, in 1916. (1) This vision grew into a forum where OR nurses from across the country could come to discuss issues, share education, and influence practice by participating in annual national conferences, world conferences, and the highly acclaimed AORN Congress.

The first national conference, which later was recognized as a Congress for OR nurses, was held Feb 1 to 3, 1954, in New York. Operating room nurses from across the country attended with great enthusiasm. Total attendance was estimated to be around 1,790 with 43 exhibitors and 17 presenters. (2) The conference helped nurses participate in continuing education, networking, and making a difference in practice.

Though Congress continued to achieve great growth and success during the following years, site selection quickly became an issue, because it depends on a variety of issues. This is demonstrated in a mock advertisement detailing requirements for the 1969 Congress site. These requirements included

   An area the size of 2 1/2 football fields with 1 1/2 times as many
   square feet as are contained in the average 100-bed hospital. Area
   must be able to support 1,500 tons of freight. Must be adjacent to
   an area as large as four basketball courts, which also must be
   adjacent to two areas each 1 1/2 times the size of a basketball
   court. Area must be within 15 blocks of 2,800 Class A hotel and
   motel rooms; must be enclosed from the weather, provide heat and
   air conditioning, modern lighting, offer 200,000 watts of
   additional electricity, as well as gas, hot and cold water,
   and compressed air. Must have parking facilities for at least
   500 cars and restaurant to serve at least 3,000 hot meals. (3)

Congress has changed dramatically since 1969. Multiplying the above requirements by four provides an estimate of the requirements for the 50th Congress.

EDUCATION AND GENERAL SESSIONS

This year's Congress will have the general theme of patient safety in a majority of the education programs that feature clinical, professional development, and leadership and management issues. During last year's Congress, I had the opportunity to launch the Patient Safety First initiative for AORN. This theme has served as the fundamental premise for education programs during the year, and it will continue to be promoted throughout education programs at Congress, as patient safety contains a broad message for AORN members and always is placed first by perioperative nurses.

The number of general sessions has been increased, and they include stimulating, thought-provoking presentations. In the keynote address, John Nance, a well-known broadcast journalist, pilot, and nationally-known author, will challenge the audience as he presents aviation safety facts, lessons learned, and applications for improving patient safety in health care. Additionally, Julianne M. Morath, RN, MS, winner of the 2002 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety Award, will discuss essentials for creating a safe workplace culture.

The AORN Foundation is pleased to sponsor the general session on nursing leadership. H. Ross Perot will present his views on the significance of nursing's leadership in today's challenged health care environment. Perot is a nationally-known philanthropist, visionary, dynamic leader, and author.

In addition, the Exhibitors' Advisory Committee is sponsoring Karyn Buxman, RN, CSP, CPAE, who will deliver a lively presentation on the secret antidote to reducing stress in our day-to-day lives. Her session overview describes stress as deadlines, budgets, difficult personalities, difficult customers, new regulations, an obstinate teenager at home, and bad hair and "no-hair" days. I can relate to each situation, and I look forward to finding out the secret antidote. This general session is a collaborative session intended to deliver an inspiring message to perioperative nurses and industry representatives. As you conduct business on the exhibit floor on Tuesday, remember to make certain that every representative you come in contact with has plans to attend this session and the evening's 50th Congress anniversary party at Navy Pier.

As we celebrate the 50th Congress, we also have brought back some of our popular sessions from the past. If you remember Keith Harrell's general session presentation from the 2001 Congress, I need say no more. Harrell's program is guaranteed to motivate and inspire all of us. Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, will advise us on the powerful journey of nursing, and last, but certainly not least, the Closing. Session will feature Lyn St James, the first woman selected as the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. She will provide insight on the necessary elements for success, positive thinking, and determination.