Opportunities for shaping the future.

AORN Journal,  Sept, 2007  by Mary Jo W. Steiert

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September is here, bringing another round of beginnings--back to school, fall sporting events, and new AORN activities. AORN's fall Specialty Conferences provide opportunities for members to gather for education, networking, and to renew our passion for the perioperative nursing profession. This year's conferences, which will be held during September and October in San Antonio, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; and Denver, Colorado, will cover the topics of

* leadership and management,

* clinical issues,

* best practices,

* workplace issues,

* professional development,

* ambulatory surgery issues,

* infection control and prevention, and

* informatics.

The 2007 World Conference on Surgical Patient Care, to be held October I to 4 at the COEX Center in Seoul, South Korea, offers nurses a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The conference theme is "The World of Perioperative Nursing: Evidence, Practice, Future," and education topics have been submitted by perioperative nurses from around the world. For more information on any of these conferences, see page 483 in this Journal.

THE BUSINESS OF AORN

An important piece of AORN business that occurs in the fall is the selection of delegates who will represent the membership at our annual Congress, to be held March 30 to April 3, 2008, in Anaheim, California. Being selected as a delegate for our Association is an honor and a privilege. It is also a responsibility.

Delegates represent the best interest of perioperative nursing in the House of Delegates, where the business of the organization is conducted. This business includes, but is not limited to, voting on resolutions and proposed AORN Bylaws and policy changes that will improve our profession and our professional organization.

Many issues that require careful consideration are brought before the House of Delegates. It is imperative that each delegate read about these issues before coming to Congress to become familiar with what will be discussed. Before Congress, the House agenda can be found in the Pre-Congress AORN Journal (ie, the January issue). At Congress, delegate information is available in the publications distributed at registration and in Congress News.

Delegates also have the responsibility of discussing the issues that will be voted on with fellow chapter and specialty assembly members to learn their opinions and ideas about shaping our Association and our profession. Many AORN chapters schedule meetings for this purpose before Congress, which allows the delegates to gather discussion points that they can take to the annual business meetings.

Each member has the opportunity to hear about and discuss the issues during the Congress Forums. Although decisions are not made during these sessions, the Forums often help refine and clarify the issues that will require decisions at the House of Delegates. Attending the Forums and reading the backup documentation helps delegates enter into an informed debate. Delegates are required to attend both House of Delegates sessions.

Delegates also have the privilege of voting for the new leaders of our Association. Delegates should make a point of meeting each candidate for national office. Candidate presentations provide a great opportunity for members to hear how the candidates articulate their goals for AORN. By reviewing the biographical information for each candidate and asking appropriate questions regarding the relevant experience that the candidate will bring to the position he or she is seeking, delegates can make informed choices. The Meet the Candidates session will occur on Saturday afternoon at the 2008 Congress. This will allow delegates to attend more education sessions and should make Sunday less hectic for candidates and delegates alike.

At the 2008 Congress, voting will occur on Wednesday between the hours of 10 AM and 1 PM. This will allow the delegates to attend an additional education session on Thursday morning. The candidates will be informed of the election results before the second House of Delegates session is convened. These changes to the Congress schedule have been made as a result of feedback from attendees and delegates during the past few years. I hope these will be positive changes.

SHAPE THE FUTURE

Serving as a delegate is an excellent way to make a difference for our future. AORN is a volunteer association--and one that shapes our future as a specialty organization within the nursing profession. If and when you are asked, my sincere hope is that you will accept the honor of serving as a delegate.

MARY JO W. STEIERT, RN, BSN, CNOR, AORN PRESIDENT

COPYRIGHT 2007 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning