A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Audrey N . Bell, R.N. 1069 is almost here. The year-1968-has passed rapidly, almost too fast. But 1968 has been a good ye...
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Audrey N . Bell, R.N. 1069 is almost here. The year-1968-has passed rapidly, almost too fast. But 1968 has been a good year. Reflecting over the past months, we can see the progress made. The Boston Congress-a most successful Congress-was well attended, informative and fulfilling. The delegates voted in many action programs which provided the basis for the year’s activities. A National Advisory Board for the Association of Operating Room Technicians was appointed soon after the Boston Congress. Even though it was summer before the Advisory Board could begin functioning, they have worked diligently to develop model bylaws for local AORT Chapters, set up a proposed time table for organizational activities and are selecting a format for an AORT newsletter. The support of AORN members in assisting the technicians on the local level has been most gratifying. Our educational activities for operating room personnel have been enhanced. The Journal staff compiled and published Operating Room Topics, an anthology of related articles from past AORN Journals. The OR Film Committee moved to produce two films instead of the usual one. The Board approved an arrangement with the Hospital Research and Education Trust of the A.H.A. for the production of a manual for the student technician which is in the process of being developed. Many requests for review and s u g gestions for changes in ORT programs have
December 1968
been received. The Manual and AORN-ACS Committees undertook the task of reviewing and evaluating these programs. The Educational Director has moved rapidly to strengthen our educational efforts. Three regional N.C.E. Institutes were conducted this year and plans have been projected for a minimum of four institutes in 1969. Several AORN members have participated in nonAORN sponsored seminars and workshops, both in and out of the country. A change in membership renewal collections was adopted and new procedures were instituted. Changes in the operation of our Headquarters Office, both in personnel, responsibilities and procedures have also been made in an effort to better serve the members and promote the aims and philosophy of the Association. AORN is working closely with the ANA and NLN to more clearly define the role of the professional nurse in the operating room and justify student nurses experiences in the area. Long range planning, expression of ideas and progressive thinking are essential as we continue our efforts to retain this essential segment of the student nurses curriculum. New Chapters have continued to organize throughout the country. During 1968 more AORN chapters have formed bringing our total chapter strength to 140 in 42 states and seven foreign areas. 1968 has been a good year. 1969 holds promise of much more.