Candidates for national office

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Candidates for national off ice

This sample ballot lists the nominees for AORN national offices. The annual election will be held from 7 to 9 am, Thursday, March 8 , during the AORN Congress in Atlanta. Results will be announced at the House of Delegates session, which begins at 3:15 pm the same day. All information on the sample form will be included on the official ballot. Chapter members may use this form to indicate their preferences as a guide for delegatesfrom their chapters. Incorrect voting on the official ballot will invalidate that section of the ballot. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the first House of Delegates meeting at 3:15 pm Monday, March 5, according to

the AORN Bylaws, Article VI, Section 3. Candidates for office will appear at the “Meet the Candidates” session at 2:30 pm, Sunday, March 4. Delegates are required and alternates are encouraged to attend the meeting, which is open to all AORN members. Biographies and election statements for the candidates follow. Candidates were asked to address these points: 0 Identify three major issues that, in your opinion, are facing professional nursing today. 0 Which of these issues do you feel has the most impact on perioperative nursing? Why? 0 What is your commitment to AORN regarding the office you are seeking?

Sample ballot President-elect (one to be elected) Linda Groah 0 Ruth Vaiden Vice-president (one to be elected) 0 Nancy Davis Patricia Kapsar Secretary (one to be elected) Meta Hodson 0 Jean Tornello Board of Directors (four to be elected) 0 Billie Fernsebner

0 Carolyn Mackety IJ Patricia Mews

0 Barbara Thames 0 Elaine Thomson 0 Carol Tyler 0 Joan Uebele Nominating Committee (three to be elected) 0 Shelley Bever 0 Nancy Fennessey 0 Suzy Fong 0 Patricia Hunter Maureen Myers 0 Candace (Candy) Moore 0 Linda Tollerud

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For President-elect (one to be elected)

Linda KGroah, RN, CNOR, isdirector of nursing OR/PAR and a clinical instructor at the University of California at San Francisco. Groah has a BA from St Mary’s College, Moraga, Calif, and a diploma from St Luke’s School of Nursing, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Groah has been an operating room nurse for 20 years and a member of AORN for 17 years. She is now the chairman of the Nominating Committee (1983 to 1984) and was chairman of the Nursing Practices Committee (1978 to 1979). She was a member of the Nominating Committee (1980 to 1984)and the Audiovisual Committee (1970 to 1974). As a member of the San Francisco Marin chapter, Groah was on the board of directors (1978 to 1983) and is now the chairman of the legislative and Project Alpha committees. She has also chaired the committee for establishing delegate criteria (1981). She is a member of the casino night committee (1982 to 1983) and was a member of the nominations (1 977 to 1979) and program (1973) committees. She has been a member of the American Nurses’ Association (ANA) for twelve years and a member of the National League for Nursing for nine years. For four years, Groah was secretary of ANAs OR conference group and for a year was vice-chairmanof the group. She has attended 16 Congresses, 12 as a delegate and 2 as an alternate delegate. Shewasaspeakerat the 1973,1974,1961, 1982, and 1983 Congresses and moderated sessions at 1979, 1981, and 1982 Congresses. Groah has also frequently contributed to theAORNJournal. Her most recent article was coauthored with Elizabeth Reed and titled “Your responsibility in documenting care.” She has also written articles for other journals. She is author of a new textbook Operating Room Nursing-The Perioperative Role and has contributed chapters to other books in OR nursing. Groah has spoken on various aspects of OR nursing to AORN chapters and hospital groups. Nection statement. Nursing is a dynamic profession facing many challenging issues that could change our profession.Three of the 436

Linda Groah major issues are 0 sustaining and improving our political power cost of health care 0 the image of nursing. Our profession has gained some political sophisticationover the past few years, now we must be persistent and build on this base to become astute in political affairs. With 1 out of 44 female voters being a nurse, we have strength in numbers and the potential to influence the political process. In 1982, 82.9% of the candidates endorsed by The Nurses Coalition for Action in Politics were elected. This endorsement and support of the political process will assist us in gaining political power. Political power will provide our profession with the capacity to have legislation passedthat will protect our practice and patients. This same power will provide us with the capacity to receive equal pay for work of comparable worth. Political involvement is a challenge each must respond to. We must challenge the stereotype of nursing as a passive, uninvolvedprofession with limited vision. We must play a major role in shaping present and future health care delivery systems and the practice of nursing. In our practice, we are being challenged to curb rising health care costs. To curb these costs, the use of nonprofessionals is being proposed on the premise they can perform the same services for less money. However, the quality of those services is not being addressed. Quality of care is no longer a viable term; we must justify our services financially. Cost justification and cost containment are mandated

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by consumers and legislators. We must respond to these challenges by delivering nursing care while still maintaining the high professional standards defined by our association. The operating rooms are not a cost but a major revenue producingdepartment within the hospital. We must translate the quality of care into financial language by identifying the expense components required to provide nursing care and then identifying the related revenues resulting from our unique contribution. The previous issues are important, however, the most important issue to perioperative nursing is the image of nursing. The stereotype of nurses and nursing portrayed by the media has an impact on all the issues affecting nursing. It can be translated into falling enrollments in nursing programs, the retention of nurses, and the image patients, hospital administrators, politicians, and physicians have of nursing. Equally important is that our professional image is tied to the visions we hold of ourselves. That vision has led to disunity in nursing, our inability to agree and implement the entry into practice issue, and to achieve autonomy in nursing practice. The future of perioperativenursing depends on thoughtful and knowledgeable decision making, a commitment to listening to challenges, and a willingness to change. I am committed to these concepts and will use all of my creativity, energy, and enthusiasm to meet the needs of the membership and of the organization. ~

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Ruth E Vaiden, RN, CNOR, is a private neurosurgical nurse with Neurosurgical Associates, Richmond, Va. A diploma graduate of Johnston Willis Hospital School of Nursing, Richmond, she has been an operating room nurse for 18 years. Vaiden has been an AORN member for 15 years, during which time she has sewed as a member of the AORN Board of Directors (1980 to 1982) as well as its vice-president (1982 to 1984). She has chaired the national Legislative Committee (1980 to 1982) and the Credentials Committee (1982 to 1984) and has been a member of the Task Force on State Organizations (1980 to 1981). She has also been a member (1977 to 1982) and Board liaison to the Legislative Committee (1982 to

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Ruth Vaiden 1984), a member of the Board’s Executive Committee (1982 to 1984), the Planning Committee (1982 to 1984), and the Budget and Finance Committee (1982 to 1984). As a member of the Richmond Area chapter, Vaiden has been a member of the board of directors (1977 to 1978 and 1980 to 1984), vice-president (1972 to 1974),president (1975 to 1977), and parliamentarian(1979 to 1980). She has been chairman of the nominating committee (1979 to 1980), awards committee (1978 to 1983),ways and means committee (1977 to 1978), program committee (1972 to 1974), Virginia council of operating room nurses (1979 to 1983), and the workshop committee (1977 to 1978). She has been a member of these committees: ways and means (1971 to 1978), nursing liaison with the Virginia Nurses Association (1977 to 1978 and 1981to 1982),workshop (1978to 1979), legislative (1975 to 1983), the newsletter (1975 to 1979), executive (1975 to 1977), bylaws (1974 to 1977), program (1973 to 1979), and education (1974 to 1977). Vaiden has attended 15 Congresses, 9 as a delegate and 2 as an alternate. She has been a member of the Virginia Nurses’ Associationfor 5 years. Vaiden moderated two educational sessions in 1981 and 1982. Her AORN Journal publications include “The registered professional nurse as the first assistant in the OR’ (1977), “Nurses exert a healthy influence on legislation” (1980), “What’s behind the dramatic increase to hospital costs” (1981), and AORN Board reports. Vaiden was also the author of “Regulatory influences on the nursing 437

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profession," published in the October 1982 issue of Medical Instrumentation Journal. Election statement. Nursing continues to face challenging issues. I believe three major issues facing nursing today are the image of nursing; unity in nursing; and governmental impact on nursing. The issue that could have the greatest impact is nursing's image. Perhaps it is always true, but I believe that today we see greater demeaning of institutions and professional individuals than was common in days past. Nurses have not been exempt from this tendency. I believe the manner in which we are perceived, especially through mass media and even by a part of the general public, can and should be improved. To counteract popular misconceptions, we must assure everyone that we as members of AORN are concerned, caring, and competent, with the right to be members of the learned professions. As a means of promotingimprovement of our image and increasing the acceptance of our proper place in society, the following ideas would be appropriate. The most important objective is a demonstration of total integrity in our relationship to patients, our profession, colleagues, and the public in general. This concept already exists, but we need to make it more widely known. This requires the participation of all members to be successful. It is also necessary to constantly improve our technological and interpersonal skills. In this day of high technology we must stay up front and maintain leadership in all areas. All of these things are mandatory and good but should not exist simply within the confines of the profession and patient. We need to spread the message through community involvement in civic, social, and political arenas. Unity is another keystone to our continuing success and assists us in promotinga positive image. This constancy of purpose relates not only to AORN but extends to all nursing organizations. Within AORN this does not prohibit debate or full discussion, but does infer that once we make a definite decision and decide to move in a given direction, it behooves us to move forward in a unifiedfashion. Image improvement, unification, and dedication to serving our profession and organization will enable us to move from the present to a 438

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much higher level of professionalism. The accomplishment of these ideals and purposes requires self-assessment,along with determination to strive even harder to improve that assessment and to give ourselves a continuing challenge. As a member of AORN, I feel that the strengthening of our organization is an ongoing process. 1 have become more appreciative of the opportunity AORN affords each of us to promote our profession and ourselves. It is true that you get out of any organization what you put into it. Having served on the Board of Directors, and now as vice-president, my return has been even greater than I could imagine. Because of this I intend to continue to dedicate my time and energies to the future of AORN. My pledge to you is to accept the commitment and challenge of the office of presidentelect and fulfill its obligations.

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For Vice-president (one to be elected)

Nancy B Davis, RN, is an RN first assistant for Cardiovascular and Chest Surgical Associates, Boise, Idaho. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Portland (Ore), and her family nurse practitioner certification from Boise State University. Davis has been an operating room nurse for 19 years, and a member of AORN for 16 years. She has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1980 and has chaired the Nursing Practices Committee OR (1979 to 1980), Standards of Nursing Practices Committee (1980 to 1981), and is currently chairing the Nursing Practices Committee (1981 to 1984). Currently a member of the Task Force on First Assisting, she has also been a member of the Nursing Practices Committee (1977 to 1978), Project 25 (1977 to 1978), and Project 26 (1978 to 1979). Project 25 and 26 defined the perioperative role and a plan for its implementation. As a member of the AORN of Treasure Valley chapter, Davis has been president (1970 to 1973), vice-president (1 980 to 1982), and chairman of the workshop committee (1981). Davis has attended 11 Congresses, 6 as a delegate and 2 as an alternate. She has been a member of the American Nurses’ Association for 17 years, the Idaho Nurses’Association for 15 years, and the Oregon Nurses’ Association for 2 years. As a Congress speaker, Davis was a panel member of “Perioperative Nursing Role” (1978), and she spoke on “Perioperative Encounters of 3 Kinds” (Project 26) (1979), and “Standards of PerioperativeNursing Practice” (1 982). She moderated a Congress session in 1979. Her Journal publicationsinclude “Charting a course for the first assistant” (1980), an article for the Nursing Practices Committee “Standards of PerioperativeNursing Practice” (1982), “A glimpse of OR nursing in the USSR” (1 983), and Nursing Practices Committee “Guidelines for developing clinical ladders” (1983). Her other professional activities include publication in other journals. Electionstatement. Three issues are critical to nursing:

Nancy Davis The unresolved conflicts within nursing. This is evident by the lack of intraprofessional collaboration and collegiality. The lack of recognition of professional nursing by society. How we, as nurses, value ourselves and our profession is reflected by nursing’s image and status. The effects are seen in legislative actions and in our relationships with other professionals (ie, physicians). The need for nurses to assume leadership positions in the management of people and the profession. This need exists in the practice environment, in professional.organizations, and within governing bodies. Leadershipis essential if perioperative nursing is to progress. Many perioperative nursing leaders do exist and are highly visible and effective;however, more are needed. Unfortunately, many “leadership” positions are occupied by “token” nurse leaders. They do not represent, guide, or support nurses in striving for optimum professional achievement. By promoting, encouraging, and assisting nurse leaders, we can help them attain positions of influence, power, and authority. The continuance of strong leadership is needed for perioperative nursing to survive, and the responsibility for providing that leadership is ours. As vice-presidentof AORN, my commitment would be to represent and serve you, the membership.

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Patricia Kapsar

Patricia P Kapsar, RN, is director of surgical services at Saint Joseph Hospital, Kirkwood Mo. She is a graduate of St Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, St Louis, and is currently attending Webster University, St Louis. Kapsar has been an operating room nurse for 22 years, and a member of AORN for 17 years. She has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1982 and has served on the National CertificationBoard (NCB)since 1978. She was chairman of the NCB from 1981 to 1982. As a member of the NCB, she has been chairman of the Boards Item Review Committee (1978 to 1980) and Test Review Committee (1980). Her continued participation on the Item Review Committee prohibits her eligibility for CNOR due to its activities in test construction. A member of the Basic Competency Committee from 1979to 1981, she also sewed as a member of the AORN/ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) committee that submitted a chapter on OR services for possible inclusion in the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals manual. In the St Louis chapter, she served on the board of directors (1972 to 19731, was treasurer (1974 to 1975), president-elect (1976), and president (1977). She also served on the policy committee (1976), the membership committee (1971), and the legislative committee (1973). A member of the bylaws committee (1969 to 1970), she was also on the program committee (1972 to 1974), the ad hoc continuing education committee (1974), and the OR Nurse Day committee (1979). She has also been a member of the Project Alpha committee since 1980. 440

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Kapsar has attended 13 AORN Congresses, sewing 10 times as a delegate. She has been a member of American Nurses’ Association for 6 years. As a speaker, Kapsar has spoken at Congress on: “Case Cart System-Yea or Nay” (1979), “Certification-Be a Pacemaker” (1980), “Certification-CNOR Challenge for Change” (1981), and “Basic Competency Program” (1982). She moderated two Congress programs in 1978 and 1982 and served as chairmanof the St Louis Congress Planning Committee in 1979. Her publications in the AORN Journal include “Case cart system-yea or nay” (July 1979), “How do you decide if you should seek OR certification” (July 1979), “Questions nurses ask about eligibility for certification” (February 1980), and “Exam and continuing education are options for recertification” (April 1983). Her other professionalactivities include continuing education workshops and publications in books and other journals. Election statement. Central to the issues that face a unified nursing profession is that of image. How do we see ourselves as nurses? How does the consumer view us? In trying to respond to these questions three main issues surface entry into practice scope of practice legislative. To meet the criteria of a profession,we must be committedto the baccalaureateas the entry level. The scope of nursing practice will be determined largely by how those governing that scope perceive nursing. Health carerelated legislative issues will be influenced by how legislators view professional nursing. This last issue may have the greatest impact upon perioperativenursing. With the advent of DRGs (diagnosis-related groups) and prospective reimbursement, it is essential that operating room nurses be aware of, and involved in, the decisions that direct practice. My commitment to AORN remains sound. AORN has guided my practice in the past and continues to influence the future. I have an unswerving dedication to the philosophies of the past and an avid desireto be involved in the visions for the future. With total support from my family, friends, and employers, I continue to pledge my time and energies to AORN.

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For Secretaw (one to be elected)

d

Meta Ruth Hodson, FIN, is an operating room staff nurse 111 at El Camino Hospital, Mountain View, Calif. She graduatedfrom Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital and received her BSN degree from Northwestern University, Evanston, 111. Hodson has been an operating room nurse for 21 years and has been a member of AORN for 14 years. She has been a member of the national Nominating Committee since 1982. She has been chairman of the National Certification Board (NCB) (1980 to 1981) and served as a member of NCB (1979 to 1981). She was a member of the NCB Item Review Committee (1978 to 1981), secretary of the AORN Certification Council (1978 to 1979), and the Certification Committee (1977 to 1978). As a member of the San Jose (Calif) chapter, she was president (1980 to 1981), president-elect(1979 to 1980), and a member of the board (1977 to 1979, 1981). She was also chairmanof the policy committee (1979 to 1980), the bylaws committee (1981 to 1982), and workshop general chairman (1981). She was (1981) and is currently a member of the nominating committee (1983 to 1985). She was a member of the education committee (1977 to 1978), budget committee (1981 to 1982), and various workshop committees. As a member of the Orange County (Calif) chapter, she was a board member (1972 to 1973) and a member of the ways and means committee (1972 to 1973). Hodson has been a speaker at four Congress sessions: “Holding National Office” (1983), “CNOR Who Are We, Where Are We Going?” (1980), and “CNOR Tell the World You’re Good” (1979). She was moderator of a Congress session in 1981. Hodson’s publications in the AORN Journal include “Members share accountability for candidates” (December 1982), coauthorship of “Questions nurses ask about eligibility for certification” (February 1980), and “Certification process” (October 1978). Hodson has attended 11 Congresses, 8 as a delegate. Election statement. Three issues facing

Meta Hodson nursing are credentialing (including entry into practice and certification), cohesiveness of nursing as a profession (to give direction and clout to expanded roles, legislative, and economic issues), and credibility. Credibility has the most impact upon perioperative nursing because it touches all issues. Our self-image, performance, and deserved respect are part of this credibility, but so is time, work, and dedication. Are our opinions valid-have we done our homework? Do we practice what we preach? Are we in support of research to validate concepts? Are we informedconsumers as well as practitioners? Will we speak out, or remain silent for fear of appearing foolish? Do we evaluate and see relevance for ourselves regarding diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) impact on hospitals, competition for usually uncomplicated procedures on healthy individuals, insurance companies selecting health care facilities based on lowest bid, or other economic issues? Are we reliable? Do we write those letters? Do we cooperate with employers and other groups in being part of the strategies handling change? Are we proud of or indifferent to our profession? Thanks to my administration, coworkers, and family, my commitment to AORN remains unchanged4 pledge my time, energies, and concern.

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Jean Tornello

Jean D Tornello, RN, CNOR, is Director of Nursing, Single Day Surgery at Ft Myers (Fla) Community Hospital. She is a diploma graduate of Youngstown (Ohio) Hospital, and has been an operating room nurse for 18 years and member of AORN for 11 years. Secretary of the Board of Directors since 1982, she has chaired the Audiovisual Committee (1978 to 1979), Nominating Committee (1980 to 1981), and the Awards Committee (1979 to 1980). She has been a member of the Audiovisual Committee (1976 to 1979), Nominating Committee (1979 to 1981), and the Awards Committee (1979 to 1980). As a member of the Shellcoast of Florida chapter, Tornello is past treasurer (1981 to 1983), and past chairman of the ways and means committee (1981 to 1983). She was also chairman of the Project Alpha committee (1981 to 1982) and is currently a member of the workshop committee (1983). In the Youngstown, Ohio chapter, she was president (1973 to 1977) and served on the board of directors (1977 to 1979). Tornello has attended 12 Congresses, 7 as a delegate and 4 as an alternate.She has been a member of the American Nurses’ Association for 15 years and the Florida Nurses Association for 3 years. Tornello spoke at Congress in 1979 on “When I Build My OR-Dream to Reality.” She also moderated Congress sessions in 1979 and 1980. Her AORN Journal publications include “When I build my OR-dream to reality” (1979) and “OR phase down prior to a strike” (1979). Her other professional activities include 442

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speaking on infection control in the OR (1981 to 1982). Nection statement. The three most important issues facing nursing today are the continued concern for unity within the profession; education of the consumer and the health care team regardingperioperativepractice; and the economic impact of governmental regulations on our professional integrity. We must continue to work with other specialty organizations to promote a unified goal for all of nursing practice. It is importantthat we all share the same concerns and commitment for the future of nursing and for the highest of quality within the profession. A positive image within the profession relates strongly to the interpretationof perioperative practice. Professionalismassociated with education will depict for the consumer our dedication to the best possible care that they deserve. The economic restraints recently imposed will be our biggest professional challenge for the future. We are again faced with provingour professional value in order to provide optimal care. We must not permit our nursing practice standards to be lowered due to economic cutbacks. The challenge is to prove our caliber of professional practice. It is an honor to be nominated for the office of secretary. If elected, I will continue my total commitment of the past to AORN.

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For Board of Directors

(four to be elected)

Billie Fernsebner, RN, CNOR, is a perioperative nurse educator at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester. She has a master’s degree from Boston University, a BS from Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities, Yellow Springs, Ohio, and a diploma from Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Mass. Fernsebner has worked in the operating room for 15 years, the recovery room for 5 years, and has taught medical-surgical nursing for more than 3 years. She has been an AORN member for 10 years. She has attended 5 Congresses and was a delegate at each. She has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau for 6 years and a member of the American Nurses’ Association and the Massachusetts Nurses Association for 3 years. Fernsebner was a member of the Membership Committee from 1979 to 1983. She belongsto the Massachusetts #1 chapter and currently serves on its board of directors (1 982 to 1984). She chaired the chapter’s committees on research (1979 to 1984) and continuing education (1983 to 1984). She served as a member of continuing education committee for two years before chairing it (1981 to 1983). She was also an advisor to the membership committee (1979 to 1983). Fernsebner has been a Congress speaker and a frequent contributor to the AORN Journal and other publications.At the Atlanta Congress in 1980, Fernsebner presented a session on “What Makes a Chapter Thrive?” and at the 1982 Congress, she spoke on “Body Rhythms” and “Sleep as a Rhythm.” She also presenteda seminar at the SecondWorld Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland. Some of her Journal articles are “Antimicrobial therapy for surgical patients,” “Sleep as a rhythm,” and “Planning care for patients at risk for nosocomial infections.” In 1981,1962, and 1983, Fernsebner won awards for three articles in the AORN Journal. She has also received two AORN scholar-

Billie Fernsebner ships and has spoken at several hospitals and chapters on the perioperative nurse’s role. Election statement. Many issues face nursing today, but the following hold the most importance. 0 The economic state and fiscal constraints by regulatory bodies will continue to affect our practice as day surgery procedures increase and elective surgery is postponed. Institutions will continue to combine positions and attempt to substitute less qualified persons for professionals. 0 Both the internal and external images of nursing are major concerns closely related to the issue having the most impact on perioperative nursing: the inability of the profession to define the scope of nursing practice. Without a clear definition of nursing from the profession, we are unable to articulate our role and confine practice within that role. Although we complain of nursing’s image, we continue to exist without a strong, united profession, defined by nurses, supported by valid research, and led by competent, credible leaders. We are disunified on educational preparation and on one organization to represent nursing. Defining practicethrough research and collaboration will allow a clear image of the professionto emerge. I am committed to using my energy and experience in perioperative nursing to promote AORN’s philosophy and purpose. I will be responsiveto membersand work toward achieving the goals of the Association.

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Carolyn Mackety

Carolyn J Mackety, RN, is director of operating room services at Grant Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She graduatedfrom Hackley Hospital School of Nursing, Muskegon, Mich and received a BS from the College of St Frances in Joliet, 111. She has been an operating room nurse and an AORN member for 14 years. Currently a member of the Legislative Committee, she served as chairman of the Nominating Committee (1982 to 1983) and a member since 1981. She was chairman and a member of the Editorial Committee (1979 to 1981) and a member from 1979 to 1981. In the Central Ohio chapter, she is currently legislative committee chairman and has been on the committee since 1981. She has been chairman of Ohio State Council (1983), program committee (1982), and ways and means committee (1982). In the Middle Tennessee chapter, she was active as a member of the board and program and seminar committees(1979to 1981).IntheMadison, Wischapter, she was active as secretary (1977), general chairman of seminars (1978), chairman of nominating committee (1978), and a member of the Committee (1977 to 1979). In the Southwestern Michigan chapter, she sewed as recording secretary (1970 to 1972). She has attended nine AORN Congresses, four as a delgate and three as an alternate. Mackety has spoken at two Congress educational sessions: “Sherlocks Adventure: A Writer’s Dilemma” (1979) and “Lasers in the Operating Room” (1983). She also moderated an educational session at the 1983 Congress. Her AORN Journal publications include ”Viral 444

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encephalitis in the OR’ (October 1979), “CEU for Journal club stimulates attendanceat chapter meetings” (April 1979), and “Test your knowledge” (June 1979). Her other professional activities include publication in a book and a journal. Election statement. The major issues facing nursing today are our image as perceived by consumers, the media, and our colleagues the continued dilemma of operating room nurses functioning as first assistants increasing and continued federal and/or state legislation that affects health care delivery. The trend toward sophisticated technology in the OR reflects a need for increased skills in the future of our practice. We must prepare our membership to be preceptors and role models for nursing. These efforts in combination will increase our image as professionals. The complex issues of legal limits within nursing practice acts, how DRGs (diagnosisrelated groups), TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal ResponsibilityAct), and JCAH regulations will affect our practice are major concerns today. As a dynamic, informed organization,AORN is aware and actively assisting the membership in the resolution of these concerns. My commitment to AORN is total support of time, expertise as a professionalnurse, and as a resource to the membership to meet the goals and objectives of our organizationfor the future leaders in nursing.

Patricia A Mews, RN, CNOR, is OR manager of Northern Illinois Medical Center, McHenty. She graduated from Macomb County (Mich) Community College, and received her BS from the University of Detroit. Mews has been an operating room nurse and a member of AORN for ten years. She has been a member of the National Legislative Committee (1982 to 1983) and a member of the Image of Nursing Committee (1983). Mews is president of the newly formed North Regional Illinois chapter and is a member of the bylaws and policy Committee (1983 to 1984). In the NorthwesternSuburban Chicago chapter, she was legislative chairman and registration committee member, legal workshop (1982 to 1983), and chairman of CNOR study

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group (1982 to 1983). As a member of the Metro-Detroit chapter, she was chairman of these committees: Congress delegate criteria (1981 to 1982), hospitality spring workshop (1980), hospitality for chapter meetings (1979 to 1981), Las Vegas fund raiser (1979), monitorial spring workshop (1979), spring workshop (1 978), publicity fall workshop (1977), Michigan Council OR Nurses (1978 to 1981). She has been a member of these committees: bylaws and policy (1980 to 1982), continuing education (1978 to 1982), cochairman LasVegasfundraiser(l980to1981),program spring workshop (1979), registration spring workshop (1976), monitorial fall workshop (1976), and hospitality spring workshop (1975). Mews has attended 11 Congresses, 3 as a delegate and 3 as an alternate. She has also been a member of the American Nurses’ Association for 5 years, the Illinois Nurses Association for 1 year, and the Michigan Nurses Association for 4 years. Mews moderated three Congress educational sessions in 1981 and 1983. She has published an article in the AORN Journal entitled “Political lessons learned at ANA convention” (September 1982). Her other professional activities include speaking engagements. Election statement. Three major issues facing professional nursing today are Unification of nursing To have cohesiveness and a unified voice, nursing needs to a. standardize nursing education and include perioperative nursing in the basic curriculum b. support other nursing specialties’ concerns c. provide research on cost effectiveness of qualified nursing care. 0 Nurses involved in the legislative arena More nurses must be encouragedto actively participatewith their legislatorstoward making positive changes in the health care industry. Will the DRGs (diagnosis-related groups) drastically change the delivery of health care? Although it is in the infant stages, we need to closely monitor the effect on patient care. Image of professional nursing This is the most relevant issue exhibitingthe greatest impact on perioperative nursing. In

Patricia Mews order to improve the image of operating room nursing, one must display professionalism by a. implementingthe nursing process during surgical intervention b. accepting expanding roles, such as the first assistant c. networking amongst our professional peers d. communicating with and teaching the public what nursing does. My record of involvement to AORN and the nursing profession speaks for itself. I will continue to commit my time and energies toward working together with you, my colleagues, to support and maintainthe goals of AORN in this challenging, changing environment. ~~

Barbara S Thames, RN, CNOR, is assistant director of nursing/special services at West Florida Hospital, Pensacola. She has a master’s degree in business administration from the Universityof West Florida, Pensacola, and also earned her BA there. She graduated from the Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Ga, diploma program. Thames has been an AORN member for 11 years and an operating room nurse for 21 years. She has been a member of the American Nurses’ Association and the Florida Nurses Association for 18 years. Of the 10 Congresses Thames has attended, she was a delegate at 1 and an alternate delegate at 5. She chairs the Legislative Committee (1982 to 1984) and was a member for two years before chairing it (1980 to 1982). As a member of the Northwest Florida chap445

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Barbara Thames ter, Thames has been its president (1980 to 1981), president-elect(1979 to 1980),second vice-president (1977 to 1979), and a member of the board of directors (1974 to 1976). She chaired these chapter committees: legislative (1979 to 1984), workshop (1982), program/ workshop (1979 and 1976), and program chapter (1977 to 1979). She has been a member of the ways and means committee (1974 to 1975) and the nominating committee (1974). Thames has been a delegate to the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) convention since 1978 and is a member of its district board of directors. She is also a member of the FNA legislative committee (1979 to 1983). She is a member of Today’s OR Nurse editorial board and had an editorial published in that magazine. She coauthored Retaining Professional Nurses: A Planned Process published by C V Mosby (1983). Nection statement. Professional nurses face many issues in establishing nursing as a clinical practice discipline, and survival of the profession may be contingent upon providing cost-effective, safe, productive care for patients in the arena of increasing regulationand competitionfor health care dollars. a unifying the profession-a challenge to be met; not a goal to be desired. Nursing’s diverse constituencies must promote their similaritiesand acknowledge that we are really one group performing different roles. a making ethical decisions involving nursing practice. These decisions will include 446

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nurses because of an enlightened public, health care legislation, and scientific, medical, and technical advances. Perioperative nursing will be directly affected by the movement to provide efficient and effective care for the surgical patient in the wake of increasing government regulations. Nurses must be willing to change; to embrace new concepts and discard old rituals; and to be proactive and politically astute in approaching our colleagues, institutions, communities, and government.Strengthening nursing’s ability to respond to the challenges of the changing health care system will assure perioperative nurses a place in that system. My commitment to AORN will be in directing my efforts and activities toward promoting the quality of excellencewhich has been an AORN hallmark.

Elaine A Thomson, RN, CNOR, is supervisor of the neurosensory operating rooms at The Methodist Hospital, Houston. She graduated from Children’s Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and received her BSN degree from Texas Woman’s University, Houston. Thomson has been an operating room nurse for 23 years and a member of AORN for 22 years. She has been chairman (1981 to 1982) and a member (1978 to 1981) of the National Committee on Education. She was also a member of the Ad Hoc Committee for Basic Competencies in PerioperativeNursing (1979 to 1982). As a member of the Greater Houston chapter, Thomson has been on the board of directors (1977 to 1980), president-elect (1981 to 1982), and president (1982 to 1983). She has chaired the workshop committee (1974 to 1976), the program committee (1977 to 1978), the public relations committee (1980 to 1981), and the hospitality committee (1983 to 1984). She has been a member of these committees: membership (1973 to 1974), AORN advisory (1973 to 1974),and the nominating Committee (1 976 to 1977, 1983 to 1984). Thomson has attended 18 Congresses, 6 as a delegate and 2 as an alternate.She has been a member of the American Nurses’ Association for 13 years. At the 1982 Congress, she spoke about basic competencies in perioperative nursing.

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excellence in practice. My longstanding commitment to AORN and to nursing can be identified by my past activities within the profession. I am willing to devote my time, energy, and knowledge to support AORN’s goals and continue to serve you, and as a Board member, to represent your wishes.

Elaine Thomson She spoke at the First World Conference of OR nurses in Manila, Philippines, and at the Second World Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1980. She also spoke on “Care of the Eye Patient” at World Conference-Ill in Honolulu. She moderated an educational session at the 1979 Congress. Thomson published an article in the AORN Journal, “Preop visits-for the nurse-for the patient?” in October 1972. Her other professional activities include being a panel member at a symposium on ophthalmic patient care in November 1980. Nection statement. Three important issues facing nursing today are legislative mandateto control health care costs education of nurses at all levels 0 unity within the profession. Government legislationchallenges us to maintain a standard of care with limited resources. We must effectively compete for and prudently use our share of the health care dollar to preserve that standard. Generic and continuingeducation programs must address demands placed on today’s nurse. We must move beyond whether or not a baccalaureate education is necessary and consider how we can best effect curricula to prepare nurses with a consistent generic framework to build upon. Unity within the profession is fundamental to all other issues. Nurses must unite if we are to manage our own affairs, and we must collaborate to provide continuity of care for our patients. Concurrently, the majority of nurses must actively demonstrate a commitment to

Carol A Tyler, RN, CNOR, is the administrative director of surgery at Lutheran Medical Center, Wheat Ridge, Colo. She earned a BS at St Francis College, Joliet, 111, and a diploma from Evanston (111) Hospital. Tyler has been an operating room nurse for 15 years and an AORN member for 12 years. She has attended 9 Congresses, 6 as a delegate and 2 as an alternate. Tyler has been a member of the American Nurses’ Association for 7 years. She is now on the AORN Board of Directors (1982 to 1984). Tyler has chaired the Nominating Committee (1981 to 1982) and the Basic Competencies Committee (1979 to 1982).She was a member of the Nominating Committee (1979 to 1981), the Membership committee (1979 to 1981), the Editorial Committee (1976 to 1979), and is a member of the Technical Practices Coordinating Committee (1983 to 1984). Tyler also served on the Policy Committee (1982 to 1983) and was the Board liaisonto the Entry into Practice Committee (1982 to 1983) and the Audiovisual Committee (1983 to 1984). She also was the AORN liaison to the American College of Surgeons (ACS) for the 1981 AORN-ACS Symposium. At the 1979 Congress,she spoke about writing for publication, and at the 1982 Congress, she was a speaker and moderator for the basic competencies program. She presented a similar program at the World Conference of Operating Room Nurses-Ill, and Tyler also presented a session on OR staffing at AORN World Conference II. She currently is a member of the Denver chapter of AORN. She was a member of the chapter’s ways and means committee (1982 to 1983) and is the junior chairman of the program committee (1983 to 1984). She transferred her membershipto the Denver chapter in 1982 from the Northwest Sub447

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nursing process, and determinethat the scope of responsibilitylies within the realm of nursing practice. An AORN task force is addressing this resolution. I believe their findings will have a definite impact on perioperativepractice and the provision of patient care. I believe my continued involvement in AORN has established a strong foundation for serving as an effective Board member. I am willing to continue to devote my time and energy toward fulfilling our goals, participating in guiding our future, listening to the membership, and representing you to the best of my abilities. Carol Tyler urban Chicago chapter. In this chapter, Tyler was president (1975 to 1976), president-elect (1974 to 1975), and vice-president (1972 to 1974). She chaired these committees: Project Alpha (1981), spring workshop (1980), workshop program chairman (1979), and chapter program chairman (1973 to 1974), nominating committee (1977 to 1978), newsletter editor (1973 to 1975), national nominations (1978 to 1980), and membership (1977 to 1978). She was also a member of these committees: workshop program (1975, 1978, 1981, 1982), workshop hospitality (1977), ways and means committee (1977 to 1982). She has contributed to the AORN Journal and spoken at chapter meetings on a variety of subjects. Tyler was also a reviewer for the 5th edition of Berry & Kohn’s lntroduction to Operating Room Technique and was a contributing author to the seventh edition of Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery. Election statement. Nursing is influenced by many internal and external factors. We are challenged by the impact of governmental action affecting health care, the unity and image of nursing, and expanded practice. All these issues merit discussion; however, I believe expanded practice presents the greatest immediate concern to perioperative nursing. The 1983 House of Delegates approved a resolution stating “That AORN define the role and scope of practice for the nurse performing the role of first assistant as an integral component of perioperative nursing practice.” While we must take the initiative to define our practice, we need to objectively approach this issue, be assured the definition incorporates the 448

Joan A Uebele, RN, is director of surgical services at Edward Hospital, Naperville, 111. She is a graduate of ChicagoWesley Memorial Hospital and received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, Evanston, 111, and her master’s degree from the Universityof Illinois, Chicago. Uebele has been an operating room nurse for 20 years and a member of AORN for 19 years. She was chairman of the Nursing Research Committee (1981 to 1982) and a member of the Nursing Research Committee (1979 to 1982) and the Basic Competency Committee (1 981 to 1982). As a member of the Chicago chapter, Uebele was a board member (1979 to 1981), president-elect (1981 to 1982), president (1982 to 1983), and she was cochairmanof the education committee (1976 to 1978). Uebele was also a member of the program committee (1975 to 1976), the education committee (1 976 to 1978),Project Alpha committee (1980 to 1982),and the research committee (1982 to 1983). Uebele has attended 11 Congresses, 9 as a delegate. She has also been a member of the American Nurses’ Association and the Illinois Nurses Association for 8 years. She has been a Congress speaker and coauthored an article for the AORN Journal on basic competency (1981). She has spoken at several seminars including an AORN seminar “Technical Problem Solving” (1983), and she has presentedher researchthesis on job satisfaction. She has also been a program speaker on perioperative nursing for the Naperville Rotary Club.

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For Nominating Committee -

(three to be elected)

Joan Uebele Election statement. The many issues that face nursing today continue to turn our attention in every direction. In my opinion, this lack of unity and sense of direction is our most critical professionalproblem. The absence of a united voice is evident in our indecision on such matters as educational requirements for entry into practice, and issues of certification and licensure, which in turn have an impact on our total image as a profession. A second broad issue with which nursing must deal is the change in practice as a result of the new TEFRA regulations and reimbursement changes that will result from DRG applications. Third, nursing must address the issue of the expanded role, which many in our profession are choosing to practice. The issue of the expanded role, I believe, will have the most impact on perioperativenursing. As an organization we are addressing this matter with our task force on first assisting in the OR. As a candidatefor the Boardof Directors,my local and national involvement speaks for my commitment to AORN. I am ready to give my energy, my time, and my abilities with the full support of my family, friends, and hospital.

Shelley Be ver

Shelley C Bever, RN, CNOR, is clinical nurse V/inservice coordinator at the University of California at San Francisco. She earned a BSN at the University of California. Bever has been an operating room nurse for 11 years and a member of AORN for 9 years. She has attended 7 Congresses, 6 as a delegate and 1 as an alternate delegate. She was a speaker at the 1980 Congress. She joined the American Nurses’ Association this year. Bever has served on the Membership Committee (1982 to 1983). She belongs to the San Franciscoand Marin chapter and has served as its president since 1980. She was the chapter vice-president (1977 to 1979) and board member (1976 to 1977). She has chaired these committees: bylaws (1982 to 1983), OR Nurse Day (1981 to 1983), education (1981 to 1982), research (1981 to 1982), workshop (1979 to 1980), and program (1977 to 1979). Bever has been a member of these committees: public relations (1977 to 1980 and 1982 to 1983), budget and finance (1981 to 1983), scholarship (1982 to 1983), and program (1982 to 1983). Election statement. Professional nursing is faced with many important issues.Three major issues are the need for communication and 449

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unity among nurses and nursing organizations; the need to monitor and improve nursing’s image; and the need for research to document the professional basis of nursing in general and perioperativenursingin particular. It is the need for research that will have the most impact on perioperative nursing. Basic nursing care on documented research will improve the image of nursing as a profession by providinga scientific, professionalapproachto care. It will facilitate communication among nurses and nursing organizationsby providing a common vocabulary for discussionof issues. It will enhance AORN’s attempts to provide perioperativenursing courses in generic nursing curriculum by furnishing a factual basis for our contention that OR nursingis nursing. It will also supply us with data necessary to interact effectively in the areas of entry into practice, legislation, recommended practices, and first assisting. During my four years as chapter president and my two years on the Membership Committee, I have learned how AORN functions and met many current and potential AORN leaders. I will use this information to provide a strong ballot of AORN’s future leaders.

Nancy T Fennessey,RN, CNOR, is the assistant director of nursing (OR/RR) at Salem (Mass) Hospital. She earned a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a BSN at Boston College. She is a diploma graduate of St Elizabeth’s Hospital, Brighton, Mass. Fennessey has been a member of AORN for 23 years and an operating room nurse for 26 years. She is currently a member of the Entry Into Practice Committee and was a member of the National Committee on Education (1979 to 1981). Fennessey was the president of the Massachusetts #1 chapter (1982 to 1983). She has also served as president-elect (1981 to 1982), treasurer (1977 to 1981), and was a member in the 1960s. Fennessey chaired these committees: Project Alpha (1983 to 1984), nominating committee (1971 to 1972), delegates committee (1981 and 1982) and Massachusetts Nurses Association exhibit (1983). She cochaired the membership committee (1961 to 1962). 450

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Nancy Fennessey Fennesseywas a member of these committees: nominating (1970 to 1971), Congress (1967), continuing education (1979 to 1981), and council of nursing organizations (1981 to 1982). Fennessey previously was a member of the Western Massachusetts chapter #I11 and served as one of its Congress delegates. She was also a member of Worcester County chapter II and served as a Congress delegate in 1976. Of the 8 Congresses she has attended, she has been a delegate at 6. She has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau for 11 years. Fennessey has frequently been a Congress speaker and moderator, and coauthored an article “A regional course in OR nursing” in the March 1982 Journal. Since 1974, Fennessey has presentedmany speeches at AORN chapter meetings and to other health care organizations. Election statement. As one’s perspective changes or is enhanced, viewpoints of the major issues facing nursing may take a different focus. My current membership on the Entry Into Practice Committee has brought that particular issue more sharply into focus. In addition, I believe that health care legislation with its attendant cost containmentand the need for unity within the profession are major issues facing nursing today. It is difficult to sort out which of these, by themselves, can have the most impact on perioperative nursing. Certainly a lack of unity with respect to basic knowledge, educational requirements, and the place of perioperative nursing within the curriculum can have a long-

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lasting impact. And yet, currently, we are involved in health care legislation, new reimbursement programs, and budget cuts that are having adirect impact on the operating room. We must be knowledgeable,creative, and committed if we are to continue to provide quality nursing care and a safe environment for the surgical patient. My involvement with AORN, both national and local, attest to my commitment to its goals and beliefs. If elected I will continue that commitment by assisting in the selection of qualified candidates.

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committee (1977 and 1978). She has been a member of the nominating committee (1979). Election statement. The three major issues facing nursing today are professional image, economics, and professional resolve. The media’s image of nursing has often misrepresented the profession. One of the many reasons for my belief in AORN is that this organization can continue to provide an avenue for professional expression. Economically, nurses can work to combine cost containment in concert with patient advocacy. On a legislative level, lobbying with respect to legislation affecting the health care field is paramount. With respect to professional resolve, each year we attend AORN Congress and leave full of enthusiasm. We have seen our House of Delegates in action and have accepted challenges, but what do we do when we get home? We become complacent and fall back into our routine patterns. Without the resolve to become active participants in our profession instead of just members, goals will never be realized. I am willing to commit myself to furthering the image of nursing and to be an active participant in my profession. This is why I am asking for your support as I seek an elected office in AORN.

Suzy Fong Suzy J Fong, RN, is a clinical supervisor at St Vincent Hospital and Medical Center, Portland, Ore. She is a diploma graduate of Good Samaritan Hospital, Portland. Fong has been an operating room nurse for 17 years and a member of AORN for 7 years. She has attended 5 Congresses, and at 4 of them, she represented the Columbia River Region as a delegate. She was a member of the Oregon Nurses Association (1974 to 1976). On the national level, Fong has served as a National Membership Committee representative (1980 to 1983). In her chapter, Fong is president (1983 to 1984), and the previous year, she served as president-elect. She has also been treasurer (1977 to 1979). She has chaired the nominating committee (1980 to 1981), fall workshop committee (1979 and 1982), spring workshop committee (1 983), registration workshop

Patricia R Hunter, RN, CNOR, is OR nurse education coordinator at Stanford (Calif) University Hospital. She earned a BSN at the University of San Diego and an ADN at Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix. She has worked in the operating room for nine years and has been an AORN member for five years. She is now a member of the Legislative Committee. She has been the San Diego chapter president (1980 to 1981) and president-elect (1 979 to 1980). She served as chairman of these chapter committees:ways and means (1 978 to 1979), legislative (1 978 to 1980 and 1982 to 1983), community education (1980 to 1981 and 1982 to 1983), OR Nurse Day (1980 to 1981), workshop (1 982), research committee and liaison (1982 to 1983), and publicity (1983). She was a member of these committees: legislative (1980 to 1982), ways and means 45 1

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ing’s future. Let us keep it that way. It is important to elect leaders who will meet the membership’s goals. We must be willing to ask questions and to give opinions. As a member of the Nominating Committee, I will ask questions and seek opinions.

Patricia Hunter (1979 to 198l), OR Nurse Day (1979), and program (1979). At each of the five Congresses she attended, she was a delegate. She has also been a member of the American Nurses’ Association for four years and is chairman of the California Nurses’ Association government relations commission. At the 1983 Congress, she was a program moderator. She is a frequent speaker at meetings and is active in the National Women’s Political Caucus, National Organization for Women, and American Association of University Women. Election statement. A year has passed and there is little change in the issues facing nursing. Most issues can be defined by the title: control of practice. Nurses must be involved at all levels in the legislative and regulatory process. Professionals set standards that can be made worthless if policy is passed that is against them. Nursing cannot afford government appointees and legislators who are not knowledgeable about our issues. To be patient advocates, we must determine practice to do so. Nurses are still debating the entry level into professional practice. We cannot afford to be diversified about this issue. Programs must be supportedto allow working nurses to continue their education. Unfortunately,the BSN is not enough. We need OR nurses with master’s and doctorate degrees. The nurse with the doctoratewill leadthe way for OR nursingto be in the curriculum at the bachelor’s and master’s level. Our association can set the pace for nurs452

Maureen Myers Maureen Myers, RN, CNOR, is a clinical nurse II in the operating room at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, DC. She is a diploma graduate of Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital, Darby, Pa. Myers has been a member of AORN for 10 years, and an operating room nurse for 13 years. She has attended 9 Congresses and was a delegate at 5 of them. Myers is a member of the Membership Committee (1981 to 1984). She was president of the Greater Washington, DC chapter (1982 to 1983). Previously, she served the chapter as secretary (1979 to 1981), and president-elect (1981 to 1982). She chaired these chapter committees: ways and means (1977 to 1978), workshop publicity (1979), workshop monitorial (1981). She was a member of these committees: policy (1978 to 1980), membership (1981 to 1982), and workshop hospitality (1980). Earlier, Myers belongedto the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter. There she served as president (1974 to 1975) and board member (1975 to 1977). She also chaired the membership committee (1975 to 1976) and cochaired the editorial committee (1975 to 1977). Electionstatement. The future of nursingwill

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be determined by three issues. First, who will be the voice for nursing? ANA or the National Federation for Specialty Nursing Organizations? Questionsarise on the feasibility of ANA representing all nurses since nursing has become so specialized. Second, career advancement and retention should be considered. Many nurses are disenchanted with nursing because they feel stagnant. Third, the impact the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and diagnosisrelated groups (DRG) will have on the nursing profession is most important. Because of imposed economic constraints, some hospitals may close, causing many nurses to either change specialties or to seek a new career. As perioperative nurses, we will have to be more conscious of cost containment, change-over time, and scheduling, with a possible increase in cases because of shorter hospital stays. In addition, ambulatory surgical centers will increase. All this will change medicine and nursing. The implications of these constraints demand our attention. As an involved AORN member and a member of the Membership Committee, I have met many potential leaders. These activities demonstrate my commitment to AORN and its membership.

Candace (Candy) Moore Candace (Candy) R Moore, RN, CNOR, is the operating room educational coordinator at Tampa (Fla) General Hospital. She is a diploma graduate of Orange Memorial Hospital, Orlando.

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An AORN member for nine years, Moore has attended eight Congresses. At four of them, she was a delegate, and at two,she was an alternate delegate. Moore has been an operating room nurse for ten years and a member of the American Nurses’ Association since 1979. She has also been a member of the Florida Nurses Association since 1979. She is a member of the NominatingCommittee (1982 to 1984). Moore has chaired the National Certification Board ‘(NCB) Item Review Committee (1981 to 1983) and the NCB Item Writers Workshop (1982). In 1983, she was cochairmanof the Item Writers Workshop. She was a member of the NCB (1981 to 1983), the national Membership Committee (1978 to 1980), and a member of the AORN Task Force on State Councils (1980 to 1982). She has served on these NCB committees: Test Review (1981 to 1983), Policy (1981 to 1983), Marketing (1981 to 1983) and Item Review (1983 to 1984). Moore is currently president of the Gulf Coast of Florida chapter. She served as chapter president (1979 to 1980), president-elect (1982 to 1983), and as secretary (1976 to 1978). She chaired the following chapter committees: workshop program (1977 to 1978 and 1980to 1981), delegates committee (1980 and 1983), bylaws (1982 to 1983), and legislative (1980 to 1981). She was a member of the workshop registration committee in 1974. Moore was also the chapter parliamentarian (1980 to 1981) and research liaison (1977 to 1978). Moore has had two articles published in the AORN Journal. “Scleral buckling for retinal retachment” was published in the September 1982 Journal, and “Prepare to choose AORN’s leaders” was published in the February 1983 Journal and was coauthored with Linda Groah, RN. At the 1983 Congress in Houston, Moore spoke at two sessions-“In the spotlight holding national office,” and “The why and hows of recertification.” She has also been asked to lead seminars on the intraoperative nursing care of the retinal detachment patient. Nection statement. We as professional nurses are faced with many nursing issues. These issues have not changedsignificantly in the recent past. Ibelieve the major issues that professional nursing is dealing with are 453

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Unity in nursing. Will the National Federation for Specialty Nursing Organization accomplish unity in our profession? Unity is to be sought. When utilized constructively, it will have a strong positive force on health care. This lack of unity is demonstrated by the multiple educational entry levels and numerous credentialing bodies. Governmental pressures. These pressures in the form of DRGs (diagnosis-related groups) and nursing education budget cuts are examples. Some hospitals have already felt the impact of DRGs or they are preparing for their implementation. 0 Need for nursing research. This issue, I believe has the greatest impact on perioperative nursing. We need to validate our role and the necessity for nursing students to have a perioperativenursing component in the basic curriculum. I support the objectives and philosophy of AORN. I have demonstrated a strong commitment by my previous activities. I pledge continued use of my time and energies to further AORN and perioperative nursing.

Linda Tollerud Linda A Tollerud, RN, is head nurse of the operating room at The Methodist Hospital, Houston. She attended Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn, and earned a diploma at St Lukes Hospital, Fargo, ND. She has been an operating room nurse for 20 years and a member of AORN for 12 years. Tollerud now is a member of the Nursing Practices Committee and was a member of the Test 454

Specifications Committee from July 1978 to March 1982. She was also a member of the Item Review Committee from 1979 to 1981. She is currently the president of the Greater Houston Area chapter (1983 to 1984). She chaired her chapter’s telephone committee (1980to 1981).Shehas beenamemberofthe following local committees: budget (1982 to 1983), Project Alpha (1981 to 1982), and workshop (1978 to 1979). Tollerud was a contributor to the book Perioperative Patient Care and to Post Anesthesia Care the First 24 Hours, which will be released in 1984. She has also been a course leader for the AORN seminar “Ambulatory Surgery-Changing Practices.” She was a moderator of an educational session at the 1981 and 1983 Congresses. Tollerud has attended three Congresses and at one, she served as delegate. Election statement. Putting perioperative nursing back into generic curriculum, the image of nursing, continuous striving for a voice in the legislatures of state and national governments are all ongoing problems in various stages of resolution. The most pressing problem this year is the economy. As an umbrella issue, it encompasses all of the problems and challenges perioperative nurses must face. The Medicare DRGs are being phased in; private third-party payers are beginning to rethink health care reimbursement. We must recognize and be prepared to face the most far-reaching challenge to perioperative nursing to dateretaining our place in the operating room. As payments to hospitalsare more carefully scrutinized, concrete documentation of our value to the surgical patient assumes even greater importance, proving that we cannot be replaced by less qualified and less expensive personnel. Our image must be such that the public and the legislators would not consider diluting the quality of care now rendered by the registered nurse. There are many potential leaders in our organization who have much to contribute. If elected I look forward to selecting candidates with perspective, ability, and the courage to seek innovativesolutions to our ongoing problems and new challenges.