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AORN President represents membership and organization
SEPTEMBER 1998. VOL 68. NO 3 PR ES I DEN T'S M E SS
A G
E
AORN President represents
membersh@ and organization
s
erving as the President of AORN means that I have numerous opportunities to rep resent perioperative nurses at many meetings and activities. It has been an exciting time as I represent AORN members and our organization. I want to share highlights of some events in which I represented AORN during the first four months of my presidency.
THE NEW GENERATION OF NURSES In April, AORN Secretary Betty Shultz, RN, CNOR. CRNFA, and I attended the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)convention in Cincinnati. It is interesting to note that the theme of their convention was "NSNA: Building Bridges Together." As I reflect on AORN's 1999 Congress theme, "Bridging the Centuries," it reminds me that we have much to teach the future generation of nurses and that there is much we have to learn from them. Betty and I participated in breakout sessions to discuss periop erative nursing. I served as moderator for the plenary session "lnterdisciplinary Health Care Consumer Needs and Provider Imperatives." The enthusiasm the students exhibited was tremendous. We have a future generation of nurses who will lead us well into the next century. Many of them expressed their appreciation for AOR"s participation in the meeting and the information that was shared. I also have been invited to speak at many of their state meetings. The most strik-
ing thing about this group was the questions they asked related to opportunitiesand expanded periop erative nursing roles. On a down note, concerns students face are the same concerns that many of us faced as new graduates-lack of job opportunities in the OR. It is the old story of "no experience, no job." How does one get experience without the opportunities? Fortunately, many hospitals have programs for new graduates. This serves as a reminder that we must continue to promote perioperative nursing. Richard Bath summarizes our role as learners, doers, and teachers in the following quote: Leurnitig is finding out What you alreudv know. Doing is demonstrating Thut you ktions it. Teuchitig is reminding Others that they know it Just us well us you. You are all learners Doers, teui.her.7.'
NURSES PRACTICING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY In April, I also attended the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) national conference in Philadelphia. We are fortunate to share a close working relationship with ASPAN, which celebrated I7 years of exciting and rapid changes. Formerly the American Society of Post Anesthesia Nurses. ASPAN changed its name in 1996 to better reflect the multiple practice settings in which they provide patient care. This 354 AORN JOURNAL
futurist thinking captures the roles and responsibilities of the members as they participate in patient care in today's environment.
p. sHuMIQR
MANAGING HIGHRISK PATIENT NEEDS In May, I attended the annual education conference and international meeting of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) in San Diego. The week provided education for health care professionals in all settings who have infection prevention and control responsibilities. This is another group that AORN continues to work closely with to explore joint projects. SHARING DOWN UNDER In May, I traveled to Australia to attend the eighth annual Confederation of Australian Nurses conference. It was a long trip "down under" and a busy week. 7he networking opportunities were tremendous as many countries were represented at this meeting. With approximately I I million nurses worldwide, we have the opportunity to offer and learn so much from each other. AORN is addressing the international focus through the Advisory Board on International Issues. Ellen K. Murphy. RN. JD, CNOR, FAAN, chair, met with the advisory board members at AORN
SEPTEMBER 1998, VOL 68, NO 3
Headquarters in Denver Aug 22 to 23. This board will determine strategies to facilitate AORN’s global vision and mission. THE UMBRELLA OF NURSING In June, it was back to San Diego, where Patricia Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA, Presidentelect, joined me to attend the American Nurses Association (ANA) convention. It was energizing to be surrounded by nurses from all over the country-very much like the feeling you get when you attend Congress. It was interesting to sit on the delegate floor with leaders of other specialty nursing organizations as we listened to the House of Delegates deliberate. This, too, was a reminder that all of nursing must work collaboratively. Beverly Malone, RN, PhD, FAAN, ANA president, has a strong commitment to work with specialty nursing organizations. The ANA has a powerful legislative voice and, combined with the specialty organizations, it has a mighty force. This is one reason why it is vital to be a member of AORN and your state nursing organization. I believe that if we stand united, we can accomplish more for the nursing profession. FUTURE MEETINGS AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES In August, I attended the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) annual meeting in Nashville. Although I had not yet attended the meeting at the time this message was written, I anticipated strong feelings of camaraderie and collegiality.
AORN and AANA have a long history of supporting each other. One joint endeavor is a leadership meeting, “Bridging the Centuries Through Collaborative Leadership,” offered by AORN and AANA, with endorsement from ASPAN, with whom we also have a strong collaborative relationship. This meeting is planned for Jan 22 to 24 in Orlando, Fla. Look for more information about this meeting and make plans to attend if possible. I am extremely pleased we are working together on this conference. BRINGING REPRESENTATION HOME I also have visited many local chapters and have many more visits scheduled, thanks to the latitude and willingness of my employer. This was a commitment and priority that I offer the membership because of my passion for chapter strength. Each and every time I visit a chapter I walk away with a tremendous feeling of pride in our profession and our organization. We have shared open and candid discussions, and this will continue. Each visit has been a highlight. I had the opportunity in July to visit San Francisco. Chapter members there were extremely gracious, and the enthusiasm of this group made me even more excited about Congress 1999. MEMBERS REPRESENT PERIOPERATIVE NURSING The 1999 AORN Congress in San Francisco is going to be an exhilarating time in an exciting city. The week will kick off with Joan Rivers as our keynote speaker. AORN has selected some of
NOTES I . J Canfield, M V Hansen, Chicken Soup for the Soul (Deerfield Beach, Fla: Health Communica-
the leading speakers in the country for education sessions, including Leah Curtin, Leland Kaiser, and Les Brown. The California Congress planning group is working with AORN to plan what will prove to be an educational and high-energy meeting. At the June Board meeting, Board members voted not to increase 1999 Congress registration fees. In addition, there will be an opportunity to receive a discount in registration fees for those who register early in a group of three or more. This discount allows members to attend Congress for a lower registration fee than in 1998. As you start your new chapter year, I encourage you to send your chapter delegates to Congress so your voices will be heard and your votes will leave a mark. For members who are not delegates, remember that your voice and participation are equally important. DREAM BIG DREAMS Representation is the beginning of collaboration, communication, and collegiality. As members of AORN, we represent our profession, our patients, and ourselves through our actions. The opportunities are endless; the limitations are determined by our choices. The saying “Imagine that you have no limitations and then decide what’s right before you decide what’s impossible” is a reminder of our responsibility in discovering an endless future? Make this a year of endless possibilities and dream the big dreams for all of nursing. RUTH P. SHUMAKER RN, BSN, CNOR PRESIDENT
tions, Inc, 1993) 122. 2. B Tracy, Great Little Book for the Peak Performance Woman (Franklin Lakes, NJ: Career Press, 1997) 37. 356
AORN JOURNAL
A G
E
AORN President represents
membersh@ and organization
s
erving as the President of AORN means that I have numerous opportunities to rep resent perioperative nurses at many meetings and activities. It has been an exciting time as I represent AORN members and our organization. I want to share highlights of some events in which I represented AORN during the first four months of my presidency.
THE NEW GENERATION OF NURSES In April, AORN Secretary Betty Shultz, RN, CNOR. CRNFA, and I attended the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)convention in Cincinnati. It is interesting to note that the theme of their convention was "NSNA: Building Bridges Together." As I reflect on AORN's 1999 Congress theme, "Bridging the Centuries," it reminds me that we have much to teach the future generation of nurses and that there is much we have to learn from them. Betty and I participated in breakout sessions to discuss periop erative nursing. I served as moderator for the plenary session "lnterdisciplinary Health Care Consumer Needs and Provider Imperatives." The enthusiasm the students exhibited was tremendous. We have a future generation of nurses who will lead us well into the next century. Many of them expressed their appreciation for AOR"s participation in the meeting and the information that was shared. I also have been invited to speak at many of their state meetings. The most strik-
ing thing about this group was the questions they asked related to opportunitiesand expanded periop erative nursing roles. On a down note, concerns students face are the same concerns that many of us faced as new graduates-lack of job opportunities in the OR. It is the old story of "no experience, no job." How does one get experience without the opportunities? Fortunately, many hospitals have programs for new graduates. This serves as a reminder that we must continue to promote perioperative nursing. Richard Bath summarizes our role as learners, doers, and teachers in the following quote: Leurnitig is finding out What you alreudv know. Doing is demonstrating Thut you ktions it. Teuchitig is reminding Others that they know it Just us well us you. You are all learners Doers, teui.her.7.'
NURSES PRACTICING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY In April, I also attended the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) national conference in Philadelphia. We are fortunate to share a close working relationship with ASPAN, which celebrated I7 years of exciting and rapid changes. Formerly the American Society of Post Anesthesia Nurses. ASPAN changed its name in 1996 to better reflect the multiple practice settings in which they provide patient care. This 354 AORN JOURNAL
futurist thinking captures the roles and responsibilities of the members as they participate in patient care in today's environment.
p. sHuMIQR
MANAGING HIGHRISK PATIENT NEEDS In May, I attended the annual education conference and international meeting of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) in San Diego. The week provided education for health care professionals in all settings who have infection prevention and control responsibilities. This is another group that AORN continues to work closely with to explore joint projects. SHARING DOWN UNDER In May, I traveled to Australia to attend the eighth annual Confederation of Australian Nurses conference. It was a long trip "down under" and a busy week. 7he networking opportunities were tremendous as many countries were represented at this meeting. With approximately I I million nurses worldwide, we have the opportunity to offer and learn so much from each other. AORN is addressing the international focus through the Advisory Board on International Issues. Ellen K. Murphy. RN. JD, CNOR, FAAN, chair, met with the advisory board members at AORN
SEPTEMBER 1998, VOL 68, NO 3
Headquarters in Denver Aug 22 to 23. This board will determine strategies to facilitate AORN’s global vision and mission. THE UMBRELLA OF NURSING In June, it was back to San Diego, where Patricia Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA, Presidentelect, joined me to attend the American Nurses Association (ANA) convention. It was energizing to be surrounded by nurses from all over the country-very much like the feeling you get when you attend Congress. It was interesting to sit on the delegate floor with leaders of other specialty nursing organizations as we listened to the House of Delegates deliberate. This, too, was a reminder that all of nursing must work collaboratively. Beverly Malone, RN, PhD, FAAN, ANA president, has a strong commitment to work with specialty nursing organizations. The ANA has a powerful legislative voice and, combined with the specialty organizations, it has a mighty force. This is one reason why it is vital to be a member of AORN and your state nursing organization. I believe that if we stand united, we can accomplish more for the nursing profession. FUTURE MEETINGS AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES In August, I attended the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) annual meeting in Nashville. Although I had not yet attended the meeting at the time this message was written, I anticipated strong feelings of camaraderie and collegiality.
AORN and AANA have a long history of supporting each other. One joint endeavor is a leadership meeting, “Bridging the Centuries Through Collaborative Leadership,” offered by AORN and AANA, with endorsement from ASPAN, with whom we also have a strong collaborative relationship. This meeting is planned for Jan 22 to 24 in Orlando, Fla. Look for more information about this meeting and make plans to attend if possible. I am extremely pleased we are working together on this conference. BRINGING REPRESENTATION HOME I also have visited many local chapters and have many more visits scheduled, thanks to the latitude and willingness of my employer. This was a commitment and priority that I offer the membership because of my passion for chapter strength. Each and every time I visit a chapter I walk away with a tremendous feeling of pride in our profession and our organization. We have shared open and candid discussions, and this will continue. Each visit has been a highlight. I had the opportunity in July to visit San Francisco. Chapter members there were extremely gracious, and the enthusiasm of this group made me even more excited about Congress 1999. MEMBERS REPRESENT PERIOPERATIVE NURSING The 1999 AORN Congress in San Francisco is going to be an exhilarating time in an exciting city. The week will kick off with Joan Rivers as our keynote speaker. AORN has selected some of
NOTES I . J Canfield, M V Hansen, Chicken Soup for the Soul (Deerfield Beach, Fla: Health Communica-
the leading speakers in the country for education sessions, including Leah Curtin, Leland Kaiser, and Les Brown. The California Congress planning group is working with AORN to plan what will prove to be an educational and high-energy meeting. At the June Board meeting, Board members voted not to increase 1999 Congress registration fees. In addition, there will be an opportunity to receive a discount in registration fees for those who register early in a group of three or more. This discount allows members to attend Congress for a lower registration fee than in 1998. As you start your new chapter year, I encourage you to send your chapter delegates to Congress so your voices will be heard and your votes will leave a mark. For members who are not delegates, remember that your voice and participation are equally important. DREAM BIG DREAMS Representation is the beginning of collaboration, communication, and collegiality. As members of AORN, we represent our profession, our patients, and ourselves through our actions. The opportunities are endless; the limitations are determined by our choices. The saying “Imagine that you have no limitations and then decide what’s right before you decide what’s impossible” is a reminder of our responsibility in discovering an endless future? Make this a year of endless possibilities and dream the big dreams for all of nursing. RUTH P. SHUMAKER RN, BSN, CNOR PRESIDENT
tions, Inc, 1993) 122. 2. B Tracy, Great Little Book for the Peak Performance Woman (Franklin Lakes, NJ: Career Press, 1997) 37. 356
AORN JOURNAL