- Email: [email protected]
As I See It
AS I SEE IT Myra Kay Slavens, R.N. Educational Director The basic function of an educational director is to plan, coordinate and supervise educational activities within the framework of the Association as projected in the objectives, policies and programs of the Association. The responsibilities outlined represent the recognition of the importance of education in the continued growth and development of the Association and the development of each individual member. Members working alone may contribute to this goal but working together as a team will greatly increase the number and types of goals set and achieved. The magnitude of the responsibilities of this position makes one extremely humble in accepting the challenge presented. In fulfilling these new obligations, I will need the support of each individual member. It has been stated that “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” and this could be aptly paraphrased to state, “the AORN is only as strong as its weakest member or weakest chapter.” Each person should recognize the opportunities present today for the continuation of both formal and informal education. The need for this continuation seems apparent, if we as operating room nurses realize that the advances being made in medical science and technology today, will leave us far behind if we do not keep abreast of these changes. Education is not a static process. It involves the active exchange of information between individuals. We not only learn facts or technical data but we learn about people in the education process. We have the responsibility to
November 1967
increase our knowledge and understanding regarding the impact on the patient-psychological and physiological-which results from surgical intervention. There are many ways in which our knowledge and understanding may be increased. The Association is striving to meet these needs through workshops and institutes on the local, regional, and national level. Financial assistance for continued education is available from many sources. One source is an outgrowth of the AORN. Under the leadership of Mrs. Ethel West, the ORN Foundation is providing financial assistance to nurses wishing to continue their formal education. I was extremely fortunate and proud to be one of the first recipients of the assistance afforded through this organization. I am extremely grateful and thankful for the forethought expressed by the formation of this organization. This alone will not meet the demands presented by the accelerated quantity of knowledge which is being gained each day in the field of medical science. We must try to improve our methods of teaching students, implementing improvements in patient care, and fulfilling our own needs in understanding and imparting to others the important role assumed by the professional nurse in the operating room in the total care of the patient. May I again express my warm and humble appreciation to the membership and the Board of Directors in allowing me this opportunity to contribute toward these goals.
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November 1967
increase our knowledge and understanding regarding the impact on the patient-psychological and physiological-which results from surgical intervention. There are many ways in which our knowledge and understanding may be increased. The Association is striving to meet these needs through workshops and institutes on the local, regional, and national level. Financial assistance for continued education is available from many sources. One source is an outgrowth of the AORN. Under the leadership of Mrs. Ethel West, the ORN Foundation is providing financial assistance to nurses wishing to continue their formal education. I was extremely fortunate and proud to be one of the first recipients of the assistance afforded through this organization. I am extremely grateful and thankful for the forethought expressed by the formation of this organization. This alone will not meet the demands presented by the accelerated quantity of knowledge which is being gained each day in the field of medical science. We must try to improve our methods of teaching students, implementing improvements in patient care, and fulfilling our own needs in understanding and imparting to others the important role assumed by the professional nurse in the operating room in the total care of the patient. May I again express my warm and humble appreciation to the membership and the Board of Directors in allowing me this opportunity to contribute toward these goals.
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