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Candidates for national office
Candidates for national office
This sample ballot lists the nominees for AORN national offices. The annual election will be held from 7 to 9 am, Thursday, March 12, during the AORN Congress in Dallas. Results will be announcedl 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 delegates from 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 1:30 pm Monday, March 9, according to
the AORN Bylaws, Article VI, Section 3. Candidates for office will appear at the “Meet the Candidates” session at 10 am, Sunday, March 8. Delegates 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 OR nursing? Why? 0 What is your commitment to AORN regarding the office you are seeking?
Sample ballot President-elect (one to be elected) Cynthia C Hayes 0 Margaret E Huth
Treasurer (one to be elected) Alicia C Arvidson 13 Joanne D Oliver 0 Jean D Tornello
Board of Directors (three to be elected) 0 Josephine Barr 0 Nelda D Britton 0 Bonnie J Bruttig 0 Joan H (Jo) Miller 0 Judith W Reese 0 Rosemary A Roth
Nominating Committee (two to be elected) Sharon L Fiori Carolyn J Mackety 0 Candace R Moore 0 Carole Billye Pearson Joanne F Sauter
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For Presidentelect (one to be elected)
Cynthia C Hayes
Margaret E Huth
Margaret E Huth, RN, is director of nursing, OR/RR, at Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus. She is a diploma graduate of Butler (Pa) County Memorial Hospital and a baccalaureate graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. A member of AORN for 12 years, she has been an OR nurse for 21 years. Currently a member of the AORN Board of Directors, she has served since 1979. She has been chairman of the AORN Policy Committee (1979-
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Cynthia C Hayes, RN, is director of the Department of OR, RR, and Ancillary Services at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta. A baccalaureate graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, she received a master's in nursing from Emory University. An operating room nurse for 22 years, she has been an AORN member for 17 years. She is AORN treasurer, having been appointed to fill a vacancy. She has also served as AORN secretary (1977-1978) and as a Board member (1976-1960).She has been chairman of the Nursing Diagnosis Committee (19791981), the Statement and Resolutions Committee (1979-1981), the Bylaws Committee (1977-1978), the Policy Committee (19771978), and the Standards of Nursing Practice Committee (1977-1978). She served on the Audiovisual Committee from 1973 to 1976. Hayes is a member of AORN of Atlanta, where she has been president (1973-1974) and a member of the board (1970-1975). She has chaired the chapter long-range planning committee (1974-1975,1977-1978, 1980),the bylaws committee (1972), and the policy committee (1971). She was general chairman 1981), Nominating Committee (1978-1979), and Technical Standards Committee (19781979). She hasalsoservedasamemberofthe Nominating Committee (1977-1978) and Technical Standards Committee (1974-1978). Since 1978, she has been AORN's representative to the Aseptic Barriers Standards Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. Formerly a member of the PittsburghAORN chapter, she has recently joined the Central Ohio chapter. In Pittsburgh,she was president (1976-1977), president-elect (1975-1976), and a board member (1977-1978 and 19731975). She also chaired the program committee (1975-1976) and legislative committee (1973-1975). She has attended nine AORN Congresses, seven as a delegate. She is a member of ANA and has been a member of the National League for Nursingfor five years. Election statement. Professional nursing is faced with a multitude of issues, each with its own unique ramifications. Three major issues that require thought, planning, and action are
AORN Journal, December 1980,Vol32, No 6
for the chapter workshop in 1978 and program chairman for the regional institute in 1970. Hayes has attended 13 AORN Congresses, nine as a delegate and two as an alternate. She has been a member of the American Nurses' Association (ANA) for 14 years. Election statement. AORN is dramatically and actively involved in the current fundamental issues of the nursing profession: entry into practice, promotion of unity within the profession, and credentialing, to name but three of many. All of these issues impact on operating room nursing. I support continued and intensified activities in these areas in order to keep our membership informed and to allow for AORN participation in the decision-making process when and where it is appropriate. Through continued liaison with ANA, the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the Federation of Specialty NursingOrganizations and ANA, we can foster the cohesiveness of purpose that leads to unity. Keeping pace with advancing knowledge and technologies continues to challenge each of us. Thus, the expansion of efforts toward the teaching and practice of perioperativenursing,
the certification of our membership, and the conducting of continuing education programs by AORN to meet the identified needs of operating room nurses are paramount objectives of our organization. Complementing these objectives are the AORN Journal and continued development and publication of recommended practices for care of patients and materiel in the operating room, which further enhance clinical practice. The political arena continues to challenge nurses to become stronger advocates of patient care and to speak articulately to the issues of fiscally responsible, cost-effective health care delivery, without sacrificing high standards promoting quality care. Identification of the responsibilities of AORN to meet requests from internationalcolleagues practicing in the operating room requires thoughtful analysis and planning. The experience of sponsoring two World Conferences of Operating Room Nurses gives indication that AORN may want to consider an expanded role in the area of international education and organization. In the future, AORN may need to address
credentialing, health legislation, and expanded role responsibilities as reflected in the changing scope of nursing practice. I believe the latter currently has the greatest impact on OR nursing. The expanded role of OR nurses provides a mechanism for achieving quality care for every surgical patient. It enables us to validate our contributions to patient care and to withstand the challenges of those who would assume our role. The perioperativerole illustratesthat professional components outweigh technical components. It is up to each one of us to actualize this role. Many OR nurses have been functioning in the perioperative role for years, while others are just beginning to expand their scope of responsibilities. As our role expands, we must make other members of the health care team aware of our' contributionsto patient care. Many still perceivethe OR nurse as passing instruments, assisting the surgeon, and functioning in a purely technical role. Until they witness our assessing a patient's needs, planning and implementing nursing care, or evaluating a patient postoperatively,they may find it difficult to identify the professionalnurse
in an OR setting. We have a responsibility to the patient to demonstrate a discernible diffence. How can we justify the cost of professional nurse staffing otherwise? With the cloud of cost containment looming continually over our heads, we must do our share in curtailing the rise of health care costs. Some health care administrators would have you believe that replacement of professionals with nonprofessionals is cost effective. Demonstration of the perioperative role and the patient care benefits to be derived will negate such thinking. As patient advocates, we must ensure quality care as well as contain costs. With increased awareness of health care, consumers want to know what their dollars will provide. We need to communicate our role to them so that they can support and demand professional nursing care. Operating Room Nurse Day has served a valuable purpose by informing the general public of the perioperative role and its implications for care. Nursing educators also need to be made aware of our expanded role. We can now demonstrate the benefits to be derived from student experience in the operating room. We
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topics that are unpopular. When we recognize that some members belong only to AORN, what is our responsibility to educate them about issues not associatedwith our organization's objectives, such as equal rights and collective bargaining? Must AORN be all things to the membership, or perhaps our educational aim is sufficient? Experiences over the past five years as a Board member, secretary, and now treasurer, in addition to chairing committees, have been an invaluable preparation for fulfilling the responsibilities of the office of president-elect. AORN has a commitment to excellence in providing education and services for the membership unsurpassed by any other nursing organization. The impressive magnitude of the structure, function, and purpose of AORN attests to our continued success. If elected, I pledge my energy and commitment to achieve the goals established by the consensus of the membership and by its representatives, the Board of Directors, and to continue the tradition of excellence that has brought us to this point.
must direct our efforts toward stimulating the inclusion of a perioperativeclinical experience in nursing curricula. The Invitational Conference of Nurse Educatorsdrew the outline. We must now paint the picture through implementation of Project Alpha. AORN has clearly defined perioperative nursing as an expansion of the traditional OR nursing role. However, practice must give substance to the definition. As professionals concerned with quality care, we have a responsibility to our patients to expand our scope of responsibilities by implementation of the perioperative role. I pledge my continued commitment of time, energy, and expertise to AORN. I will study the issues, listen to your concerns, evaluate alternatives, and strive to make sound leadership decisions.
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For I reasurer (one to be elected)
Alicia C Arvidson, RN, is nursing coordinator of OR, RR, and Day-Op surgery at North Carolina Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill. A diploma graduate of Clara Maass Memorial Hospital, Belleville, NJ, she received a BSN from Purdue University, Hammond, Ind. An operating room nurse for 16 years, she has been an AORN member for 11 years. A member of the AORN Audiovisual Committee since 1979, she is the 1980-1981 chairman. Arvidson is a member of the Tarheels East AORN chapter, where she has been a board member (1976-1978). She has also been chairman of the publicity committee (1 9781980) and the program committee for the chapter workshop (1979). She was newsletter editor from 1978 to 1980. Formerly a member of AORN of Northwestern Indiana, she was president (1973-1975), vice-president (19691973), and fund-raising chairman (19691973). She has attended nine AORN Congresses, four as a delegate and two as an alternate. Election statement. Three major issues facing nursing are (1) economic inequalities between nursing and other professions, (2) obtaining continuing educationfor ail nurses, and (3) apathy. Apathy has the greatest impact on OR nursing. Apathy is responsible for allowing the deletion of OR nursing education from our basic preparation. Apathy is responsible for the sparse attendance at AORN meetings, especially on the local level. Apathy is responsible for lack of response to requests for national candidates. Last year, 55 of 29,000 members were considered-.19% of our membership! Apathy is letting the other person do it. Apathy allows professional nurses to accept a wage that is substandard and lower than nonhealth
AORN Journal, December 1980,Vol32, No 6
Alicia C Arvidson
Joanne D Oliver
care professionals demand. Apathy allows others to define the role of the OR nurse. Apathy is the cancer in a potentially healthy organization. Apathy exists because the consequences of indifference are not fully comprehended. My commitment to AORN-I am not apathetic. I pledge my time and efforts to the growth and development of AORN. I offer my extensive financial background to the off ice of treasurer. The theme of this Congress is “Tempoof the 80s:Visions and Challenges.” My vision is the elimination of apathy, and my challenge is to work toward that goal.
Joanne D Oliver, RN, is director of the operating and recovery rooms at Diagnostic Center Hospital,Houston. She receivedher BSN from the University of Texas, Austin. An operating room nurse and AORN member for 18 years, her National Committee membership includes the Editorial Committee (1978-1981),the Statement Committee (1975-1976),the Membership Committee (1 973-1975), and the AORN Nominating 9;‘8). Committee (1976-1 As a member of AORN of Greater Houston, Oliver has been vice-president (1971-1 975),a board member (1969-1971), a member of the nominating committee (1 967-1969),and general chairmanoftheseminar(l980-1981). She has been chairman of the seminar program committee (1 977-1979),the scholarship committee (1978-19;79), the auction committee (1975-1981), and the ways and means committee (1971-19’75). She has served on the chapter legislative committee (1 9781979),the tellers cornmittee (1977-1979),the seminar program committee (1 976-1977),and
Jean D Tornello
the ways and means committee (1 975-1981). Oliver has attended 16 AORN Congresses, 7 as a delegate and 9 as an alternate. She has been an ANA member for 18 years. Election statement. Nursing issues are many and varied. Each almost inevitably overlaps another. One of the biggest issues is the public image of nursing. Because of this, patients, educators, physicians, and legislators are taking a closer and more critical look at nursing. This deeply involves education, credentialing, and staffing, to mention a few. Professional unity is a big issue. Although offered as a solution to many problems, until it is resolved in all areas of nursing, it will continue to be a stumbling block as much as a stepping stone. Reformation of nursing roles is an issue we work on daily. We have to learn to change our roles and adjust to the times. The expansion of what we do in the OR is not as big a change as we think. We are just learning to pay attention to what we have been doing for yearsassessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and documenting. We need to sell ourselves to administrators, educators, legislators, and above all to consumers. The complexity of each issue can only be simplified by working together, by listening, doing, and perhaps doing again. As treasurer, my commitment to you is to listen, care, work, forecast, and share.
Jean D Tornello, RN, is department head of the OR and RR at Fort Myers (Fla) Community Hospital. She is a diploma graduate of Youngstown (Ohio) Hospital School of Nursing. An operating room nurse for 16 years, she has been an AORN member for nine years. At the national level, Tornello is chairman of
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the Awards Committee (1980-1981) and the Nominating Committee (1980-1981) and was chairman of the Audiovisual Committee (1978-1979). She has also served as a member of the Awards Committee (19791980), the Nominating Committee (19791980), and the Audiovisual Committee (1976-1978). As a member of the Youngstown (Ohio) chapter, she was president (1973-1977) and a board member (1977-1979). She served on the program committee for the regional institute (1978, 1974) and the workshop (1972). She has served on the program committee (1974). Presently a member of the Shellcoast of Florida chapter, she is chairman of Project Alpha and is responsiblefor the chapter newsletter. Tornello has attended eight AORN Congresses, four as a delegate and two as an alternate. She has been an ANA member for 12 years. Election statement. There is little doubt that a major issue facing nursing today is the level of entry into practice. Many concerns are voiced regarding programs to implement this plan. The results of the deans’ conferencesare encouraging, but the proposed entry must incorporate the perioperative role for nursing in the OR to survive. Certification and credentialing present an ongoing challenge. Present and future government controls are forcing nursing to face a definition of levels of practice. Cost-effective measures may soon force nursing to prove the value of the quality of their service. Where, oh where, have all the nurses gone? Job satisfaction, based on an anticipated ideal as opposed to “reality shock” is certainly a factor. Nursing must provide an incentive for continuing or returning to practice. Implementation of Project Alpha stresses the importance of the perioperative role. We must continue to keep nursing educators aware of this role’s significance when designing the entry level programs. Otherwise, quality patient care will suffer from the lack of professional nursing practice in the OR. It is an honor to be nominated. My past commitment is evident, and I look forward to participating in the goals and future of AORN-my vision for my challenge.
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For Board of Directors (three to be elected)
Josephine Barr, RN, is a staff nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital, Cumberland, Md. She is a graduate of the LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City. She has been an operating room nurse for 17 years and an AORN member for 16 years. A member of the AORN Legislative Committee (1978-1981), she has also served on the Membership Committee (1975-1978). As a member of the Tri-State Cumberland AORN chapter, she has been president (1970-1971), vice-president (1 974-1975, 1967-1969), treasurer (1964-1966), and a board member (1969-1970). She has been chairman of the hospitality committee (1974), nominating committee (1973), and program committee (1967-1969).She was a memberof the OR Nurse Day committee in 1979. Barr has attended 12 AORN Congresses, once as a delegate and twice as an alternate. She has been an ANA member for eight years. Election statement. Nursing faces myriad issues. Three in the 1980s are: 0 nurses’ need to gain autonomy allowing them to practice the skills that equate with their educational preparedness 0 working within a bureaucratic system while attempting to practice humanistic nursing 0 the increasing encroachment of regulations on health care delivery. Of these, working within a bureaucracy while trying to practice humanistic nursing has the greatest impact on the OR nurse. This system can create defeatism with the emphasis on shorter down time and minimizing staff, while increasingscheduling and speed. It is ironic that the nurses’ energy is directed toward the convenience of the institutor and not the patient. No time is allocated for the
AORN Journal, December 1980, V o l 3 2 , No 6
Josephine Barr
Nelda D Britton
nurse to know her patient, make and implement a nursing care plan, not even time to greet her patient in the holding area. My commitment is to pledge the best of my experience, time, and energy to assure the highest quality nursing care, through education and nursing standards. Working together, nurses can influence practice. Through my commitment to professional nursing, I find support for my pledge It is not only nursing's choice to be autonomous but its responsibility. Only then will patients reap the full benefits of our education and experience.
Nelda D Britton, RN, is an instructor in perioperative nursing at Providence Hospital School of Nursing, Mobile, Ala, from which she also graduated. An operating room iiurse for 32 years, she has been an AORN member for 11 years. She was a member of the AORN Membership Committee from 1971 to 1975. As a member of ACIRN of South Alabama, she has been president (1969-1971) and a board member (1971-1973). She has been chairman of the program committee (19771978), the legislative committee (1976-1977), the student interest committee (1973-1976), and the ways and means committee (19721973).She also served as chairman for educational seminar committees from 1972 to 1975 and 1977 to 1978. Britton has been a member of ANA for 12 years. She has attended 11 AORN Congresses, twice as a delegate and three times as an alternate. Electionstatement. Most issuesfacing nursing today are related. Major issues are (1) definition of professionalnursing, (2) unificationof nursing, and (3) health care legislation.
Bonnie J Bruttig
Lack of an updated definition that clarifies the role of the professional nurse in providing health care has the greatest impact on OR nursing. Until the profession defines nursing, and nursing practice is validated through research, justification of the RN in the OR will be a continuing process. Many problems facing nursing relate to this issue. Until the role of the professionalnurse is defined and communicated to nursing educators, health care administrators, consumers, and state and national legislators, the problems of entry level into practice, disunity among nurses, and legislative acts to replace the RN with less qualified personnel will continue to plague nursing. As a leader in assuring quality patient care through education and certification of our members and defining the role of the perioperative nurse, AORN will continueto play a prominent role in solving the problems in nursing, including setting trends in nursing education. As an advocate for the surgical client arid the OR nurse, I am committed to the philosophy of AORN and will work diligently for any goals set forth by our organization.
Bonnie J Bruttig, RN, is an operating room staff nurse at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville.She is a graduate of Bryan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Lincoln, Neb. An operating room nurse for 15 years, she has been an AORN member for 10 years. At the national level, Bruttig was a member of the Audiovisual Committee from 1977 to 1979 and chairman from 1979 to 1980. She is a member of the Blue Ridge AORN chapter. Formerly she was a member of the Omaha (Neb) chapter, where she was a
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Joan H (Jo) Miller
member of the Board of Directors (19761978). She has also been a member there of the liaison committee (1978), the membership committee (1977), and the ways and means committee (1972, 1977-1978).She was historian in 1976. Bruttig has attended five AORN Congresses, twice as a delegate and once as an alternate. Nection statement. It is essential for all nurses to become united as a whole body of nurses. I favor the formation of a federation of registered nurses. The various specialty groups should act as the spokes of a wheel, each independent but supporting one another and joined by the hub, the federation. I feel the future of the registered nurse may be dependent upon such a formation. I am concerned with the direction and focus of nurses. After relinquishingtheir place at the patient’s side, nurses are fighting to reclaim this position. At the same time, nurses are moving into areas previously reserved for the physician. We cannot be all things to all people. We must set our priorities, establish the feasibility of accomplishing these goals, and direct our efforts accordingly. Ifeel AORN must emphasize involvementof its members. This means bringing in new members, particularly new graduates and those new to the operating room. After joining, it is essential to have each person actively involved. The organization does not benefit from passive membership. In conclusion, I am fully aware of the time and the dedication required of an AORN Board member, and I am fully preparedto meet these commitments.
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Judith W Reese
Rosemary A Roth
Joan H (Jo) Miller, RN, is staff development coordinator for surgery at Leila Hospital and Health Center, Battle Creek, Mich. She is a graduate of Mercy College of Detroit. An operating room nurse for 20 years, she has been an AORN member for 15 years. A member of the AORN Nominating Committee (1979-1981), she has also served on the Research Committee (1972-1973),and the Editorial Committee (1969-1972). As a member of the South Valley of Michigan chapter, she has been secretary (19781980) and a member of the board (19771978). In the Western Michigan chapter, she was vice-president (1966-1970), corresponding secretary, and chairman of the nominating and workshop committees.She also served on the bylaws committee. She has attended 15 AORN Congresses, 8 as a delegate and 3 as an alternate. She has been an ANA member for 20 years. Election statement. The three major issues facing nursing today are: 0 the multiple educational programs and the failure of the educationalsystem to provide realistic clinical background to put theory into practice in the patient care setting a the lack of unity in the definition of nursing by nurses themselves and the lack of understanding of nursing by the public 0 the overregulation and legislative decisions regarding nursing care in the name of cost containmentwith no regard for the effects to the patient. Of these, the problem of education seems to have the most impact. Without a standard, balanced, and comprehensive education for entry into practice, nursing will remain divided and vulnerable to outside forces that wish to dictate what care is, who we care for, and how
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care is administered. Since my introductiorito AORN, I have supported its philosophy and objectives fully. I have worked at the chapter level, have been part of national committees, and have served on the national Nominating Committee. I have learned from and shared with colleagues across the country and at Headquarters. I feel this has prepared me to serve on the Board of Directors and participate in decisions affecting OR nurses and the Association.
Judith W Reese, RN, is assistant operating room supervisor at the Atlantic City (NJ) Medical Center. She is a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing, Camden, NJ. An operating room riurse for 15 years, she has been an AORN member for 13 years. She has served on the AORN Membership Committee since 1979. Reese is a member of the South Jersey chapter, where she has been president (1972-1973),vice-president (1978-1980), and a board member (1974-1976). She is chairman of the membership committee (19791981) and has also led the program committee (1970-1971, 1974-1975,and 1978-1979),the legislative committee (1976-1978) and the ways and means committee (1970-1 971, 1974-1976). She has been a member of the nominating committee (1975-1976). She has attended six AORN Congresses, five times as a delegate. She has been a member of ANA for six years and the National League for Nursing for one year. Election statement. Nursing today is undergoing radical changes. Nursing leaders must be equipped to cope with these changes and be able to direct nursing’s course effectively. Three major issues facing nursing today are
(1) the stabilization of the educational requirements for nursing programs, (2) legislationand the possible effects of a proposed national health plan on the role of nursing and nursing care, and (3) the ability of nursing leaders to gain the confidence,support, and interest of all nurses in order to develop policies applicable to client welfare and realisticin actual practice. Right now, OR nursing is being affected by the federal regulationsbeing developed by the Department of Health and Human Services. We must all become involved and well educated about local, state, and national legislation pertaining to the health fields. Our future depends upon being alert and ready with input in order that nursing have an intelligent productive voice about health care regulations. I believe my past experience in AORN will enable me to work as an effective member of the Board of Directors. I am willing to do my utmost to help achieve the goals of our dynamic professional organization and will perform any duties the position may require.
Rosemary A Roth, RN, is assistant director of nursing practice, OR and RR, at The Genesee Hospital, Rochester, NY. A diploma graduate of St Joseph‘s Hospital, Syracuse, NY, she received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Rochester. An operating room nurse for 12 years, she has been an AORN member for 8 years. A member of the AORN Board of Directors, she was appointed to fill a vacancy. She is currently chairman of the Recommended Practices Subcommittee of the Technical Practices Coordinating Committee (TPCC), havingserved on the subcommittee since 1977. She has served on the TPCC since 1979 and has been a
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member of the Competency Committee since 1979. Roth is president of the Upstate New 'fork chapter. She was president-elect in 19791980, and treasurer in 1977-1979. She has been chairman of the nominating committee (1976-1977) and a chapter workshop (1979). She served on the nominating committee from 1974 to 1976. She has attended four AORN Congresses, three times as a delegate. She has been an ANA member for three years. Election statement. Professional nursing is encountering a period of constant change and evolution. Many issues are being faced by registered nurses as they provide optimum quality patient care and preserve their role on the health team. The three major issues, in my opinion are: 0 the necessity for research to document nursing functions and outcomes 0 the impact of legislation on health care provision 0 establishment of the desire and recognition for the need of continuing education in the membership. The need for documentation of nursing's benefit to the health care system is evident in all facets of professional nursing. The issue is greatest for perioperativenursing. The necessity for research is demonstrated effectively when we attempt to reestablish perioperative nursing into the educational curriculum. Our insistence on the registered nurse as the circulator is more defensible with definite facts and figures. Without substantiation behind our arguments, our voices will not be heard or heeded. I believe I can function as a member of the Board of Directors. I am committed to AORN's principlesof excellence in providing care to the surgical patient and his family. I will listen and be responsiveto your concerns and supportive of the decisions after evaluation of all viewpoints.
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t-or Nominating Committee (two to be elected)
Sharon L Fiori, RN, is an operating room staff nurse at St Mary's Hospital, Reno, Nev. She received a BSN from California State University, Fresno. She has been an operating room nurse and AORN member for seven years. Currently she is a member of the AORN Awards Committee (1980-1981). A member of the board of AORN of Reno, she has also been president (1979-1980), president-elect (1978-1979), and treasurer (1975-1977). She has been chairman of the chapter newsletter (1977-1978, 1974-1975), and budget and finance committee (1 9751977). She has also been a member of the workshop hospitality committee (1974-1975) and the budget and finance committee (1 9731975). Fiori has attended five AORN Congresses, three as a delegate and one as an alternate. Election statement. Three major issues professional nurses face are: 0 entry into practice-we must continue to support AORN's belief that the level of entry into practice should be the baccalaureate in nursing health legislation-nurses must monitor and defend their role on state and federal levels. Vital issues are Department of Health and Human Services regulations concerning the circulator's role in the OR, national health insurance, and nursing education funds 0 credentialing in nursing-a study proposed by ANA recommends a freestanding, centralized credentialing center for nurses. The proposed changes in credentialing have the most impact on OR nursing. Issues involved are definition of nursing, entry into
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Sharon L Fiori
Carolyn J Mackety
practice, educational mobility, control, cost, accountability, and competence. Recommendations would affect licensure, registration, accreditation, and certification. The area of most c:oncern for specialty organizations is certification. The credentialing study recommends certification for minimal competency; AORN offers certification for professional achievement in a specialty area. Are we willing to alter our program? Are we willing to have certification taken out of our hands? We need to continue to have a voice in proposed recommendations so OR nurses will have the representation they need to ensure quality patient care. If elected, Iwill seek candidates who support AORN's objectives and standards.
Carolyn J Mackety, RN, is associate coordinator of the operating rooms at Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville, Tenn. She is a graduate of Hackley Hospital School of Nursing, Muskegon, Mich, and the College of St Frances, Joliet, Ill. She has been an operating room nurse and AORN member for 11 years. Currently chairman of the Editorial Committee (1979-1981), she has been a member since 1978. In the Middle Tennessee chapter, she is a member of the board (1980), chairman of the program committee (1980), and member of the seminar committee (1980). In the Madison (Wis) chapter, she was secretary (1977), general chairman of the seminar (1978), and chairman of the nominating committee (1978). She served on the nominating committee from 1977 to 1979. She has attended six AORN Congresses, three as a delegate and two as an alternate. Election statement The major issue in nurs-
Candace R Moore
ing in the OR is entry level of practice. This issue has direct impact on OR nursing as the surgical experience is not included in most nursing programs. Subsequently, the following issues have direct impact on OR nursing practice: 0 The generic curriculum must be modified to include surgical experience so nurses will have the theoretical background to function in perioperative nursing. 0 Recruitment of OR nurses is difficult due to lack of exposure to this type of critical care nursing. 0 Retention of OR nurses is of major concern. New graduates have little or no exposure to organization, team effort, crisis intervention, psychosocial implications, and the stress of daily OR nursing. What can we do as a professional nursing organization to respond to this critical issue? With the nurse educators' conference, we have begun working closely with educators to bring clinical practice and educators together. We need to continue validating our practice through AORN's educational processes and certification. My commitment to AORN is to support the goals of the organization to seek candidates with leadership skills who are risk takers, committed, and knowledgeable in the practice of OR nursing to meet the needs of our members today and tomorrow.
Candace R Moore, RN, is an operating room staff nurse at Orlando (Fla) Regional Medical Center. She is a graduate of Orange Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Orlando. She has been an operating room nurse and AORN member for six years. Moore served on the AORN Membership Committee from 1978
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Carole Sillye Pearson
Joanne F Sauter
to 1980. In the Action Center (Fla) chapter, she is parliamentarian (1980-1981). She has also been president (1979-1980) and secretary (1976-1978).She is chairmanof the workshop program committee (1980-1981, 1977-1978) and the legislative committee (1 980-1981). She was chairman of the regional institute in 1978-1979. Moore has also served on the policy committee (1979-1980) and the workshop registration committee (1974). She has attended five AORN Congresses, two as a delegate. She has been an ANA member for one year. Nection statement. Three major issues facing our profession today are (1) communication among the profession for unified strategies that will affect our future as nurses,’ (2) career mobility and identifying competencies, and (3) unions and collective bargaining. Communication is essential in any phase of life. In our area as perioperative nurses, it is exemplified by the lines of communication among office, floor, operating room, and recovery room for proper patient care. In the professional scene, we use the Federation, with a membership of 21 organizations, as a means of communicating our voices as perioperative nurses. As brought out in the House of Delegates last year, our voice as an association is respected by fellow nursing colleagues. The definition of communicationis “an act of transmitting; exchange of information or opinions.” Now is the time to make your individual opinions and ideas known on all issues of nursing. If we do not make decisions and take the responsibility for our profession, how can we control our destiny? I am committed to the goals, actions, and visions that AORN represents. As in the past,
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AORN continues to address the issues of today while looking at tomorrow. If elected, I would continueto further the growth of AORN.
Carole Billye Pearson, RN, is a neurosurgical nurse practitioner at Surgical Neurology Ltd, Phoenix, Ariz. She is a graduate of Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, Phoenix. She has been an operating room nurse for 27 years and an AORN member for 14 years. Currently a member of the AORN Legislative Committee (1980-1981),she has also served on the Statement Committee (1977-1979), and the Membership Committee (1968-1970, 1972-1974). In the Phoenix and the Valley chapter, she has been president (1975-1976), presidentelect (1974-1975), and vice-president (19781980). Pearson is chairman of the membership committee (1980-1981) and was cochairman of the 1980 workshop committee. She has been chairmanof the workshop hospitality Committee (1979), the program committee (1978-1980), the regional institute (1978), the legislativecommittee (1976-1980), the policy committee (1976-1977), the hospitality committee (1974), and the membership committee (1966, 1969, 1973-1974). She was a member of the ways and means committee from 1970 to 1972. Pearson has attended 11 AORN Congresses, 9 as a delegate and 2 as an alternate. Election statement. Three major issues facing nursingtoday are (1) health care legislation, (2) a unified voice in nursing, and (3) a processto document that nurses maintainproficiency. Perhaps implementation of the credentialing study would be a beginning. A unified voice in nursing can be achieved
AORN Journal, December 1980, Vol32, No 6
when we begin communicating with each other. Nurses involved in education at the three levels are frequently in opposition. In all nursing, there are many internal and external forces that lead to confusion,dissatisfaction, and apathy. We hearthere is a nursing shortage, but surveys show that nurses have been educated and licensed. Why are they not employed in nursing and in operating room nursing? In the past,those who choose to be the voice of nursing have been few. This must not continue. For those reasons, it is my belief that a unified nursing profession that communicates within and among its constituents will be the major step to a unified voice. I support the objectives and philosophy of AORN and have the time necessary to participate in the Nominating Committee actively. I would willingly accept the responsibility of the Committee position and work with the Committee to place before the members a ballot of qualified AORN leaders. Joanne F Sauter, RN, is OR supervisor at Westlake Community Hospital, Melrose Park, 111. She is a graduate ot St Bernard’s School of Nursing, Chicago. An operating room nurse for 18 years, Sauter has been an AORN member for 16 years. She served on the Project 26 Task Force in 1978-1979 and was a member of the AORN Editorial Committee from 1972 to 1974. In the Chicago chapter, she has been president (1979-1980), president-elect (19781979), vice-president (1976-1978), and a bbard member (1974-1976). Chairman of the nominating committee in 1973-1974, she also served on the committee in 1972-1973. She
was chairman of the membership committee in 1971-1972 and a member in 1970-1971. Sauter has attended 11 AORN Congresses, eight as a delegate, and two as an alternate. Election statement. As the 1980s begin, nursing must make decisions that will affect its future. Major issues are: 0 spiraling health care costs coupled with regulations proposed by governmental agencies that disregard the input of those they seek to regulate 0 fragmentation within nursing with respect to entry level into practice 0 the continually expanding role of the nurse. In my opinion, OR nursing will be most affected by the proposed changes in the Medicaid/Medicare regulation regarding the RN or technician as circulator, along with rapidly rising health care costs. These issues cannot be separated with relation to OR nursing, as each impacts on the other. AORN’s definition of the perioperative role and its acceptance and growing implementation by the membership have establishedthat the RN is the only nurse who can and should care for the intraoperativepatient. AORN has within its ranks nurses with the capabilities, courage, convictions, and persistenceto attain this goal. My commitment to AORN, if selected for the Nominating committee, will be to give freely of my time and expertiseto seek out those nurses who can and will provide the leadership to make the 1980s a decade of decision for both OR nursing and nursing as a profession.
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This sample ballot lists the nominees for AORN national offices. The annual election will be held from 7 to 9 am, Thursday, March 12, during the AORN Congress in Dallas. Results will be announcedl 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 delegates from 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 1:30 pm Monday, March 9, according to
the AORN Bylaws, Article VI, Section 3. Candidates for office will appear at the “Meet the Candidates” session at 10 am, Sunday, March 8. Delegates 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 OR nursing? Why? 0 What is your commitment to AORN regarding the office you are seeking?
Sample ballot President-elect (one to be elected) Cynthia C Hayes 0 Margaret E Huth
Treasurer (one to be elected) Alicia C Arvidson 13 Joanne D Oliver 0 Jean D Tornello
Board of Directors (three to be elected) 0 Josephine Barr 0 Nelda D Britton 0 Bonnie J Bruttig 0 Joan H (Jo) Miller 0 Judith W Reese 0 Rosemary A Roth
Nominating Committee (two to be elected) Sharon L Fiori Carolyn J Mackety 0 Candace R Moore 0 Carole Billye Pearson Joanne F Sauter
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1015
For Presidentelect (one to be elected)
Cynthia C Hayes
Margaret E Huth
Margaret E Huth, RN, is director of nursing, OR/RR, at Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus. She is a diploma graduate of Butler (Pa) County Memorial Hospital and a baccalaureate graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. A member of AORN for 12 years, she has been an OR nurse for 21 years. Currently a member of the AORN Board of Directors, she has served since 1979. She has been chairman of the AORN Policy Committee (1979-
1016
Cynthia C Hayes, RN, is director of the Department of OR, RR, and Ancillary Services at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta. A baccalaureate graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, she received a master's in nursing from Emory University. An operating room nurse for 22 years, she has been an AORN member for 17 years. She is AORN treasurer, having been appointed to fill a vacancy. She has also served as AORN secretary (1977-1978) and as a Board member (1976-1960).She has been chairman of the Nursing Diagnosis Committee (19791981), the Statement and Resolutions Committee (1979-1981), the Bylaws Committee (1977-1978), the Policy Committee (19771978), and the Standards of Nursing Practice Committee (1977-1978). She served on the Audiovisual Committee from 1973 to 1976. Hayes is a member of AORN of Atlanta, where she has been president (1973-1974) and a member of the board (1970-1975). She has chaired the chapter long-range planning committee (1974-1975,1977-1978, 1980),the bylaws committee (1972), and the policy committee (1971). She was general chairman 1981), Nominating Committee (1978-1979), and Technical Standards Committee (19781979). She hasalsoservedasamemberofthe Nominating Committee (1977-1978) and Technical Standards Committee (1974-1978). Since 1978, she has been AORN's representative to the Aseptic Barriers Standards Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. Formerly a member of the PittsburghAORN chapter, she has recently joined the Central Ohio chapter. In Pittsburgh,she was president (1976-1977), president-elect (1975-1976), and a board member (1977-1978 and 19731975). She also chaired the program committee (1975-1976) and legislative committee (1973-1975). She has attended nine AORN Congresses, seven as a delegate. She is a member of ANA and has been a member of the National League for Nursingfor five years. Election statement. Professional nursing is faced with a multitude of issues, each with its own unique ramifications. Three major issues that require thought, planning, and action are
AORN Journal, December 1980,Vol32, No 6
for the chapter workshop in 1978 and program chairman for the regional institute in 1970. Hayes has attended 13 AORN Congresses, nine as a delegate and two as an alternate. She has been a member of the American Nurses' Association (ANA) for 14 years. Election statement. AORN is dramatically and actively involved in the current fundamental issues of the nursing profession: entry into practice, promotion of unity within the profession, and credentialing, to name but three of many. All of these issues impact on operating room nursing. I support continued and intensified activities in these areas in order to keep our membership informed and to allow for AORN participation in the decision-making process when and where it is appropriate. Through continued liaison with ANA, the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the Federation of Specialty NursingOrganizations and ANA, we can foster the cohesiveness of purpose that leads to unity. Keeping pace with advancing knowledge and technologies continues to challenge each of us. Thus, the expansion of efforts toward the teaching and practice of perioperativenursing,
the certification of our membership, and the conducting of continuing education programs by AORN to meet the identified needs of operating room nurses are paramount objectives of our organization. Complementing these objectives are the AORN Journal and continued development and publication of recommended practices for care of patients and materiel in the operating room, which further enhance clinical practice. The political arena continues to challenge nurses to become stronger advocates of patient care and to speak articulately to the issues of fiscally responsible, cost-effective health care delivery, without sacrificing high standards promoting quality care. Identification of the responsibilities of AORN to meet requests from internationalcolleagues practicing in the operating room requires thoughtful analysis and planning. The experience of sponsoring two World Conferences of Operating Room Nurses gives indication that AORN may want to consider an expanded role in the area of international education and organization. In the future, AORN may need to address
credentialing, health legislation, and expanded role responsibilities as reflected in the changing scope of nursing practice. I believe the latter currently has the greatest impact on OR nursing. The expanded role of OR nurses provides a mechanism for achieving quality care for every surgical patient. It enables us to validate our contributions to patient care and to withstand the challenges of those who would assume our role. The perioperativerole illustratesthat professional components outweigh technical components. It is up to each one of us to actualize this role. Many OR nurses have been functioning in the perioperative role for years, while others are just beginning to expand their scope of responsibilities. As our role expands, we must make other members of the health care team aware of our' contributionsto patient care. Many still perceivethe OR nurse as passing instruments, assisting the surgeon, and functioning in a purely technical role. Until they witness our assessing a patient's needs, planning and implementing nursing care, or evaluating a patient postoperatively,they may find it difficult to identify the professionalnurse
in an OR setting. We have a responsibility to the patient to demonstrate a discernible diffence. How can we justify the cost of professional nurse staffing otherwise? With the cloud of cost containment looming continually over our heads, we must do our share in curtailing the rise of health care costs. Some health care administrators would have you believe that replacement of professionals with nonprofessionals is cost effective. Demonstration of the perioperative role and the patient care benefits to be derived will negate such thinking. As patient advocates, we must ensure quality care as well as contain costs. With increased awareness of health care, consumers want to know what their dollars will provide. We need to communicate our role to them so that they can support and demand professional nursing care. Operating Room Nurse Day has served a valuable purpose by informing the general public of the perioperative role and its implications for care. Nursing educators also need to be made aware of our expanded role. We can now demonstrate the benefits to be derived from student experience in the operating room. We
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topics that are unpopular. When we recognize that some members belong only to AORN, what is our responsibility to educate them about issues not associatedwith our organization's objectives, such as equal rights and collective bargaining? Must AORN be all things to the membership, or perhaps our educational aim is sufficient? Experiences over the past five years as a Board member, secretary, and now treasurer, in addition to chairing committees, have been an invaluable preparation for fulfilling the responsibilities of the office of president-elect. AORN has a commitment to excellence in providing education and services for the membership unsurpassed by any other nursing organization. The impressive magnitude of the structure, function, and purpose of AORN attests to our continued success. If elected, I pledge my energy and commitment to achieve the goals established by the consensus of the membership and by its representatives, the Board of Directors, and to continue the tradition of excellence that has brought us to this point.
must direct our efforts toward stimulating the inclusion of a perioperativeclinical experience in nursing curricula. The Invitational Conference of Nurse Educatorsdrew the outline. We must now paint the picture through implementation of Project Alpha. AORN has clearly defined perioperative nursing as an expansion of the traditional OR nursing role. However, practice must give substance to the definition. As professionals concerned with quality care, we have a responsibility to our patients to expand our scope of responsibilities by implementation of the perioperative role. I pledge my continued commitment of time, energy, and expertise to AORN. I will study the issues, listen to your concerns, evaluate alternatives, and strive to make sound leadership decisions.
1018
For I reasurer (one to be elected)
Alicia C Arvidson, RN, is nursing coordinator of OR, RR, and Day-Op surgery at North Carolina Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill. A diploma graduate of Clara Maass Memorial Hospital, Belleville, NJ, she received a BSN from Purdue University, Hammond, Ind. An operating room nurse for 16 years, she has been an AORN member for 11 years. A member of the AORN Audiovisual Committee since 1979, she is the 1980-1981 chairman. Arvidson is a member of the Tarheels East AORN chapter, where she has been a board member (1976-1978). She has also been chairman of the publicity committee (1 9781980) and the program committee for the chapter workshop (1979). She was newsletter editor from 1978 to 1980. Formerly a member of AORN of Northwestern Indiana, she was president (1973-1975), vice-president (19691973), and fund-raising chairman (19691973). She has attended nine AORN Congresses, four as a delegate and two as an alternate. Election statement. Three major issues facing nursing are (1) economic inequalities between nursing and other professions, (2) obtaining continuing educationfor ail nurses, and (3) apathy. Apathy has the greatest impact on OR nursing. Apathy is responsible for allowing the deletion of OR nursing education from our basic preparation. Apathy is responsible for the sparse attendance at AORN meetings, especially on the local level. Apathy is responsible for lack of response to requests for national candidates. Last year, 55 of 29,000 members were considered-.19% of our membership! Apathy is letting the other person do it. Apathy allows professional nurses to accept a wage that is substandard and lower than nonhealth
AORN Journal, December 1980,Vol32, No 6
Alicia C Arvidson
Joanne D Oliver
care professionals demand. Apathy allows others to define the role of the OR nurse. Apathy is the cancer in a potentially healthy organization. Apathy exists because the consequences of indifference are not fully comprehended. My commitment to AORN-I am not apathetic. I pledge my time and efforts to the growth and development of AORN. I offer my extensive financial background to the off ice of treasurer. The theme of this Congress is “Tempoof the 80s:Visions and Challenges.” My vision is the elimination of apathy, and my challenge is to work toward that goal.
Joanne D Oliver, RN, is director of the operating and recovery rooms at Diagnostic Center Hospital,Houston. She receivedher BSN from the University of Texas, Austin. An operating room nurse and AORN member for 18 years, her National Committee membership includes the Editorial Committee (1978-1981),the Statement Committee (1975-1976),the Membership Committee (1 973-1975), and the AORN Nominating 9;‘8). Committee (1976-1 As a member of AORN of Greater Houston, Oliver has been vice-president (1971-1 975),a board member (1969-1971), a member of the nominating committee (1 967-1969),and general chairmanoftheseminar(l980-1981). She has been chairman of the seminar program committee (1 977-1979),the scholarship committee (1978-19;79), the auction committee (1975-1981), and the ways and means committee (1971-19’75). She has served on the chapter legislative committee (1 9781979),the tellers cornmittee (1977-1979),the seminar program committee (1 976-1977),and
Jean D Tornello
the ways and means committee (1 975-1981). Oliver has attended 16 AORN Congresses, 7 as a delegate and 9 as an alternate. She has been an ANA member for 18 years. Election statement. Nursing issues are many and varied. Each almost inevitably overlaps another. One of the biggest issues is the public image of nursing. Because of this, patients, educators, physicians, and legislators are taking a closer and more critical look at nursing. This deeply involves education, credentialing, and staffing, to mention a few. Professional unity is a big issue. Although offered as a solution to many problems, until it is resolved in all areas of nursing, it will continue to be a stumbling block as much as a stepping stone. Reformation of nursing roles is an issue we work on daily. We have to learn to change our roles and adjust to the times. The expansion of what we do in the OR is not as big a change as we think. We are just learning to pay attention to what we have been doing for yearsassessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and documenting. We need to sell ourselves to administrators, educators, legislators, and above all to consumers. The complexity of each issue can only be simplified by working together, by listening, doing, and perhaps doing again. As treasurer, my commitment to you is to listen, care, work, forecast, and share.
Jean D Tornello, RN, is department head of the OR and RR at Fort Myers (Fla) Community Hospital. She is a diploma graduate of Youngstown (Ohio) Hospital School of Nursing. An operating room nurse for 16 years, she has been an AORN member for nine years. At the national level, Tornello is chairman of
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the Awards Committee (1980-1981) and the Nominating Committee (1980-1981) and was chairman of the Audiovisual Committee (1978-1979). She has also served as a member of the Awards Committee (19791980), the Nominating Committee (19791980), and the Audiovisual Committee (1976-1978). As a member of the Youngstown (Ohio) chapter, she was president (1973-1977) and a board member (1977-1979). She served on the program committee for the regional institute (1978, 1974) and the workshop (1972). She has served on the program committee (1974). Presently a member of the Shellcoast of Florida chapter, she is chairman of Project Alpha and is responsiblefor the chapter newsletter. Tornello has attended eight AORN Congresses, four as a delegate and two as an alternate. She has been an ANA member for 12 years. Election statement. There is little doubt that a major issue facing nursing today is the level of entry into practice. Many concerns are voiced regarding programs to implement this plan. The results of the deans’ conferencesare encouraging, but the proposed entry must incorporate the perioperative role for nursing in the OR to survive. Certification and credentialing present an ongoing challenge. Present and future government controls are forcing nursing to face a definition of levels of practice. Cost-effective measures may soon force nursing to prove the value of the quality of their service. Where, oh where, have all the nurses gone? Job satisfaction, based on an anticipated ideal as opposed to “reality shock” is certainly a factor. Nursing must provide an incentive for continuing or returning to practice. Implementation of Project Alpha stresses the importance of the perioperative role. We must continue to keep nursing educators aware of this role’s significance when designing the entry level programs. Otherwise, quality patient care will suffer from the lack of professional nursing practice in the OR. It is an honor to be nominated. My past commitment is evident, and I look forward to participating in the goals and future of AORN-my vision for my challenge.
1020
For Board of Directors (three to be elected)
Josephine Barr, RN, is a staff nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital, Cumberland, Md. She is a graduate of the LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City. She has been an operating room nurse for 17 years and an AORN member for 16 years. A member of the AORN Legislative Committee (1978-1981), she has also served on the Membership Committee (1975-1978). As a member of the Tri-State Cumberland AORN chapter, she has been president (1970-1971), vice-president (1 974-1975, 1967-1969), treasurer (1964-1966), and a board member (1969-1970). She has been chairman of the hospitality committee (1974), nominating committee (1973), and program committee (1967-1969).She was a memberof the OR Nurse Day committee in 1979. Barr has attended 12 AORN Congresses, once as a delegate and twice as an alternate. She has been an ANA member for eight years. Election statement. Nursing faces myriad issues. Three in the 1980s are: 0 nurses’ need to gain autonomy allowing them to practice the skills that equate with their educational preparedness 0 working within a bureaucratic system while attempting to practice humanistic nursing 0 the increasing encroachment of regulations on health care delivery. Of these, working within a bureaucracy while trying to practice humanistic nursing has the greatest impact on the OR nurse. This system can create defeatism with the emphasis on shorter down time and minimizing staff, while increasingscheduling and speed. It is ironic that the nurses’ energy is directed toward the convenience of the institutor and not the patient. No time is allocated for the
AORN Journal, December 1980, V o l 3 2 , No 6
Josephine Barr
Nelda D Britton
nurse to know her patient, make and implement a nursing care plan, not even time to greet her patient in the holding area. My commitment is to pledge the best of my experience, time, and energy to assure the highest quality nursing care, through education and nursing standards. Working together, nurses can influence practice. Through my commitment to professional nursing, I find support for my pledge It is not only nursing's choice to be autonomous but its responsibility. Only then will patients reap the full benefits of our education and experience.
Nelda D Britton, RN, is an instructor in perioperative nursing at Providence Hospital School of Nursing, Mobile, Ala, from which she also graduated. An operating room iiurse for 32 years, she has been an AORN member for 11 years. She was a member of the AORN Membership Committee from 1971 to 1975. As a member of ACIRN of South Alabama, she has been president (1969-1971) and a board member (1971-1973). She has been chairman of the program committee (19771978), the legislative committee (1976-1977), the student interest committee (1973-1976), and the ways and means committee (19721973).She also served as chairman for educational seminar committees from 1972 to 1975 and 1977 to 1978. Britton has been a member of ANA for 12 years. She has attended 11 AORN Congresses, twice as a delegate and three times as an alternate. Electionstatement. Most issuesfacing nursing today are related. Major issues are (1) definition of professionalnursing, (2) unificationof nursing, and (3) health care legislation.
Bonnie J Bruttig
Lack of an updated definition that clarifies the role of the professional nurse in providing health care has the greatest impact on OR nursing. Until the profession defines nursing, and nursing practice is validated through research, justification of the RN in the OR will be a continuing process. Many problems facing nursing relate to this issue. Until the role of the professionalnurse is defined and communicated to nursing educators, health care administrators, consumers, and state and national legislators, the problems of entry level into practice, disunity among nurses, and legislative acts to replace the RN with less qualified personnel will continue to plague nursing. As a leader in assuring quality patient care through education and certification of our members and defining the role of the perioperative nurse, AORN will continueto play a prominent role in solving the problems in nursing, including setting trends in nursing education. As an advocate for the surgical client arid the OR nurse, I am committed to the philosophy of AORN and will work diligently for any goals set forth by our organization.
Bonnie J Bruttig, RN, is an operating room staff nurse at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville.She is a graduate of Bryan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Lincoln, Neb. An operating room nurse for 15 years, she has been an AORN member for 10 years. At the national level, Bruttig was a member of the Audiovisual Committee from 1977 to 1979 and chairman from 1979 to 1980. She is a member of the Blue Ridge AORN chapter. Formerly she was a member of the Omaha (Neb) chapter, where she was a
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1021
Joan H (Jo) Miller
member of the Board of Directors (19761978). She has also been a member there of the liaison committee (1978), the membership committee (1977), and the ways and means committee (1972, 1977-1978).She was historian in 1976. Bruttig has attended five AORN Congresses, twice as a delegate and once as an alternate. Nection statement. It is essential for all nurses to become united as a whole body of nurses. I favor the formation of a federation of registered nurses. The various specialty groups should act as the spokes of a wheel, each independent but supporting one another and joined by the hub, the federation. I feel the future of the registered nurse may be dependent upon such a formation. I am concerned with the direction and focus of nurses. After relinquishingtheir place at the patient’s side, nurses are fighting to reclaim this position. At the same time, nurses are moving into areas previously reserved for the physician. We cannot be all things to all people. We must set our priorities, establish the feasibility of accomplishing these goals, and direct our efforts accordingly. Ifeel AORN must emphasize involvementof its members. This means bringing in new members, particularly new graduates and those new to the operating room. After joining, it is essential to have each person actively involved. The organization does not benefit from passive membership. In conclusion, I am fully aware of the time and the dedication required of an AORN Board member, and I am fully preparedto meet these commitments.
1022
Judith W Reese
Rosemary A Roth
Joan H (Jo) Miller, RN, is staff development coordinator for surgery at Leila Hospital and Health Center, Battle Creek, Mich. She is a graduate of Mercy College of Detroit. An operating room nurse for 20 years, she has been an AORN member for 15 years. A member of the AORN Nominating Committee (1979-1981), she has also served on the Research Committee (1972-1973),and the Editorial Committee (1969-1972). As a member of the South Valley of Michigan chapter, she has been secretary (19781980) and a member of the board (19771978). In the Western Michigan chapter, she was vice-president (1966-1970), corresponding secretary, and chairman of the nominating and workshop committees.She also served on the bylaws committee. She has attended 15 AORN Congresses, 8 as a delegate and 3 as an alternate. She has been an ANA member for 20 years. Election statement. The three major issues facing nursing today are: 0 the multiple educational programs and the failure of the educationalsystem to provide realistic clinical background to put theory into practice in the patient care setting a the lack of unity in the definition of nursing by nurses themselves and the lack of understanding of nursing by the public 0 the overregulation and legislative decisions regarding nursing care in the name of cost containmentwith no regard for the effects to the patient. Of these, the problem of education seems to have the most impact. Without a standard, balanced, and comprehensive education for entry into practice, nursing will remain divided and vulnerable to outside forces that wish to dictate what care is, who we care for, and how
AORN Journal, December 1980, Val 32, No 6
care is administered. Since my introductiorito AORN, I have supported its philosophy and objectives fully. I have worked at the chapter level, have been part of national committees, and have served on the national Nominating Committee. I have learned from and shared with colleagues across the country and at Headquarters. I feel this has prepared me to serve on the Board of Directors and participate in decisions affecting OR nurses and the Association.
Judith W Reese, RN, is assistant operating room supervisor at the Atlantic City (NJ) Medical Center. She is a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing, Camden, NJ. An operating room riurse for 15 years, she has been an AORN member for 13 years. She has served on the AORN Membership Committee since 1979. Reese is a member of the South Jersey chapter, where she has been president (1972-1973),vice-president (1978-1980), and a board member (1974-1976). She is chairman of the membership committee (19791981) and has also led the program committee (1970-1971, 1974-1975,and 1978-1979),the legislative committee (1976-1978) and the ways and means committee (1970-1 971, 1974-1976). She has been a member of the nominating committee (1975-1976). She has attended six AORN Congresses, five times as a delegate. She has been a member of ANA for six years and the National League for Nursing for one year. Election statement. Nursing today is undergoing radical changes. Nursing leaders must be equipped to cope with these changes and be able to direct nursing’s course effectively. Three major issues facing nursing today are
(1) the stabilization of the educational requirements for nursing programs, (2) legislationand the possible effects of a proposed national health plan on the role of nursing and nursing care, and (3) the ability of nursing leaders to gain the confidence,support, and interest of all nurses in order to develop policies applicable to client welfare and realisticin actual practice. Right now, OR nursing is being affected by the federal regulationsbeing developed by the Department of Health and Human Services. We must all become involved and well educated about local, state, and national legislation pertaining to the health fields. Our future depends upon being alert and ready with input in order that nursing have an intelligent productive voice about health care regulations. I believe my past experience in AORN will enable me to work as an effective member of the Board of Directors. I am willing to do my utmost to help achieve the goals of our dynamic professional organization and will perform any duties the position may require.
Rosemary A Roth, RN, is assistant director of nursing practice, OR and RR, at The Genesee Hospital, Rochester, NY. A diploma graduate of St Joseph‘s Hospital, Syracuse, NY, she received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Rochester. An operating room nurse for 12 years, she has been an AORN member for 8 years. A member of the AORN Board of Directors, she was appointed to fill a vacancy. She is currently chairman of the Recommended Practices Subcommittee of the Technical Practices Coordinating Committee (TPCC), havingserved on the subcommittee since 1977. She has served on the TPCC since 1979 and has been a
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member of the Competency Committee since 1979. Roth is president of the Upstate New 'fork chapter. She was president-elect in 19791980, and treasurer in 1977-1979. She has been chairman of the nominating committee (1976-1977) and a chapter workshop (1979). She served on the nominating committee from 1974 to 1976. She has attended four AORN Congresses, three times as a delegate. She has been an ANA member for three years. Election statement. Professional nursing is encountering a period of constant change and evolution. Many issues are being faced by registered nurses as they provide optimum quality patient care and preserve their role on the health team. The three major issues, in my opinion are: 0 the necessity for research to document nursing functions and outcomes 0 the impact of legislation on health care provision 0 establishment of the desire and recognition for the need of continuing education in the membership. The need for documentation of nursing's benefit to the health care system is evident in all facets of professional nursing. The issue is greatest for perioperativenursing. The necessity for research is demonstrated effectively when we attempt to reestablish perioperative nursing into the educational curriculum. Our insistence on the registered nurse as the circulator is more defensible with definite facts and figures. Without substantiation behind our arguments, our voices will not be heard or heeded. I believe I can function as a member of the Board of Directors. I am committed to AORN's principlesof excellence in providing care to the surgical patient and his family. I will listen and be responsiveto your concerns and supportive of the decisions after evaluation of all viewpoints.
1024
t-or Nominating Committee (two to be elected)
Sharon L Fiori, RN, is an operating room staff nurse at St Mary's Hospital, Reno, Nev. She received a BSN from California State University, Fresno. She has been an operating room nurse and AORN member for seven years. Currently she is a member of the AORN Awards Committee (1980-1981). A member of the board of AORN of Reno, she has also been president (1979-1980), president-elect (1978-1979), and treasurer (1975-1977). She has been chairman of the chapter newsletter (1977-1978, 1974-1975), and budget and finance committee (1 9751977). She has also been a member of the workshop hospitality committee (1974-1975) and the budget and finance committee (1 9731975). Fiori has attended five AORN Congresses, three as a delegate and one as an alternate. Election statement. Three major issues professional nurses face are: 0 entry into practice-we must continue to support AORN's belief that the level of entry into practice should be the baccalaureate in nursing health legislation-nurses must monitor and defend their role on state and federal levels. Vital issues are Department of Health and Human Services regulations concerning the circulator's role in the OR, national health insurance, and nursing education funds 0 credentialing in nursing-a study proposed by ANA recommends a freestanding, centralized credentialing center for nurses. The proposed changes in credentialing have the most impact on OR nursing. Issues involved are definition of nursing, entry into
AORN Journal, December 1980, Vol32, No 6
Sharon L Fiori
Carolyn J Mackety
practice, educational mobility, control, cost, accountability, and competence. Recommendations would affect licensure, registration, accreditation, and certification. The area of most c:oncern for specialty organizations is certification. The credentialing study recommends certification for minimal competency; AORN offers certification for professional achievement in a specialty area. Are we willing to alter our program? Are we willing to have certification taken out of our hands? We need to continue to have a voice in proposed recommendations so OR nurses will have the representation they need to ensure quality patient care. If elected, Iwill seek candidates who support AORN's objectives and standards.
Carolyn J Mackety, RN, is associate coordinator of the operating rooms at Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville, Tenn. She is a graduate of Hackley Hospital School of Nursing, Muskegon, Mich, and the College of St Frances, Joliet, Ill. She has been an operating room nurse and AORN member for 11 years. Currently chairman of the Editorial Committee (1979-1981), she has been a member since 1978. In the Middle Tennessee chapter, she is a member of the board (1980), chairman of the program committee (1980), and member of the seminar committee (1980). In the Madison (Wis) chapter, she was secretary (1977), general chairman of the seminar (1978), and chairman of the nominating committee (1978). She served on the nominating committee from 1977 to 1979. She has attended six AORN Congresses, three as a delegate and two as an alternate. Election statement The major issue in nurs-
Candace R Moore
ing in the OR is entry level of practice. This issue has direct impact on OR nursing as the surgical experience is not included in most nursing programs. Subsequently, the following issues have direct impact on OR nursing practice: 0 The generic curriculum must be modified to include surgical experience so nurses will have the theoretical background to function in perioperative nursing. 0 Recruitment of OR nurses is difficult due to lack of exposure to this type of critical care nursing. 0 Retention of OR nurses is of major concern. New graduates have little or no exposure to organization, team effort, crisis intervention, psychosocial implications, and the stress of daily OR nursing. What can we do as a professional nursing organization to respond to this critical issue? With the nurse educators' conference, we have begun working closely with educators to bring clinical practice and educators together. We need to continue validating our practice through AORN's educational processes and certification. My commitment to AORN is to support the goals of the organization to seek candidates with leadership skills who are risk takers, committed, and knowledgeable in the practice of OR nursing to meet the needs of our members today and tomorrow.
Candace R Moore, RN, is an operating room staff nurse at Orlando (Fla) Regional Medical Center. She is a graduate of Orange Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Orlando. She has been an operating room nurse and AORN member for six years. Moore served on the AORN Membership Committee from 1978
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Carole Sillye Pearson
Joanne F Sauter
to 1980. In the Action Center (Fla) chapter, she is parliamentarian (1980-1981). She has also been president (1979-1980) and secretary (1976-1978).She is chairmanof the workshop program committee (1980-1981, 1977-1978) and the legislative committee (1 980-1981). She was chairman of the regional institute in 1978-1979. Moore has also served on the policy committee (1979-1980) and the workshop registration committee (1974). She has attended five AORN Congresses, two as a delegate. She has been an ANA member for one year. Nection statement. Three major issues facing our profession today are (1) communication among the profession for unified strategies that will affect our future as nurses,’ (2) career mobility and identifying competencies, and (3) unions and collective bargaining. Communication is essential in any phase of life. In our area as perioperative nurses, it is exemplified by the lines of communication among office, floor, operating room, and recovery room for proper patient care. In the professional scene, we use the Federation, with a membership of 21 organizations, as a means of communicating our voices as perioperative nurses. As brought out in the House of Delegates last year, our voice as an association is respected by fellow nursing colleagues. The definition of communicationis “an act of transmitting; exchange of information or opinions.” Now is the time to make your individual opinions and ideas known on all issues of nursing. If we do not make decisions and take the responsibility for our profession, how can we control our destiny? I am committed to the goals, actions, and visions that AORN represents. As in the past,
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AORN continues to address the issues of today while looking at tomorrow. If elected, I would continueto further the growth of AORN.
Carole Billye Pearson, RN, is a neurosurgical nurse practitioner at Surgical Neurology Ltd, Phoenix, Ariz. She is a graduate of Good Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, Phoenix. She has been an operating room nurse for 27 years and an AORN member for 14 years. Currently a member of the AORN Legislative Committee (1980-1981),she has also served on the Statement Committee (1977-1979), and the Membership Committee (1968-1970, 1972-1974). In the Phoenix and the Valley chapter, she has been president (1975-1976), presidentelect (1974-1975), and vice-president (19781980). Pearson is chairman of the membership committee (1980-1981) and was cochairman of the 1980 workshop committee. She has been chairmanof the workshop hospitality Committee (1979), the program committee (1978-1980), the regional institute (1978), the legislativecommittee (1976-1980), the policy committee (1976-1977), the hospitality committee (1974), and the membership committee (1966, 1969, 1973-1974). She was a member of the ways and means committee from 1970 to 1972. Pearson has attended 11 AORN Congresses, 9 as a delegate and 2 as an alternate. Election statement. Three major issues facing nursingtoday are (1) health care legislation, (2) a unified voice in nursing, and (3) a processto document that nurses maintainproficiency. Perhaps implementation of the credentialing study would be a beginning. A unified voice in nursing can be achieved
AORN Journal, December 1980, Vol32, No 6
when we begin communicating with each other. Nurses involved in education at the three levels are frequently in opposition. In all nursing, there are many internal and external forces that lead to confusion,dissatisfaction, and apathy. We hearthere is a nursing shortage, but surveys show that nurses have been educated and licensed. Why are they not employed in nursing and in operating room nursing? In the past,those who choose to be the voice of nursing have been few. This must not continue. For those reasons, it is my belief that a unified nursing profession that communicates within and among its constituents will be the major step to a unified voice. I support the objectives and philosophy of AORN and have the time necessary to participate in the Nominating Committee actively. I would willingly accept the responsibility of the Committee position and work with the Committee to place before the members a ballot of qualified AORN leaders. Joanne F Sauter, RN, is OR supervisor at Westlake Community Hospital, Melrose Park, 111. She is a graduate ot St Bernard’s School of Nursing, Chicago. An operating room nurse for 18 years, Sauter has been an AORN member for 16 years. She served on the Project 26 Task Force in 1978-1979 and was a member of the AORN Editorial Committee from 1972 to 1974. In the Chicago chapter, she has been president (1979-1980), president-elect (19781979), vice-president (1976-1978), and a bbard member (1974-1976). Chairman of the nominating committee in 1973-1974, she also served on the committee in 1972-1973. She
was chairman of the membership committee in 1971-1972 and a member in 1970-1971. Sauter has attended 11 AORN Congresses, eight as a delegate, and two as an alternate. Election statement. As the 1980s begin, nursing must make decisions that will affect its future. Major issues are: 0 spiraling health care costs coupled with regulations proposed by governmental agencies that disregard the input of those they seek to regulate 0 fragmentation within nursing with respect to entry level into practice 0 the continually expanding role of the nurse. In my opinion, OR nursing will be most affected by the proposed changes in the Medicaid/Medicare regulation regarding the RN or technician as circulator, along with rapidly rising health care costs. These issues cannot be separated with relation to OR nursing, as each impacts on the other. AORN’s definition of the perioperative role and its acceptance and growing implementation by the membership have establishedthat the RN is the only nurse who can and should care for the intraoperativepatient. AORN has within its ranks nurses with the capabilities, courage, convictions, and persistenceto attain this goal. My commitment to AORN, if selected for the Nominating committee, will be to give freely of my time and expertiseto seek out those nurses who can and will provide the leadership to make the 1980s a decade of decision for both OR nursing and nursing as a profession.
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