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The AORN logo update project
FEBRUARY 2000, VOL 71, NO 2 LOGO UPDATE
The AORN logo update project hat is a logo? What does the AORN logo mean to us? Does it mean tradition, memories, history, and professionalism? Does it represent what the Association of perioperative Registered Nurses is in today’s world? Does it show a partnership in providing patient care? Does it represent patient advocacy? There are many questions, and many different answers, from all of us that are neither right nor wrong. We all have our own ideas, thoughts, and beliefs, and that is what makes AORN a strong association. The Board of Directors has been asked by the membership to look at updating our logo. This has been brought to our attention during our visits to many of the chapters. Our Association is not the same today as it was 10 to 20 years ago. It will not be the same 10 to 20 years in the future. Do we need to update our logo? If a logo is to be changed, it should be changed for the following reasons: it looks unprofessional; it looks professional, but it is outdated; it looks professional and up-to-date, but it is not the appropriate symbol of the Association; or it is difficult to use in some applications. As our current logo is well known, it definitely will not be changed without careful thought by the Board of Directors and input from the membership. AORN has made great strides in recent years with a membership change to include all perioperative RNs. We have had a name change that reflects our membership’s professional roles. We have expanded by forming specialty assemblies to provide educational and additional networking opportunities in our professional areas of expertise. Our Association most definitely is changing.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ~
~~
logo is very personal. It represents solidarity. A In a simplistic manner, it is the symbol by which others will recognize the organization. The logo should not be trendy; it should be memorable. Organizations want their logo to be as widely rec-
ognized as the apple of Macintosh computers or NBC’s peacock. As we celebrate the 50 years of magic of AORN, it is appropriate to reflect on the four faces our logo has had. For an in-depth exploration of the evolution of our logo, refer to the History Comer, a column based on the findings of AOR”s history project, on page 393 of this issue of the Journal. The purpose of this article is to discuss the desirability to project the current image of AORN through an updated logo. Common to all AORN logo designs is the passing of an instrument from one hand to another. The logo made its debut on the cover of the first conference program in 1954 (Figure 1). The word “Associations” was an accurate representation of the structure of AORN at the time. By 1955, the change to the singular “Association” was reflected in the convention program cover (Figure 2). The eighth program cover from the San Francisco Congress in 1961 (Figure 3 ) shows the letters “AORN” in the typeface, together beneath the hands rather than divided, as had previously been portrayed. The logo featured on the letterhead stationery for the Association that year was created with a different font for the acronym letters. In 1967, AOR”s 14th Congress brochure used the logo as it appears today. The fist mention of discussion regarding the logo design was documented in the Board minutes in 1975, when Executive Director Jerry G. Peers, RN, recommended a change because the design was “too technique oriented.” There was considerable discussion regarding the logo design at House of Delegates. The 1976 post-Congress Board minutes indicated that further discussion of logo and lettering would be deferred. The most recent attempt to change the logo was in 1982, when the House defeated a resolution that the logo be redesigned to better reflect the perioperative role. Over the years, the logo design has been discussed by the members, and the discussion that is reflected by members who broach the subject indicates an agreement with Peers’ opinion. The desire to update the logo to
328 AORN JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 2000, VOL 7 1, NO 2 LOGO UPDATE
I
Figure 1 The first logo in 1954.
Figure 2 The logo in 1955.
reflect the importance of the relationship/partnership of the perioperative nurse with the patient remains close to the heart of our membership.
SUMMARY he Board of Directors has been asked to T investigate the possibility of updating the AORN logo to be in line with the updated name. Developing a new logo that is consistent with our new name and our expanding roles may fit nicely into AORN’s strategic plan for our future. Remember that the first logo was designed in 1954, and our current logo was issued in 1966. The changes to the logo in the past have been slight, including different font sizes and placement of the AORN letters. Including a patient care component in the logo, yet incorporating the current logo into the design is one option. Our logo continues to be a passionate issue with our members. What do you see when you look at our current logo? It defiitely brings to mind the OR and the technical side of our role; it also brings to mind a strong partnership between the surgeon and the nurse. In the past, that partnership was the lifeline of our existence. Today, having strengthened that lifeline through collaboration, we turn ourselves and our practice toward patient advocacy. Does our
Figure 3 The logo in 1961.
logo reflect that in your eyes? Changing with the times is an AORN tradition. Again, the question is, “Do we need to update our logo?” President Patricia Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA, has sent letters to chapter presidents, specialty assembly chairs, state council chairs, committee chairs, past Presidents, and Golden Gavel members to gather information concerning the logo update. It also has been posted on the AORN web site. Your Board of Directors seeks your input on this issue. It will also be discussed at the fist Forum at Congress in New Orleans. The membership of AORN has a rich history of embracing change, making the right choices, and staying focused on patient care. Is it time for our logo to reflect our focus? Your Board is listening. We want to honor your wishes. SHEILA 1. ALLEN RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA VICE PRESIDENT BETTY J. SHULTZ RN, CNOR SECRETARY VIVIAN C. WATSON RN, CNOR BOARDOF DIRECTORS
329 AORN JOURNAL
The AORN logo update project hat is a logo? What does the AORN logo mean to us? Does it mean tradition, memories, history, and professionalism? Does it represent what the Association of perioperative Registered Nurses is in today’s world? Does it show a partnership in providing patient care? Does it represent patient advocacy? There are many questions, and many different answers, from all of us that are neither right nor wrong. We all have our own ideas, thoughts, and beliefs, and that is what makes AORN a strong association. The Board of Directors has been asked by the membership to look at updating our logo. This has been brought to our attention during our visits to many of the chapters. Our Association is not the same today as it was 10 to 20 years ago. It will not be the same 10 to 20 years in the future. Do we need to update our logo? If a logo is to be changed, it should be changed for the following reasons: it looks unprofessional; it looks professional, but it is outdated; it looks professional and up-to-date, but it is not the appropriate symbol of the Association; or it is difficult to use in some applications. As our current logo is well known, it definitely will not be changed without careful thought by the Board of Directors and input from the membership. AORN has made great strides in recent years with a membership change to include all perioperative RNs. We have had a name change that reflects our membership’s professional roles. We have expanded by forming specialty assemblies to provide educational and additional networking opportunities in our professional areas of expertise. Our Association most definitely is changing.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ~
~~
logo is very personal. It represents solidarity. A In a simplistic manner, it is the symbol by which others will recognize the organization. The logo should not be trendy; it should be memorable. Organizations want their logo to be as widely rec-
ognized as the apple of Macintosh computers or NBC’s peacock. As we celebrate the 50 years of magic of AORN, it is appropriate to reflect on the four faces our logo has had. For an in-depth exploration of the evolution of our logo, refer to the History Comer, a column based on the findings of AOR”s history project, on page 393 of this issue of the Journal. The purpose of this article is to discuss the desirability to project the current image of AORN through an updated logo. Common to all AORN logo designs is the passing of an instrument from one hand to another. The logo made its debut on the cover of the first conference program in 1954 (Figure 1). The word “Associations” was an accurate representation of the structure of AORN at the time. By 1955, the change to the singular “Association” was reflected in the convention program cover (Figure 2). The eighth program cover from the San Francisco Congress in 1961 (Figure 3 ) shows the letters “AORN” in the typeface, together beneath the hands rather than divided, as had previously been portrayed. The logo featured on the letterhead stationery for the Association that year was created with a different font for the acronym letters. In 1967, AOR”s 14th Congress brochure used the logo as it appears today. The fist mention of discussion regarding the logo design was documented in the Board minutes in 1975, when Executive Director Jerry G. Peers, RN, recommended a change because the design was “too technique oriented.” There was considerable discussion regarding the logo design at House of Delegates. The 1976 post-Congress Board minutes indicated that further discussion of logo and lettering would be deferred. The most recent attempt to change the logo was in 1982, when the House defeated a resolution that the logo be redesigned to better reflect the perioperative role. Over the years, the logo design has been discussed by the members, and the discussion that is reflected by members who broach the subject indicates an agreement with Peers’ opinion. The desire to update the logo to
328 AORN JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 2000, VOL 7 1, NO 2 LOGO UPDATE
I
Figure 1 The first logo in 1954.
Figure 2 The logo in 1955.
reflect the importance of the relationship/partnership of the perioperative nurse with the patient remains close to the heart of our membership.
SUMMARY he Board of Directors has been asked to T investigate the possibility of updating the AORN logo to be in line with the updated name. Developing a new logo that is consistent with our new name and our expanding roles may fit nicely into AORN’s strategic plan for our future. Remember that the first logo was designed in 1954, and our current logo was issued in 1966. The changes to the logo in the past have been slight, including different font sizes and placement of the AORN letters. Including a patient care component in the logo, yet incorporating the current logo into the design is one option. Our logo continues to be a passionate issue with our members. What do you see when you look at our current logo? It defiitely brings to mind the OR and the technical side of our role; it also brings to mind a strong partnership between the surgeon and the nurse. In the past, that partnership was the lifeline of our existence. Today, having strengthened that lifeline through collaboration, we turn ourselves and our practice toward patient advocacy. Does our
Figure 3 The logo in 1961.
logo reflect that in your eyes? Changing with the times is an AORN tradition. Again, the question is, “Do we need to update our logo?” President Patricia Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, CRNFA, has sent letters to chapter presidents, specialty assembly chairs, state council chairs, committee chairs, past Presidents, and Golden Gavel members to gather information concerning the logo update. It also has been posted on the AORN web site. Your Board of Directors seeks your input on this issue. It will also be discussed at the fist Forum at Congress in New Orleans. The membership of AORN has a rich history of embracing change, making the right choices, and staying focused on patient care. Is it time for our logo to reflect our focus? Your Board is listening. We want to honor your wishes. SHEILA 1. ALLEN RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA VICE PRESIDENT BETTY J. SHULTZ RN, CNOR SECRETARY VIVIAN C. WATSON RN, CNOR BOARDOF DIRECTORS
329 AORN JOURNAL