President Voight made some interesting changes. The Candidates Forum was on Sunday morning, perhaps eliminating an addition hotel expense for Delegates who could arrive on Sunday prior to the 10 A.M meeting. It is always informational to hear the candidates and their point of view. We walked out to see big beautiful fluffy snowflakes falling. Some members had never experienced snow and were outside marveling . Sunday afternoon was the Opening Session, again with President Voight’s personal touch. He walked down the aisle to the stage; the Officers and Board entered onto the stage from the wings.
Meet the Candidates was on Monday evening during the Exhibitors Reception.
The Exhibitors Reception was marvelous. Kudos to Julie Martin the Volunteer Coordinator and her volunteers! This was a time to interact with the vendors on a social level. Mark Phippin , Former President, told me Jerry Peers was rolling in her grave because there was alcohol on the exhibit floor: free beer with souvenir glass or mugs, lots of food, cash bars; very few required dinner afterward. I found it interesting that an Ethicon Endo rep told me he had been to four trade shows, but had not experienced any of the warmth and interest that he was experiencing at AORN Congress. Another told me AORN is his favorite trade show – ortho guy. We beat out the Orthopedic Surgeons in his estimation.
The keynote and general session speakers were all geared to health reform and the individual speakers’ viewpoint as to the impact. There were numerous educational sessions covering every aspect of our specialty. I heard very few negative comments except those regarding the politically based presentations. The posters covered a vast array of topics. In my opinion they improve in content and quality every year.
The Position Statements on Care of the Older Adult in Perioperative Settings and RN First Assistant were approved as published in the Pre Congress AORN Journal.
One Forum instead of two was another change. Due to the various opinions being expressed it was extended by thirty minutes. One member requested motivational speakers. Past President Bill Duffy requested that the Forums and the House of Delegates go past the multiple bylaw changes and return to the focus on nursing care and concerns. He received a standing ovation.
Proposed Dues Increase: It was noted that AORN loses twenty seven dollars per member. The proposal presented was for twenty dollars. Following much discussion it was amended to increase to twenty five dollars and was passed. This increase will take effect on July 1, 2010.
Proposed bylaws changes:
Related to eligibility—Elections – Terms – Vacancies –Removal:
Nominations may be submitted 45 days in advance to the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee with proper documentation and will be added to the ballot presented by the NLDC.
Any Member attending Congress will be eligible to become a delegate by requesting such status and will have full voting privileges in the House of Delegates. It was decided to maintain the maximum number of delegates at 1500 under the current by-laws. Any member in good standing may now vote for the national slate from home. Those voting from home will NOT be able to vote on the issues. That privilege is reserved for the House of Delegates. It has yet to be decided when voting from home will cease.
Related to Meetings:
The annual business meeting of the Association will occur at the annual Congress.
Special meetings have been called only twice in the history of the association. All members will be informed of agenda items and will be asked for input. Only members of the House of Delegates of that year may vote.
Related to Official Publication:
“The Board of Directors shall establish and maintain vehicles of communication for the Association. Information carried herein shall constitute official notification to the membership at all times.”
President Voight introduced Sally Bixby, RN, MS, CNOR to the members. Sally is the second woman and the first Registered Nurse to serve as President of the Tournament of Roses. She gave a brief presentation and encouraged everyone to visit www.flowers4thefloat.org for more information regarding the “nurses float” that will be in the parade. The January Connections included an article about Sally. It can be read at www.aorn.org/News/January2009news/SallyBixby/.
Voting for candidates was electronic this year and so much easier once the early morning computer glitches were corrected.
We began and ended our time in Denver will snow falling. Friday morning at 5:45 there was ¼” on snow on cars as we rode to the airport.
Denver was fun! I will look forward to hearing how many members went to “OUR” building on the tours.
Lois R. Belton, RN, CNOR(e)
Vice President, Cincinnati Tristate 3601
2010 National Election Results:
President Charlotte Guglielmi
*President Elect Anne Marie Herlehy
*Vice President Rosemarie Schroeder
*Secretary Jane Kusler-Jensen
Treasurer Sarah Anne Fairchild
Board of Directors:
Rhonda Anders
*Renae Battie’
Peter Graves
*Denise Jackson
Darin Prescott
Victoria Steeleman
*David Wyatt
Nominating and Leadership Development Committee:
*Sandy Albright
*Claire Everson
*Marisa (Missi) Merlina
Karen Moser – Chair
Maureen Pennington
* indicates newly elected
A. To unite registered professional
operating room nurses for the purpose of maintaining an Association
dedicated to the constant endeavor of promoting the highest professional
standards of perioperative nursing practice for the optimum care
of the patient before, during and after surgery;
B. To provide opportunity for continuous learning through
diversified educational activities;
C. To study, discuss, research and exchange information
in the field of perioperative nursing;
D. To hold meetings at intervals for the purposes of this
Association;
E. To cooperate lawfully with other professional associations,
health care facilities, universities, industries, technical societies,
research organizations and governmental agencies in matters affecting
the foregoing purposes of the Association;
F. To otherwise lawfully adopt policies and conduct programs for
the improvement of perioperative nursing practice provided that
the policies and programs are consistent with the requirement that
the Association is not organized for profit and no part of its earnings
inure to individuals. |
