What a treat it was to serve as an eChapter delegate at AORN Congress in Chicago, IL!! This was my 10th Congress and my 4rd time as an eChapter delegate. I truly enjoyed the experience again this year. I always appreciate the opportunity being a delegate provides to network with others, and to make you feel like you’re making a difference in the organization. I have been a nurse just over 10 years and was a travel nurse for 6 years. Congress provides me an opportunity to see old friends and colleagues I’ve met during my travels. I joined eChapter 4 years ago because, in my travels, I don’t always have access to a local chapter. It’s a great chapter to be a part of!!
This year, the co-worker I mentored last year at her first Congress, returned this year with 2 other first-timers. And I also introduced a great friend of mine to eChapter, and she served as a delegate!! It’s great to be a part of others’ experiences at Congress!!
I did not, however, like having Opening Session on Monday. I feel like I missed out on a whole day of Congress!! Hopefully next year, this will be remedied.
Since last year’s Congress, I moved back home to Baton Rouge, Louisiana just in time for Hurricane Gustav!! But I am so excited to be living close to my family for the first time in 15 years. I’m working PRN in an outpatient surgery center, a first in my career, and learning a lot! I look forward to new experiences, and to the next AORN Congress in Denver, CO.