A first this year was a session on Saturday afternoon providing a program for first time Congress Delegates. The session was sponsored by the Leadership Development Task Force and presented by Kay Ball, Sheri Voss, Rosemary Roth, and me. The session provided an overview of Roberts Rules and parliamentary procedure with an overview of how business is conducted in the Forum and House of Delegates. It was exciting to see new Congress delegates; first time Congress attendees and chapter leaders learn more about how AORN conducts its business!

I had the pleasure of taking two staff nurses who were first time attendees to Congress! It is always so energizing seeing Congress through their “first time” eyes. One staff nurse had her poster submission accepted on a process improvement project on Implementation of a Timing Protocol for Breast Specimens Sent to Pathology”. Sara was very nervous about talking about the work and procedures she developed and surprised about the wonderful comments received from other Congress participants. The second staff nurse had passed her CNOR exam several weeks prior to Congress. She was so excited about her achievement! (As she should be!) I harnessed Julie into co-presenting with me at a session Monday afternoon. For a first time presenter, Julie did extraordinary! She was utterly amazed that someone had emailed her requesting more information less than an hour after she had given it!

As always, more information and great sessions than time provides! Look forward to seeing you in Denver in 2010!