The experience of being selected to represent the E-Chapter at AORN Congress this year was truly an unforgettable experience. I have only been a member of AORN for four years, but an OR nurse since 1991. I attended my first Congress in Washington D.C three years ago. I was very impressed with all of the many nurses who come together to represent what we believe in and do everyday. Since then, I joined the E-Chapter and Leadership Specialty Assembly. I realized through this experience how important for perioperative nurses to participate in our chapters and national organization. As a leader, I feel it is important to attend Congress in order to gain important information that will impact our perioperative nursing practice. For our patients, it is imperative that we stay abreast of best practice in order to deliver safe and quality care. AORN provides the information and tools to ensure we stay current and abreast of changing regulatory mandates.
As a first time delegate, I was impressed with the turnout of nurses representing each and every State. The roll call for the States was impressive. I found myself filled with pride for the opportunity to represent nurses across our nation. The opportunity to be a part of an event that included critical voting and adopting process for new leaders, by-law changes, and standards of practice statements was an honor.
On Wednesday, the forum presented two critical components of improving the perioperative environment. The position statements included AORN Position Statement on Key Components of a Healthy Perioperative Work Environment and AORN Position Statement on Noise in the Perioperative Practice Setting. On Thursday, the House of Delegates voted in favor of the position statements. As a delegate, I participated in the decision making that will affect my employees and our nursing practice. Delegates are voices for our practice and through this experience; I will be an example not only for my practice, but also for other nurses. My experience as a delegate will also allow me to personally inform other perioperative nurses the importance of joining the organization, but encourage nurses to be active participants. If we do not participate in our national organization then providing best practice for our patients will decline and advocacy will be meaningless. Improving our work environment is critical to keeping nurses in the operative setting. Through the support of AORN, the health and safety of nurses in the perioperative setting will be supported by legislative and regulatory initiatives that create and maintain a safe perioperative work environment that promotes safe patient care.
I would like to thank the E-Chapter for the opportunity of my first experience as a delegate. I enjoyed putting faces with names at the luncheon on Sunday. Through this experience as a delegate, I am more aware of how important involvement is in making a difference. My goal is to be proactive and serve the organization where ever I am needed.