AORN Congress in Chicago was full of activity. On Saturday and Sunday prior to Congress, several clinical “intensives” provided many with the opportunity for getting some extra education and contact hours. The ‘Intensives’ replaced what used to be called ‘PreCongress Sessions” and they appeared to be well attended and received. I attended the Advanced Practice intensive session and it was excellent!
There were many good speeches presented at the Candidate’s Forum making some decisions difficult. This year, election results were not revealed until after the second House of Delegates so there was much anticipation in the air that day.
Several things were ‘new’ this year. Of note, was the large number of new (first time) Congress attendees. The First Time Attendee Orientation and the First Time Attendee Happy Hour were well attended. My roommate was a First Time Attendee and it was great to watch her ‘discover’ AORN Congress – she loved it!
Other new things included the introduction of the Smoke Tool Kit; the introduction of the standardarized perioperative electronic framework, Syntegrety; the three electronic options for purchasing the 2009 Standards and RPs (e Book, eDocuments, and e Subscription); and finally the online format of the Congress News.
Most of the proposed Bylaws amendments passed easily through the House of Delegates. The proposed amendments that received the most debate were related to changing the name of the Nominating Committee to the “Leadership Selection and Development Committee”, related to the makeup of the committee and related to the activities of leadership development by the Nominating Committee.
In the first Forum, during the financial report, it was mentioned that AORN would be assessing the feasibility of a possible dues increase in the future. Currently, dues are $100.00 with $80.00 going to AORN and $20.00 going to Chapters. It was pointed out that the cost of member services is $115.97 per member, which represents a $35.77 deficit per member for the services they receive. The subject did generate some discussion but it was clarified that at this time, there are no definite plans to increase member dues at this time.
In the legislative arena, there were many new members who signed up to participate in Grassroots activities. At the Federal Legislative Update Session, Craig Jeffries, gave an overview of AORN’s collaborative efforts with other nursing organizations to be present at the table and to have a voice in health care reform efforts. The importance of nursing speaking with one voice as a profession was emphasized as well.
For those who have not considered being an eChapter delegate, please consider it next year. It’s a great opportunity!