The economic downturn has had a significant effect on many people around the world. This was evident at our Congress with a decrease in attendance and a smaller exhibitor space. Hospitals and companies are being asked to justify all expenditures. There is a strong movement to recycle and even some say to return to re-useable drapes. Health care is changing and there is constant pressure placed upon nurses to be more efficient i.e. cut costs. There were many sessions looking at clinical practice and safety for both patients and staff. What can we do to support each other, to provide the best care for our patients and to do it safely and to the standard as outlined in our AORN Standards of Practice.

The pressure to be faster, better, smarter can put nurses in a position where they are being asked to compromise their standards and put their license at risk. Some AORN members struggle on a daily basis in facilities that do not follow evidence based practice. Some facilities and nurses do not know what the standards are! When we know what is an incorrect practice and we observe incorrect practice it is our professional and ethical responsibility to identify the incorrect practice, however difficult that may be. What support is there for those who face this dilemma. AORN is there for their members. Until ALL peri-operative nurses are members of their national organization then our voice will not be as strong as it should be. Now is the time to encourage all our co-workers to join AORN. Those of us who are members know the support that AORN provide to members and the benefits of belonging. I challenge everyone to mentor a new member.

Congress is such an amazing experience and I always come back home inspired and pleased that I work in a hospital that supports and maintains a high standard of care based on national Standards of Practice. I want all my colleagues to share this passion, support and enthusiasm.