In addition to education and participating in the business of AORN, Congress, for me, is all about people and relationships. I get hugs from people I’ve known “forever” but only see once a year! I celebrate that I’m a nurse!! But most of all, eChapter comes to life for me. I meet the faces and the personalities behind the names. Each year a host past delegates return and a host of new delegates appear to join the enthusiastic group who breathes life into an electronic organization.
Tim Porter O’Grady talked about a new definition of “presence” in this electronic environment… the reality that technology makes us productive 24/7… we can accomplish far more than when we had to be in the same place at the same time to get anything done. eChapter supports that reality, and gives us the opportunity to participate in a professional organization on our schedule. Like the younger generation, I like to take care of business when it suits me, but Congress makes eChapter REAL to me. It breathes life into my efforts to support my colleagues with resources they appreciate; it makes me feel that my efforts are well worth the time I spend. There’s nothing like spending time with REAL people to cement relationships. I got to room with a cyber buddy who became a real friend!! We wasted no opportunity to spend time with friends and cement relationships!!
Some of this year’s general sessions were quite motivating. In addition to cheering on Tim Porter O’Grady as he exhorted us to keep up with the times, take advantage of resources, and set a worthwhile example for our colleagues, I enjoyed Mike Rayburn’s presentation, “What If, and Why Not?” I loved his message that, to succeed, we must explore all of our options. We must look at alternatives… “What if we did it this way …or tried that approach… or changed something….?” You’ll never know unless you try!!! “Why not … write an article, give a presentation, go back to school, take that new job….? Life is so full of possibilities and we are so often, so hesitant to leave our comfort zones!!!
The Quiz Bowl was fun, especially hiding behind my leprechaun costume, hoping no one would know it was me!!
And most of all, I enjoyed spending time at our eChapter table, “eChapter Central”, where we enjoy visiting with eChapter colleagues we’ve met at previous Congresses and meeting many eChapter members for the first time. “eChapter Central” is our only piece of real estate… the only place we share our presence with our other AORN colleagues. Many come to find out who we are; other come to let us know they belong to eChapter and just wanted to touch base. It’s an exciting place to be any time during the week!