What a treat it was to serve as an E-Chapter delegate at AORN Congress in Denver, CO!! This was my 11th Congress and my 5th time as an E-Chapter delegate. I truly enjoyed the experience again this year. I always appreciate the opportunity being a delegate provides to network with others, and to make you feel like you’re making a difference in the organization. It was so exciting being in Colorado for a week! I lived there as a travel nurse for 3 years and was able to see some old friends.
This year, I’m so glad Opening Session returned to Sunday, even though it was later in the day. I also really enjoyed the opening of the Exhibits on Monday evening w/food and drinks! What a great idea!
I found the education sessions I attended this year extremely interesting, especially the ones on “whistle blowing”, “creating the future”. Atul Gawande’s presentation on Safer Surgery and his “checklist” was thought provoking and educational. I did not, however, enjoy any of the General Sessions on national healthcare issues. We get enough of that on a daily basis through the media!
All in all, it was a great week once again. It’s always nice to get together with old friends and experience the joys of networking and fun! I’m still working in an outpatient surgery center in Baton Rouge, LA! I look forward to new experiences in the coming year, and to the next AORN Congress in Philadelphia, PA.
Julie