One of the highlights of my nursing career was serving as an eChapter delegate for Congress in Denver. I immediately felt a warmth and acceptance that can only be described as “family". The kindness of the other eChapter delegates and members made me feel not only like a colleague, but also a friend. The knowledge shared and gained at the conference was invaluable; the opportunity to serve as a delegate was an honor.
The Forum, eChapter breakfast, and both Houses of Delegates outlined the impact of eChapter in AORN. The declaration of AORN’s role in safe practices for patients and in setting standards for perioperative nursing is magnificent in its scope. Hearing Peggy Fleming, an Olympic Gold Medialist. describe her life experiences was amazing. Peggy told about her mother sewing her costumes and the love in her words warmed my heart. It made clear to me my responsibility as a nurse is to continue to educate myself so that I can provide the best care to my patients. By the end of these meetings, I felt like the Olympic Torch for Nursing and eChapter, had been passed to me and to my colleagues. My goal as a nurse has always been, and will always be to provide the highest standards of care for my patients. I love nursing, so being surrounded by an arena of like-minded, caring nurses was truly a dream come true.
The candidates for the AORN Board and NLDC presentations were interesting and informative. The educational exchange continued when we were able to meet and question the presenters. I was overwhelmed by their knowledge and felt truly blessed to receive the gift of their experience. By the close of their presentations, I felt like I was a very important part of this profession. With this in mind, I look forward to the opportunity to represent eChapter as a delegate next year in Philly.
I have always believed that things happen for a reason; just as I believe that my career as a nurse was not chosen by me, but for me. Therefore, it is my pleasure and honor to be a member of such an extraordinary group of Perioperative Registered Nurses. A special thank you to my eChapter colleagues: Terri, April, Mark, Karen, Sherry, Melody, James (honorary member), Melissa, and Tammy with 2 T's, as well as other echapter members, our AORN, CNOR, and exhibitors for helping me obtain this milestone in my career and in my life.
Judy