Wow! Congress was truly a learning experience for me. This was my first year as a delegate and I was thrilled. I have wanted to be a delegate for almost 5 years now and didn't realize the eChapter has so many assigned positions. I was impressed that the eChapter was one of the largest delegations at Congress. And we were fortunate to sit right in front this year so I could see AND feel the "electricity" of the House. The best news ~ now anyone that attends Congress can be a delegate and participate intimately in our recommended standards of practice.
The less formal learning experience was a trial in patience. My journey started off when I worked super late (so I would have everything covered in my absence) and I ended up missing my flight. Then I couldn't get a flight until Sunday so I missed the Business & Consultants Pre-Congress educational seminar. Because this presentation was pre-congress, it isn't included in the congress video. Dang. [I did meet (one?) of the persons that presented and she promised to send me the notes.] AORN does not give refunds if you miss a session ~ just so you know. When I called the hotel to tell them I wouldn't be checking in until Sunday, the registration clerk told me AORN booked my room for Wednesday so my reservation was canceled as a "no show". With a fee. Now I didn't have a hotel for the week. The clerk did check my reservation record and was able to get me a very nice room. I was sorely relieved ~ this was my first year at the hotel right next to congress.
Sunday my flight overbooked and the airline took the first xx number and the rest of us were bumped to another flight. I ended up on another carrier arriving earlier than I would have so I thought woo-hoo! Since I was early and my bags were on the original flight, I wandered the airport for a couple hours. One of the stores had unique blouses and I picked up a couple for spring ~ thank goodness ~ because I didn't get my bags for 3 days. No toiletries. No make up. No underwear. No professional clothing. None of my coupons to get free stuff from the exhibitors. I felt like I was camping at the Hyatt.
Wednesday I finally got my bags at 8 pm. By now I was exhausted and just wanted to relax so I decided to order room service and a movie. When I moved my tray closer to the bedside table I tripped over the cord of my computer (I was one of the AORN bloggers) and dumped the tray on my bed. And somehow I set the tray down on my remote control - which changed the channel - and I lost my movie. [Yes, I thought I had a black cloud over my head.] By now I am on a first name basis with the entire staff of the registration desk. After cleaning up, I heard a knock on the door . . . I told the person I didn't order another tray and she handed me a card that read, "We are sorry to hear that you aren't having a very good time since arriving in Denver. Here is a little something to wish your experience gets better". It was signed by the entire staff. The tray had extra sodas, popcorn, the big boxes of candy and some other goodies that one usually enjoys at the movies. That was the best thing that ever happened in my travels.
After that, my experience did get better. Terri didn't even recognize me with make up (when I went to the eChapter table - ha ha). I would encourage eChapter members that travel alone to somehow get together for dinners. to attend sessions together or to compare experiences. Thank goodness I went to the eChapter table ~ the members made me feel like I was one of the bunch!! Our table was always busy with people - it was the central meeting place.
What can I say about congress? Congress is still the best place to learn the latest about our clinical practice; how the new health care reforms will impact our specialty and venues to share leadership experiences. I always take one day just to make it through the exhibit hall. Not for the freebies - although the nurses at home and my son enjoy the booty. How can I describe the energy in the exhibit hall?? You have to go and see for yourself. It is awesome.
In my blog, I made a pledge to recruit one member from every small rural hospital to attend congress next year (there are 1350 critical access hospitals in the US). It’s a personal goal because I think that nurses in rural areas are the ones that need to attend congress the most. Many don't know how to get the money necessary to attend. A lofty goal, I know, but I am committed. My letter campaign starts May 1st.
Finally, it was great meeting the members of eChapter. Never have I felt more welcome. Hope to see you in the future!
Mary