Once again, I really enjoyed the AORN Congess tremendously! I did find this Congress different from the past ones I have attended. As a poster presenter, I thought it a little disappointing to be required to have the poster up on Saturday before noon and then no sessions until Sunday afternoon. I do believe that I prefer having the opening on Sunday morning and sessions offered in the afternoon instead of the workshop format Saturday and Sunday. I found that with that format and being a delegate, there were very few educational sessions I could attend and I hope this will change next year.
Being an international attendee, I was also a little disappointed that 3 general sessions were devoted to the new health reform in the USA. I do realize this was and is a very hot topic and can understand that perhaps one general session could have been used for it and the other two placed as regular sessions. The 3 sessions further limited my choice of educational sessions that could have been of benefit to my practice.
I had an absolute blast being a delegate! I also learned a lot about eChapter myself. I do not think members realize how large a chapter we are and that they can be a member of two chapters. I also discovered that “members at large” chapter members perhaps do not realize the value of eChapter. This is especially true of the international community. And what great discussions there were in the House of Delegations!!!!
Networking was one of the most important aspects of the Congress. I met two nurses I graduated with in Tennessee and have not seen in 35 years. I met an American nurse who I had worked with in Denmark and had not seen in 30 years. I met several nurses from Finland and Sweden who I had met last year in Copenhagen at the EORNA Congress. I met many from eChapter again. And finally, I met many new and exciting people. Who knows when and where we will meet again.
I was very lucky to have had the chance to visit the Aurora Hospital during the Congress. I always think I learn a lot by doing a practical visit. It re-confirmed that my hospital was doing some things right and some things very right. It is always exciting to pick up new ideas and see different ways things can be done.
I must admit, that I did not care too much for the new exhibitions new times. I would have liked to have had more time for seeing the products and taking with exhibitors.
All and in all – a great Congress! I am so happy I was able to attend AND to be a delegate. I sincerely hope I can do it all again next year!
Nancy