For me, Congress is “eChapter LIVE!” – members meeting one another in person, members discovering that the chapter they joined really exists, and folks discovering the benefits of eChapter and joining us. It’s exciting, year after year, to watch us grow and experience our members’ enthusiasm for the work that we do. I only wish my memory would cooperate … matching faces and names is an everyday challenge, but the sheer numbers of old friends and new acquaintances at Congress puts my mind in a tailspin.
The sessions were interesting and valuable. I was impressed with Dr. Atul Gawande and his presentation on checklists and their impact on patient safety. The fact that that process has become the standard of practice in many countries should certainly be a wakeup call for us here in the US. David Gergen’s presentation on the healthcare issues facing this administration was quite interesting, and underscored how little I really know of what’s going on! I wish they’d publish a Health Care Reform Bill for Dummies so I’d have a chance at catching up!
I was oh-so-proud of the House of Delegates for accepting a very thoughtful and workable compromise for how we vote on issues at Congress, and I applaud the vote to move forward with “one member, one vote” to empower ALL of our eligible AORN colleagues to choose their leaders. Allowing all eligible Congress attendees to serve as delegates might increase the scramble to register onsite (my sympathies to Deb Warren and her crew!!), but is a visionary step for our organization. I have no doubt that the ease of voting electronically and voting privileges for those unable to attend Congress will validate our efforts.
Two side trips were special … Saturday at Red Rock with Jodi’s family and Thursday afternoon at the Body World exhibit at the museum. I consider seeing the big blue bear peering into the convention center a sightseeing treat, too!
Denver was lovely, inviting, and convenient – even the weather cooperated! Each day was lovelier than the last … until Friday when I took pictures of our plane being de-iced and barely made it out without delay!
A memorable Congress…. and I’m already getting excited about Philly next year!
Terri