As a Delegate to the 2010 Congress, I was once again surprised by the eChapter membership. I feel honored by my membership in AORN and eChapter, and to be selected to serve as a Delegate this year.
My feelings are mixed from my experience this year. It was so exciting to expose my sister to our organization at the business level, as she was able to serve as a delegate as well. However, for safety reasons, I had to bring my daughter at the last minute. She’s eight years old, and I did not realize that children are prohibited on the floor of the House of Delegates. I approached our delegate chair and an AORN official to let them know I was going to have to resign as a Delegate; both assured me that, under the circumstances, she could sit with me in the Forum and the House. I was able to attend sessions with her in tow. At the last House of Delegates, I was stopped by security and Sherry came to my aide; she had Patrick Voight, Linda Groh, and one of the Board of Directors authorized my entry with my daughter and I was relieved. It was not until after the second House that it was brought to my attention that my daughter’s presence was a problem for some of my eChapter colleagues; so, with the explanation I’ve given, I extend a sincere apology to those members of eChapter that I offended. My daughter was well behaved and excited about seeing what her mommy does. She’s decided to be a surgical nurse when she grows up. In the future, should I decide to remain in eChapter, and that is up in the air now, I will be sure to obtain proper care for my family members and NOT bring them to Congress. It was a necessary decision on my part, and that that will not do in the future.
As for the topics we dealt with in the House and the Forum, I think it was a wonderful opportunity to vote on the issues. It is my opinion that we, each one of us, provides strength to our organization. It is our beliefs, our understanding and our love of perioperative nursing that puts us out in front of the crowd. It is the belief in the democratic process that causes us to sit in those business meetings and make the decisions we do for us and our future. It was an honor and privilege to be a part of such a wonderful set of men and women who care so much about what they do.
Janet