I would like to thankeChapter for the privilege of being a delegate once again this year. Denver is a beautiful city and I really enjoyed the time I spent there. The weather was fine for the most part (I understand I just missed a lot of snow). The 16th Street Mall was great; Mary Poppins was a very good show; and I really enjoyed having High Tea at the Brown Palace. It was good to catch up with people I hadn't seen in a year. I enjoyed having breakfast with Miss Vivian at Ruth's educational breakfast, talking with fellow eChapter members at our breakfast, having my picture taken with Dr. Bookwalter, and listening to Peggy Fleming's presentation. I thought the posters and educational programs were highly informative, even though I didn't always agree with what was said. I do wish that AORN had provided more information about the exhibitors' reception. I made other plans because I did not realize that this was a time to get together with vendors. From what I was able to see of the set-up, it looked as though I missed a worthwhile event.
Once again I was disappointed that Judy Goldberg did not get elected. She is an intelligent woman and would have been an outstanding choice. Nonetheless, I offer sincere congratulations to all the candidates who made the commitment to seek office. The Houses of Delegates were interesting this year. I found listening to the arguments very informative. I still don't understand how opening up one-member one-vote for the elections but not the business meetings does not exclude a class. I was happy with the compromise that allows all attendees at Congress to be delegates and to vote. I don't think it was a necessary step since the last few years, any one who wanted to become a delegate could have signed up. The problem was that this was not advertised very well. One-member one-vote for elections is a good idea, but I think that the overall number of votes will decrease and that some areas will stuff the ballot boxes, so to speak, for their candidates.
I think the increase in dues was fair. The cost of being a member of AORN is less than the dues for many other organizations, and what you get is phenomenal. I was glad to see the updates to both the gerontology and first assistant positions statements, although I don't think either went far enough. I wish that nursing as a profession would wake up and get in line with other professions. The first assistant role should be thought of as an advanced practice nurse, and as such, the minimum standard should be a master's degree. I do support grandfathering current CRNFAs, but if AORN wants to promote nurses in this role, they have to be a viable entity. I have a dear friend who just lost his job with our hospital because they could not bill for him. He is one of the best RNFA's in our area. He is intelligent, very knowledgeable about the procedures and skilled, but he has an associate's degree. With the economy as it is, he was costing money and not able to produce revenue.
Once again, thanks for the great opportunity to be a delegate. Congratulations to Ruth and Cynthia on your national awards. They were well-deserved.
Karen