collaboration. From day one safety was a key topic. The presentation by Atul Gawande provided a better foundation for my self and co-worker with which to re-launch the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist. With the development of AORN’s inclusive tool, we now have the capability to more clearly educate our staff on the importance and functionality of this process. Additionally, the session presented by Judy Pins, RN, BSN, MBA and Allynn Peterson, RN, MSA, CNOR clearly outlined the importance of staff safety. A free tool offered by the presenters in collaboration with Cardinal Health will allow us to continue supporting safety of our co-workers. As we all know, if we don’t take care of ourselves, then we can not properly take care of our patients.

Quality was also a theme that ran throughout all the presentations. The reinforcement of the need for all perioperative nurses to have the foundation of their practices supported by evidence based research was discussed. The Perioperative Quiz Bowl truly demonstrated areas we all need to review in order to say we function from this reference point. Even through review of the Position Statements at the Forum, evidence based practice was used to support topics ranging from Care of the Older Adult to Practice Guidelines of the RNFA.

Thirdly, collaboration was evident throughout the entire week. Just at the opening ceremony alone, the recognition given to the various healthcare organizations (branches of the armed forces, AST, Academy of Surgeons, etc.) present supporting AORN Congress truly displayed the collaborative process. Also, through in-depth discussion involving all delegates at the Forum and 2nd House of Delegates, innovative changes in the organization’s voting process and bylaws were passed. Without the support of all the vendors present, Congress could not be such a wonderful event given the amount of time and financial commitment to our education and product development supporting safe patient care that is provided.

Finally, Congress was a time of celebrating who we are as perioperative nurses. From the eChapter alone, we celebrated our diversity as we are from multiple locales (Switzerland, Canada, Sweden to all 50 states) and work in various segments of healthcare (from hospitals and surgical centers to being consultants and independent business owners. As a group we had the great opportunity learn about each other, our work environments, and the various ways we all strive to meet our common goals of safe, quality, collaborative patient care in the perioperative setting.