The opportunity to represent our chapter as a Delegate is truly an honor and a privilege for which I am grateful. The 2010 AORN Congress in Denver was my second opportunity to participate as a delegate; however, I believe it may have been one of the most important I will ever attended primarily due to the decisions made regarding our bylaws. I am proud to have been a part of the House of Delegates (HOD) which was able to provide each eligible member of our organization the opportunity to be heard by enacting “one member one vote” in our election process. Furthermore, the changes made by the HOD regarding the addition of delegates from those members attending Congress may allow a great opportunity for an increased number of our members in the future. It is my belief that the changes made at the 2010 Congress will lead to a more informed, and empowered, perioperative nursing community.
As usual, the educational sessions featured enlightening presentations on relative issues and I was able to leave Denver with many new ideas and perspectives regarding perioperative nursing. Saturday’s Business, Industry, and Consulting (BIC) Intensive Session was very beneficial and informative; however, more importantly, it provided an opportunity to network with other like minded colleagues. Congress is a time of renewal in terms of practice ideas as well as relationships and this year was not exception as I was afforded the opportunity to establish new friendships and rekindle old ones within eChapter and AORN as a whole.
Last year after Congress I wrote, “I must encourage others within our organization and our chapter to take a greater role in our association…one will not regret it”. I was able to see this firsthand in Denver as many of our chapter members attended the HOD for the first time. To be part of such a group is a privilege and I look forward attending Congress in 2011.
Mark