Being a huge “Gleek”, I really enjoyed the Opening Session performance by the show choir kids! I also really enjoyed the return of the opening of the Exhibits on Monday evening w/food and drinks!

I found the education sessions I attended this year extremely interesting, especially the ones on “whistle blowing” and “lateral violence”. Erik Wahl and his paintings were amazing! What a creative way to get your message across! Lee Woodruff was wonderful…and it’s always nice to hear a big “thank you” for all we do. It was especially touching coming from her. And I loved, loved, loved Mike Schilappi! He cracked me up, and made me cry at the same time! What a great speaker...and man! I ran into him at the airport on my way home on Friday and thanked him for his inspiring words.

All in all, it was a great week once again. It’s always nice to get together with old friends and experience the joys of networking and fun! I’m still working in an outpatient surgery center in Baton Rouge, LA! I look forward to new experiences in the coming year, and to the next AORN Congress 2012 in New Orleans, LA. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

I was not sure how to contact any of the members, but through the AORN website I was able to find emails and contacts to see if I was able to become a delegate. To my delight I was contacted and told to meet at the chapter booth and they would get me all set up. I was unsure of what expectations were needed but looked again at the AORN website to find out what expectations were required.

I was not told about the sunday evening dinner meeting of the eChapter, but knew of the expected attendence of required meetings.

The first meeting of the Forum was so very interesting to see how the empirical side of the organization worked. I must admit if I had not been required to go to this meeting I would have never elected to attend, What a mistake that would have been. There are so many sides of the organization that goes unnoticed, and so much hard work by members that the novice member would never know what and how things occurs. I have been motivated to encourage others to become members of this wonderful Organization of AORN.

The first meeting of delegates was another interesting meeting providing information about the other components of the business aspects of the organization. I look forward to the second meeting of delegates to see how the induction of newly elected individuals is conducted.

Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to explore and learn more about AORN. This opportunity has inspired a new fire of participation and respect for this organization and my membership

“I started with all the ability and strength I needed” (Henry Ford). “It is the privilege of wisdom to listen” (Oliver Wendell Holmes). Have faith in yourself. Know that you can always do better. And….suspend your disbelief!

Set SMART goals. Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Real/Relevant. Time. Be LOUD AND CLEAR!

Actions speak louder than words. First I must care. Never quit! Never give in!

I must have clear direction. I must have a clear message.

Keep those fires burning This was our opening session. I loved this session. And oh, the paintings he did for us during this presentation were FEEnominal! His paintings: The Statue of Liberty, Albert Einstein, John Lennon.

Honestly, Congress sessions were all worth my time. This session alone was worth the cost of going out east from the West. It was a fabulous and exhausting week of very long days and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent eChapter and with great gratitude accept the delegate stipend. I hope you go to Congress at least once as a delegate. You too can make memories and gather “pearls” to apply to your life, your career, and share with others through your actions.

The educational offerings were valuable to me and the Surgery Center where I work. I typically try to take classes in the Ambulatory track, but often have to make hard choices between leadership, ambulatory and practice. That is a nice problem to have! Dr. Gawande’s presentation was informative and his surgical checklist certainly is not a new concept to the OR nurses I know.

AORN is also the time to reconnect with other eChapter members. I love meeting up with people I haven’t seen in a year! Thanks to the leadership of eChapter and the work that is done throughout the year to make our AORN Congress a success.

I am a member of ORNAC in Canada.  It is clear to me that the work of AORN assists us, and likely perioperative nursing associations around the world, to move our agendas forward much further than we could do on our own. Your work allows us to reach our  potential.  Now, what can I do to support my brothers and sisters in perioperative nursing in promoting our collective agenda?

As an eChapter delegate, I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting many new friends including Terri, Melody, David, Cyndy, Dottie, Peggy, Julie and Donna.  I have also been both impressed by and instructed in how to run a productive professional association.

Thank you kindly for the opportunity to serve as a first-time delegate!

Thank you for allowing me to be included in your Delegate body. Thank you to everyone helping me to learn the ropes. 

I was able to make an employment contact and that was a great thing! My sister told me to spend time with the recruiters and well, I think I may have found a wonderful job at a hospital I am familiar with, and with people I know.  I am a firm believer that things do not happen by mistake, and know that there was a reason I attend the Congress this year. That job opportunity is practically in my backyard and I will be able to grow in the world of surgery.

So, my deepest and sincere THANK YOU.

I actually don’t mind covering the expenses of attending Congress on my own, but so many attendees do have their ways paid. Last year the House of Delegates voted to increase dues, AORN chose to increase the cost of attending Congress and the cities are becoming more expensive. I’m sure those RNs who are being paid to attend Congress don’t really care. I do. Every increase is a burden. In Florida, by pay is approximately $29 an hour. $29 is certainly not an extravagant wage.

AORN has utilized many cities over the years in which to hold Congress. Philadelphia is not high on my list of cities to which I wish to return. The weather has been cold and rainy, the streets are abysmal, and $17 for a Glenlivet Scotch at the Marriott is outlandish. I can buy a 750ml bottle for $32.

Now on to business: Congress offered a session on WHISTLE BLOWING UPDATES. In theory the program sounds as though it is a wonderful safety net for those of us who find unsafe situations in our workplaces and attempt to correct them. Ideally the Whistle blowing legislation is suppose to protect us from negative personnel actions. IT DOESN’T WORK!

In my last position I complained to the Safety Officer about unsafe flooring in the OR. He arranged for the flooring to be replaced. The morning the project was suppose to start the Commanding Officer of the installation canceled the project. I inquired as to why he had canceled a safety project. He proceeded to yell at me, wave his finger in my face and told me it was none of my business.

After he yelled at me I filed complaints with OSHA, my state senator and the DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSPECTOR GENERAL stating my fear of reprisal. No agency offered me any protection. In less than three weeks after he yelled at me, my employment was terminated. Of course, he couldn’t say that it was because I had complained to the Safety Officer because that would be an illegal action. Instead, he used a federal regulation that allows for termination if management finds an employee “unfit for continued federal employment.”

Since he deemed me “unfit” I am unemployed. No agency requested information or input from my immediate supervisor, who had refused to terminate my employment when told to do so.

If you find yourself in a position where you believe that your work environment is not safe, think long and hard about whistle blowing. There is no protection

What was most impressive was the commitment to nursing practice, education and resources in support of patient safety and quality during the preoperative experience. In support of a patient centered peri-operative experience AORN has a strategic vision of inclusion to partner with multidisciplinary team members in multiple care delivery venues.

The 58^th Congress provided an opportunity for on-site and virtual participants to consider the future, configure the present and consider the future during the many educational sessions and in the business meetings.

I forgot to mention that I have been mentored to come to AORN Congress from a E Chapter delegate . I would have never imagined being able to contribute as a delegate. I have a voice and the ability to make a difference. I commend E- Chapter for this opportunity and again wish to thank you with all sincerity for allowing me this opportunity. What a great chapter to be a part of within this great AORN organization.

I enjoyed the different speakers in the different sessions and I had the pleasure to see a friend be a “Speaker” for the first time. Again, I learned so much this year and was able to bring back information to share with my staff and colleagues, and of course encourage they join in at next year’s Congress.

A highlight of this year’s Congress was that I was able to take advantage of the CN

OR lounge for the very first time-yeah! I was able to enjoy a relaxing five minute massage. I am grateful that eChapter exists so that I may participate in some fashion to promote my profession!

The highlight of Congress for me was when Terri Goodman met me at the Exhibits and helped me complete my “Grand Rounds” paper. She is bold enough to ask great questions and in the process of my getting the information I needed, she was networking to get education opportunities for herself. Isn’t Congress great? I learned a lot from her.

Being a delegate was a great experience for me. The dinner was good being with everyone and celebrating their accomplishments. It was fun selling raffle tickets at the booth (what a great idea to raffle an IPad). I got to meet some really great people. I loved being in a large delegation at the House of Delegates. I’m from Utah and we aren’t ever allotted that many delegates.

The best speaker for me was Lee Woodruff and her experiences helping her husband survive and thrive after a devastating accident in Afghanistan. I learned how important it is for nurses to show compassion and give hope to families by telling stories of how other patients have survived devastating events.

One member, one vote—It concerned me somewhat to know that some AORN members had voted long before the candidates’ presentations at Congress. Often, what I think about a candidate based on his or her written statement changes when I hear the prepared speech and especially the extemporaneous responses to randomly selected questions. I believe that the ability to communicate in writing and speech is an important quality of elected leaders; therefore, I wish that members who are not attending Congress or who are present but choose not to attend the candidates’ presentations would view the videotaped session before voting.

Conducting the business of the House of Delegates—The process of conducting business was different in several ways this year. Because any member in attendance could self-declare as a delegate, AORN could not accurately estimate the number of electronic response system keypads needed to conduct electronic voting. So we were back to the “good old days” of voting by raised hands. This process seemed awkward to me because of how the delegates were seated (all in the front, spread out across many sections of a very large room). Because eChapter delegates were seated far to the left of center front and because of a number of large support columns that blocked our view, we could not see the stage or many of the other delegations, and I could not get a sense of how close the vote was on each motion. It also seemed that the voting process was rushed, which raised my concern about how accurate the official vote count was for each motion.

General sessions—I thought that the general session speakers this year, for the most part, were far and away the best we have had in many years. Lucian L. Leape, MD, has long been one of my idols because of his publications on health care errors, and the opportunity to hear him speak on improving patient safety was the highlight of Congress for me. His emphasis on reducing errors by identifying systems breakdowns instead of blaming and punishing individuals who make mistakes is a welcome approach in the contemporary healthcare environment. One of the five transforming concepts that he proposed is changing the workplace so that healthcare providers can find joy and meaning in their work. He went on to explain that disrespect is the root cause of the dysfunctional health care culture, and he challenged perioperative nurses to decide what kind of institution they wanted to work at by participating in policy making and setting performance expectations. Another transforming concept is reforming health care education to change the culture of disrespect, so that all health care professionals learn to appreciate each other’s contributions to patient care and learn how to collaborate on behalf of the patient.

Richard Satava, MD, FACS, presented a fascinating discussion of health care innovations that have affected the practice of surgery. He challenged us to participate actively in the changes that are yet to come so that we can ensure that the right ethical questions are raised and that the proper direction is taken. His PowerPoint slides were entertaining as well as informative, and his predictions about future technological advances in surgery were thought-provoking. Dr. Satava also addressed patient safety by explaining that when surgical residents make an error, most of them are unaware of how it happened or how to prevent it in the future. Teaching and encouraging them to identify their own errors and to improve their skills based on this awareness will improve patient outcomes. He proposed that the use of simulators is valuable in achieving this goal.

I really missed Quiz Bowl!

In conclusion:

As always, it was a joy to spend f2f time with other eChapter members. In many ways, seeing each other at Congress reminds me of one of my favorite musicals, Brigadoon. If you don’t know the story, it’s about a town in Scotland that only appears in real time and real space for 1 day every 100 years . I’m thankful that I don’t have to wait 100 years between our gatherings, though!

The educational sessions, the exhibits, the key note speakers…, again never enough time to see and do everything. The variety of offerings meet the needs of any periOperative nurses’ preferences…everything is covered.

The eChapter is a terrific group of nurses from across the nation as well as other countries and one of my favorite things about attending Congress is interacting with everyone from eChapter. I enjoyed working the booth with my colleagues, where we raised a “bunch” of money selling raffle tickets for an iPad…great idea, it was a hot item. My highlight of the entire experience was meeting and chatting with Dr. John Bookwalter, “the” inventor of the Bookwalter retractor as well as several other devices. He even contributed to eChapter by purchasing 6 tickets. What a super nice person!

New Orleans in 2012 should be an awesome experience as well…I can hardly wait!

I also have to say that Congress is a time for reconnecting with old friends, and I do enjoy catching up over great dinners and relaxing evenings. Looking forward to next year and going back to New Orleans, one of my favorite spots. Hope to see you all there.

Presenting research the following must be considered:

1. what is the topic you are researching
2. the focus you want to take
3. search strategies-comprehensive
4. rate the evidence supporting your research
5. synthesize into a summary

1. Action
2. Factors
3. Process Transparency
4. Evidence or Research

1. Systematic review-this is the strongest type of evidence
2. Meta analysis- quantitative data from multiple studies and uses statistical methods
3. External Validity- applicability of study results to a larger population
4. Internal Validity- connection between independent and dependent variables
5. Randomized Trials
6. Case Studies
7. Editorials

1. ease of use
2. ease of teaching
3. ease of understanding
4. credibility

In summary the RP’s task force will use the following to make evidence based decisions on research and the approval process is as follows:

1. authors who are subject matter experts
2. members of nursing committees
3. a liaison form the BOD
4. public comments
5. BOD approval

Our chapter dinner was both enjoyable and productive, and the enthusiasm for selling iPad raffle tickles at our eChapter table was impressive. We made nearly $3000 which will most likely enhance our endowed scholarship. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting eChapter members for the first time, and visiting with those whom I’ve met over the years. I believe what I enjoyed most was sharing my appreciation of eChapter with delegates, new members, and eChapter members who "discovered" us for the first time! For the younger set who are not "meeting goers" and who appreciate the efficiency of electronic communication, eChapter is a very appropriate alternative. As long as their needs and expectations are met, we don't hear from them, but they're out their participating on their own terms. I know that because, when they DO need or want something, they don't hesitate to communicate!!

I’m looking forward to a productive year with Marilyn Sanderson at the helm… with our new website, and the enthusiasm of the "old guard" and the new folks we met at Congress, we’ll no doubt be increasing the value that eChapter brings to its members.

Representing the eChapter at the booth was fun because of the enthusiasm over the iPad raffle. Can't wait til next year!

1. The best part about Congress is hooking up with friends and colleagues. This point cannot be underestimated and will never change!
2. The city which hosts Congress does not matter much to me. I did think Philadelphia was great as a location, though. I just wish I had more time to enjoy what it had to offer.
3. More time. Congress is too busy! I need more time just to sleep.
4. I really enjoyed the general sessions this year and quite a few of the concurrent sessions. Of particular interest was:
   1. BIC Intensive pre-Congress session – The portion on “starting your own business” was especially great (although I admit bias as the immediate past chair of BIC).
   2. The Future of Surgery – quite scary and fascinating, really!
   3. Computer Security: Answer Phishing - by my friend, Bill Culver. I highly recommend looking up the handouts on this one.
   4. Perfectly Imperfect: A Life in Progress – This session reminded me of the difference that nurses make. It ALMOST made me want to do hands on nursing again. Almost.
   5. Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Decision Making
5. eChapter rocks! We even got scolded for attracting too much interest at our booth. Too bad! Wish we’d had more iPads to win. It was supposed to be mine!
   1. Thank you so much to eChapter for the delegate sponsorship. It really helps defray the expense – which is all out of my pocket!
   2. I feel it is an honor and privilege to serve eChapter as a delegate.
   3. Thanks, also, for the support eChapter gives to the AORN foundation.
6. I really appreciate all the corporate sponsorship AORN receives. Congress would be much different without this.
7. Loved the free champagne at the exhibitor’s reception. Let’s do that again!

I’m probably forgetting many salient points but also fear that you won’t read further. I look forward to seeing you all next year in New Orleans.

In spite of the chilly weather, Philadelphia had much to offer in colonial history, independence, and great restaurants, at least that is what the Philadelphia guide books say.

The conference was excellent. Again, I had many first time attendees from University of Colorado Hospital attending Congress. UCH had a record number (9) of poster presentations and two staff nurses won a ribbon! Very impressive for their first poster session! The challenge of having so many staff in attendance—they’re ready to implement the new recommended practices, apply new technology and implement new projects as soon as we return.

Seriously, the sessions on hybrid ORs provided great information and contact information as we develop our hybrid OR. The general sessions by Lucien Leape MD and technological future of surgery was terrific!

The new format of AORN governance voting for officers on line, opening the house of delegates, and the rich discussions at the Forum was truly a step forward. It was gratifying that membership was vested organizational leadership by the number who voted for officers! It is a great start!

The educational offerings were excellent. It is always interesting with each Congress, the focus and theme of the sessions as a whole. The general and educational sessions were informative, reaffirming, and even humbling. I had to agree with one participant’s comment at the Future of Nursing session – it would have been an excellent general session. Having served on Recommend Practices Committee in the ‘90’s (that would be in the last century!), it is great to see the progress made in the process and foundation of the RPs today. The session on the Evidence Based Practice and Clinical Decision Making provided an excellent discussion on evidence-based and research approach to the RPs. The one session that was missing – Quiz Bowl! I love Quiz Bowl! It is one of the best sessions and I look forward to it each year. With the work being done on the RPs, it is an appropriate complimentary session to include each year.

My focus this year on the Exhibit floor was on patient safety products, such as the adjuncts to the counting process. The Monday night exhibits and reception is an excellent revision to the Congress schedule these past several years. I aim to collect the study guides and connect with friends and colleagues. The Tuesday and Wednesday exhibit hours allow better opportunity to talk with the vendors regarding their products and services.

Being a delegate provides a unique connection with the Chapter and to the organization. Even with seemingly straightforward agendas, there is a buzz in the HOD Hall and thought-provoking discussions. The “smorgasbord” of membership options with various benefits is an exciting step forward, especially the choice of an e-subscription to the RPs. I had opportunity to speak with Brian after the presentation on e-Chapter’s continuing interest in a Chapter e-subscription. Hopefully, discussion will progress more quickly and positively, now that this is being offered to members versus the current “business model” of organizations only.

They asked, I answered: feedback to Headquarters regarding this year’s Congress. My comments focused on the session handouts – or lack thereof. As an attendee to a live, on-site conference, my expectation is for speaker handouts, not the BYOH (bring your own handouts) these past several years. I sincerely hope that a CD is provided (this has become the standard ) when registering on-site for 2012. Additionally, online access to the full conference offerings post Congress is a great option, albeit, a bit pricey, considering the current registration fee. As a delegate, a reduced price should be offered, since many sessions of interest were concurrent with the HOD and Forum.

Another year, another city, another Congress. Each Congress has its own personality and unique experience. What I appreciate about e-Chapter is the connection, literally, worldwide with the members. See you in New Orleans!

The exhibits ere educational and displayed a vast amount of products. Our leaders and the foundation have again given us a very worthwhile and inspirational meeting and I hope to see many of you next year in New Orleans.

This has been a very exciting time for me and being able to represent eChapter, has been an honor.  The many discussions held on patient safety, communication, and infection control practices will offer a great opportunity to provide education to my facility staff.

I have found that PNDS & RPs are going to be valuable resources for my facilities and that the speakers who presented opportunities to implement these tools inspirational.

I want to thank the members of eChapter for the wonderful opportunity to serve as a delegate to Congress for another year. I hope that I will have another opportunity to serve as a representative next year in New Orleans. Thank you.

It was special starting off the Congress with the International Summit, as the sessions were excellent and the interest high. From there came the candidates presentations, which are always pertinent and valuable. I was especially interested in the response to the member voting and the numbers that did actually wait until Congress to take their vote.

The E chapter meeting was one that I found valuable. It was well organized and totally friendly and welcoming. I was impressed with the attendance and the interest of those who were present. Likewise, this was my first experience with the EChapter booth, which I found to also be enjoyable and great for networking. I’m thinking that perhaps the drawing should be a day later, as there were many who came wanting to purchase tickets after the event was over. Too, the wait might generate more funding.

I found the general sessions of value-in particular the ones on the Future of Surgery by Richard Satava, MD and The Art of Vision with Eric Wahl. Who would ever believe that surgery may go that far. I did visit the Mutter Museum, and while I found it “amazingly different” and historical, I can’t say that I would make the visit there a high priority next trip!

A special session for me was an unexpected one that occurred on Tuesday morning. A professional colleague and friend of mine, Dorothy Del Bueno, had suggested a session called, The Nurse in the Agnew Clinic: Mary V. Clymer and the Art of the 19th Century OR. The presentation left me with a new and different appreciation of art and likewise gave me an opportunity to visit with Dr. Del Bueno, who lives in Philadelphia.

Again, thanks for the opportunity and I will look forward to next year!

This year was my first time attending Congress as a delegate. I was already registered but at the encouragement of Donna Label, eChapter Treasurer, during a work assignment I applied to become a delegate. Wow, I was accepted and that was enough to get me revved up for Philadelphia!

Having been a perioperative RN for 31 years and a member of AORN for 20 years I must confess that this is the first time I have really felt connected to my colleagues. Congress has been fantastic, just what we have all come to expect. The pomp of the opening ceremonies, the heart-warming key note speakers and the education sessions were second to none. The international sessions were particularly interesting and gave a different and very useful perspective on some familiar topics. The exhibits were expansive with cutting-edge technology, live demonstrations and educational events.

But what made it for me this time was the camaraderie of the delegates and rubbing shoulders with some of the big AORN names!

In essence, I had the Freedom To:

• Observe and participate in the AORN democratic process
• Experience being an active part of eChapter
• Feel the support and encouragement of my colleagues.

  I was able to meet and introduce several new friends to the eChapter and its benefits. Hopefully we will see their names on our roster soon.

Thank you for your assistance in my attending Congress this year. Without the financial stipend, it would have been difficult to attend. Thank you eChapter.

Congress, as always, was educational, fun and exhausting. It is nice to get together with colleagues from across the country and around the world. This year for Pre-Congress, I expanded my horizons and attended the 2nd International Summit. I met attendees from many nations and learned that problems with lateral violence, excessive medical waste, attempts to green the OR and the nursing shortage are not just national but also international concerns. I enjoyed lectures on Florence Nightengale in the Crimean War, rapid response to riots in Thailand, earthquakes in China, research on how Thailand is attempting to follow the AORN Standards and Recommended Practices despite cultural differences, and how our colleagues from around the world are attempting to decrease their Operating Room waste and “green” their operations. I enjoyed speaking with the delegation from China. I learned so much from them and hope that they can say the same about me. I would recommend attending the international conference next year.

I was glad to see that the House of Delegates voted to accept the Institute of Medicine recommedations regarding bachelors and other advanced degrees for nurses. It is about time. Nursing needs to get with the program and become more professional in its outlook. We need the advanced degrees and we need to promote our professionalism.

I enjoyed meeting with the exhibitors this year. Unfortunately, there is never enough time to see everything, but it is always interesting to talk with them and learn about their products. I also appreciate the fact that they provide educational hours and many other benefits.

The educational offerings this year were varied and informative. I went to many great lectures and had the opportunity to introduce one of the speakers, Amanda Mahoney. She spoke about the first surgical nurse depicted in Thomas Eakin's “The Agnew Clinic”. Her lecture was informative and interesting. I must admit that it was not what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed it. Dr. Gibbons' lecture was also very good and I hope to incorporate some of her counting ideas into my practice. I wish that I had been able to attend one of the lectures on lateral violence but there was not enough time.

The posters were a great learning experience also. I appreciate the time and effort that went into their presentations. I just wish the posters were also available for viewing online.

The only negative I can report is that someone accidentally picked up my raincoat. It is supposedly on its way to me, but I have not seen it yet. Maybe it will meet me in New Orleans. I hope to see you all there!

Now to better part of this trip. I have enjoyed visiting with old friends & some who are more recent ones6, congress really is a great place to visit, network & meet new friends that can last many years & also open up future opportunities for career advancement or relocation. I did enjoy the annual meeting & dinner this year, it was fun working the eChapter booth, with all the people that dropped by mostly to buy raffle tickets – sad to say I never won, but there can only be one winner.

The Candidates Forum on Sunday morning was very interesting, there was a great selection of candidates selected again this year, as with politics everywhere we have our own favourites whether personal friendships or chapter/regional associations with the candidates. Overall I believe we have a great choice & end up with people who do a great job for the organization.

To add insult to injury for my visit to Philly, Wednesday evening I was crossing Market St. heading for the Scanlon party & tripped, in slow motion I saw the edge of the kerb heading for my face, momentarily lying in the gutter stunned, an African American gentleman assisted me to my feet & a young lady also an OR nurse visitor to this city assisted me into the hotel where the staff of the hotel also assisted me until I could get my roommate to come & pick me up – Many Thanks to those people who assisted me, the people of Philly & a visiting OR Nurse – there are still caring people around.

  Denver was also a good choice to host the AORN Congress.  Everyone I met was friendly and nice, the city beautiful and the diverse weather from sandals to parkas, a nice change for me.  Thanks to AORN for the discount I received for a much needed massage on Friday afternoon.  Between all the walking I did and bags I lugged around was much appreciated. 

  I am looking forward in anticipation of next years convention in Philadelphia.  I would be open to serve once again as a delegate if the opportunity is there. Thank you for an enjoyable, informative and well run Congress,

This presentation covered key aspects of achieving 100% compliance with the current tools employed, e.g, Universal Precautions, Time Out, SBAR and WHO checklists. Central to improving compliance and reaching the target of 100% compliance is the power of influence. As nursing leaders, the focus to improving compliance is understanding and using “vital behaviors”. Vital Behaviors lead directly to better results, breaks self-defeating patterns and overcoming unseen yet powerful cultural influences. The six sources of vital behaviors were discussed and how to incorporate the six sources into the perioperative practice to effect change. As leaders who wish to effect change, the vital behaviors of personal motivation, personal ability, peer pressure/praise, strength in numbers, structural motivation ( peer reviews, promotions, pay increases), and structural ability, meaning changing the environment through the influences of data, cues, tools and other environmental factors all play an intrinsic role of successful influence in creating and maintaining a safer culture of care in the operating room.

Congress for me was filled with opportunities to network with colleagues, attend educational sessions, interact with vendors and participate in the business of AORN. The proposal for Universal Access presented at the Forum was interesting. It demonstrated to me AORN’s ongoing efforts to reach and meet the needs of the perioperative nurse. The concerns expressed about the potential impact on struggling local chapters had merit. However, as we in eChapter have learned, participation and staying connected can be done outside the traditional model. Although the Universal Access plans are in the early stages of development, I believe this is the right direction for AORN.

This congress marked the first time all AORN members were eligible to vote in the election of our AORN leadership. The on-line ballot process was user friendly. It gave AORN members not able to attend Congress the opportunity to participate. The ballot numbers indicated the election process extended well beyond the delegates seated. However, only a small fraction of our overall membership voted. The challenge of our future will be stimulating membership participation in our professional organization.

One consideration that I believe warrants further discussion is the schedule for Delegate Forums. Many years ago, these sessions were scheduled in the early morning and did not compete with educational sessions. I recognize that AORN’s efforts to be responsive to vendor requests for more access to participants have contributed to the current status. I believe it is time for another look at balancing the delegates’ schedule.

One thing that was missed, for the first time this year, was PeriOp Quiz Bowl. I always looked forward to this session and was very disappointed to not see it listed in the program. I do hope that others feel as I do, speak up, and that we will see it return next year.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent eChapter as a delegate. I look forward to serving again next year in New Orleans. Have a wonderful year!

Hearing the candidates’ speeches was very inspiring, informative and motivating. What a challenge – so many qualified and talented members to lead our organization yet only a few to be selected. Congratulations to the winners.

Attending Congress as a Delegate always makes it extra special because it is where we see the changes in our organization take place that moves Perioperative Nursing into the future. The bylaws change now supports one member one vote. In the last few years I have represented eChapter and it continues to energize me to see how many more delegates participate in the political process of the House.

As a member of the AORN Foundation Board of Trustees, I would like to thank eChapter for the generous donation and for the gifts and participation in the Silent Auction. Thanks also to the participants in the 5K Run – a little rainy but crisp and invigorating.

Thanks to Sherry for her leadership during the past year and all the work the Board has contributed to making eChapter such a prosperous and rewarding chapter. Thanks to Marilyn for the excellent coordination of all the Delegates. It was an honor to represent our Chapter at the 58th AORN Congress in Philly and I look forward to seeing everyone next year in New Orleans.

Dr Leape mentioned the Obama health care bill in a positive way, which was not universally appreciated.  However he is in a position to see both the short- and long-term ramifications of continuing with our current method of paying for healthcare, and he is a strong proponent for change.  The current health care bill provides a starting point to establish a payment system that will work for all.

A great gathering at the eChapter dinner was a good opportunity to communicate with other members. Good to hear that members are concerned about international members/friends and would like to have closer relations with international eChapter members.

The educational experiences again has surpassed my expectations. The sessions, the House of Delegated, the many inspirational speakers left me with a “pep talk” to want to do more for the young nurses who will follow in our footsteps.

As a traveler, I was able to make new contacts and reunite with old colleagues from hospitals across the country. I look forward to participating more in eChapter and making eChapter a contender for Chapter of the Year in 2012 in New Orleans.

Thank you for letting me represent eChapter as a delegate and look to participating again next year.

I learned so much at each and every session I attended and thoroughly enjoyed attending the House of Delegates as a delegate. This experience has brought me motivation to become more involved in our organization as I did not realize how important each and every member truly is. I look forward to not only attending Congress in the future but motivating my co-workers to also be more involved.

Again, Thank You eChapter for this experience!!

Our activities began early Sunday morning with “Meet the Candidates” and finished on Thursday afternoon with an inspiring closing session “If You Can’t Stand Up, Stand Out”.

We held our annual eChapter business meeting on Sunday evening. Reports were given by Sherry Church [President] as well as Board members in attendance. Candidates for both the National Slate and eChapter Slate were introduced. The chapter presented a gift to Sherry for her dedication and efforts this past year as President. Delegate information was discussed as well as our new start-up web-site that Terri and Mark have spent these past months developing.

The eChapter Booth/table was an astounding success! We had a steady stream of Congress attendees stop by throughout the week just to talk or buy raffle tickets. Our raffling of an IPOD drew attention to our booth and brought in approximately $4000 dollars in profit.

During the Forum proposed By-Laws Amendments were presented and discussion followed. The proposed amendments were voted on and passed by the House of Delegates. Proposed By-Law changes included: Article VII – Eligibility – Elections-Terms-Vacancies-Removal; Article VIII – Meetings. Be sure to go online and read the Peri-Op Insider. This publication has a great summation regarding all Congress activities.

Congress next year will be held in New Orleans beginning March 25, 2012. Housing actually opened during this Congress instead of in July. It’s not too early to begin making plans – we’d certainly love to have more members join us for an ever-promising educational and fun-filled week. Begin thinking about being a delegate and represent your colleagues in what I think is the best professional organization promoting all of us as peri-operative nurses.

1. The opportunity to network and learn from the multiple professional experiences each of us has had since 2010.
2. The opportunity to focus on my educational needs with the impressive 2011 curriculum.
3. I most especially appreciated the opportunity to represent the eChapter at the Forum and the House of Delegates on the evolving issues that are impactful to our perioperative practice and the safety of our patients.

• Electronic voting system has been developed by a third-party vendor
• No additional cost to AORN
• Industry standard encryption technology
• Security monitoring services to prevent unauthorized access 

• Votes cast are secured on a server separate from AORN member database
• Votes will not be able to tie back to the member record
• Several layers of security ( industry standard for security used in the banking industry)
• Following approval of the House, all voting results were purged from the electronic voting system

• Requested through AORN customer service
• Informational packet and ballot was mailed once voting eligibility is verified
• Paper ballot requests are tracked in member record
• Third-party vendor to enter paper ballots into the electronic voting system.

While I attended many sessions and visited a number of posters I found the presentation Marsha and I gave at a pre Congress workshop the most valuable from the perspective that the attendees asked many questions that helped me to define member needs related to sterilization and disinfection. I did like the opening session and the speaker’s message and rapid art about needing to tap into the right side of our brain. I will also bring a crayon with me to the doctor next time I am scheduled to have a blood pressure check – could stand to have the reading drop 10 points.

My one criticism is the fact that the American Idol runner up who sang the Star Spangled Banner did not remove his hat. Whatever happened to simple respect – maybe I am just old (which I take as an opportunity to tell it like I see it) but it rankled.

Thank you, eChapter, for allowing me to represent the chapter as a delegate

PS – I also learned what a whoopee pie is!

My main goal for congress this year was to accru enough contact hours to complete CNOR recertification and I achieved that goal. I love Congress. I get to reconnect with old friends and meet new friends. Congress is my motivator each year to go home and do a better job.

Other Highlights:

Evidence Ratings for the RP - Add credibility when faced with resistance during implementation
• 250+ Delegates at Congress because they chose to participate - Work done at last year’s Congress paved the way for today’s future
• S transforming concepts that The Lucian Leape Institute of the National Patient Safety Foundations has identified. - A physician champion that understands some of our nursing conundrums!

This year I was one of the Vascular/Endovascular SA Coordinating Council speakers. We provided an intensive session on Sunday titled “The Pulse of Vascular Surgery.” Although I was very nervous, it was a tremendous experience… not only to contribute to the event by sharing my “love” but also to learn from my fellow colleagues.

I have truly enjoyed Philly. It is a beautiful city, full of fun activities and a rich history. To be in the same room where some of our nation’s giants once stood is truly awe inspiring. Thank you again eChapter for the opportunity to represent you again as a Delegate.

I plan to get more involved with eChapter and help with Congress next year.

Looking forward to New Orleans in 2012!

The educational sessions featured enlightening presentations on many of today’s relevant issues. I was able to leave Philadelphia with many “pearls” to take with me from several of the sessions attended. Every member having a voice and a vote will allow more members to be involved with shaping the future of the organization. I hope to see the number of members voting grow in the coming years.

Thanks again for the opportunity to serve!

1. Networking is always the most important thing for me.  I talked with many eChapter members to learn more about the trends they are experiencing and to share contact information.
2. Learning about the latest AORN recommended practices (which are vitally important for my work).
3. This year: Strengthening my own presentation skills and learning from others.
4. Revitalizing my spirit by attending Congress sessions that remind me why I got into Nursing in the first place!  

The speakers were exceptional this year, and I enjoyed so much learning from them. I was unable to make very many break-out sessions because of my responsibility for assisting with the silent auction. One of the fun times I had was working the eChapter booth. I helped sell so many chances on the iPad that it got to be exciting.

The forums were dull to me; and the HOD was slow. I was disappointed we did not have more business to participate in and more opportunities to voice opinions. However, we did accomplish the business on the agenda, so I feel positive about that part .

I had the pleasure of attending the International Summit on Saturday, and enjoyed the speakers, and the networking with our guest very much. Once again, thank you for letting me serve as a delegate. Have a wonderful year, and get ready for New Orleans. Take care, God bless you all

From the first day and half of the International Summit, I could feel the excitement from other nurses reaching out to connect, collect, and collaborate. Meeting eChapter members face-2-face was a wonderful and stimulating experience, set in a traditional venue, yet steeped in the technology of Blackberries, I-phones, and all manner of electronic communication.

From the opening session through Forum and House of Delegate meetings to the educational and exhibit hall sessions, perioperative nurses reached out to learn, to understand, and to share. I am literally in awe of the centuries of knowledge and experience represented by the nurses at this event. As we “mature” at such a rapid pace, how can we capture this wisdom and transfer it to the next generation?

As I walked around the halls of this Congress, icons of the perioperative profession shared that walk in spirit and in person. How do we, as waning generations of perioperative nurses, hand this torch to the colleagues of the next generation? With what words to we convey the urgency and importance of sharing all we have learned in body, in spirit, in times of joy and pain with those who must now embody this profession with a visible, dynamic presence. These are the questions that bombard my mind as I walk through the halls of Congress to the theme of “the Freedom to be.” How do we keep the flame of our perioperative lamp glowing in a field that often works in the shadows of others? We keep that flame burning through education, through connections and relationships with our colleagues, by reaching out to those new nurses and welcoming them into the fold, and above all else, by recommitting ourselves to the beauty, the joy, and the love that we can share with each and every patient with whom we come into contact. We have that choice, we have that freedom, and we have that obligation.

• The Influencer was a pre-congress intensive education session. Based on years of research and a book by the same name, this session was about how to be an agent to influence change, hopefully in a positive way. We can view ourselves as “victims” of change, or we can take a more positive attitude and influence ourselves and others to make the most of those changes and situations.
• Evidence-based practice was an important session for me as I work my way through my BSN program. Learning how to rate the evidence and know if it is strong, or weak, is extremely important as I write papers. This concept will be incorporated into the AORN’s Recommended Practices to clearly recognize the science behind the recommendation. This will make the RP’s an even more valuable resource for everyone.
• The other insightful presentation was on Loaner Instrumentation. Immediate use steam sterilization was also discussed. It is important for facilities to have a procedure to handle loaner instruments and it is important to share that with their vendors. Vendors will need to address this to ensure they have appropriate procedures in place with adequate inventory levels. It may come down to not loaning equipment to an account that calls at the last minute since it may not be possible to reprocess adequately.