2010 Slate of Candidates

I have been a member of eChapter for more than 10 years and have served in several elected positions. I am seeking your support for the position of President Elect because I am a visionary person and an effective facilitator. I pledge to encourage the development of programs that support our members, and encourage and mentor our eChapter colleagues to participate actively. eChapter is a role model for other AORN chapters in meeting the needs of members who prefer electronic 24/7 participation.

I bring my organizational skills to the table to channel enthusiasm and focus ideas, so that our strategic goals can be met in a constructive, friendly environment, and in a timely manner. My personal satisfaction comes from interacting with members around the world who share a passion for perioperative nursing. If you have any questions for me, I would love to hear from you. Robyn.Austin@viha.ca

There are challenges we face as an electronic chapter; however we have the opportunities to not only promote our existence, but the potential to surpass our past performance.

E-chapter needs to be a household word for anyone seeking membership. I believe our greatest challenge is sharing our incredible wealth of knowledge; being visible in our virtual world. As President-Elect I will work diligently to show the value of E-chapter by becoming more active in the education arena through webinars, education sessions and recognizing our nurses and their accomplishments.

For the past 20 years I have served on the local level as President of AORN San Diego, nationally as a Congress Volunteer Coordinator, Scholarship Chair, and national committee member and currently as a Board member for E-chapter. From these experiences I feel I can fulfill the responsibilities that this position demands and would be honored to serve as your next President-Elect.

I am seeking election to the office of Secretary because of my volunteer, personal, and professional activities over the last 35+ years of being an operating room (OR) nurse, and because of my work history with AORN at local, state, regional, and national levels. Twenty years ago, as one of many “busy” OR nurses, I needed the dynamics of a virtual organizational structure that would allow me to be professionally involved but still meet my responsibilities as a mom, a wife, and a working OR nurse. Since an AORN eChapter was not an option, I served in another nursing organization and in my personal life, I volunteered in other activities. These experiences have made me qualified to serve as your Secretary, and to help move the AORN eChapter forward to meet your needs for professional activities, networking, and continuing education. Your vote for me would indicate your willingness to let me be “busy” again in AORN, through the dynamics of an eChapter, on your behalf.

As a perioperative nurse for 20 years, I recognize that today, we face more challenges locally and globally than ever before. I would like to be your voice as eChapter Secretary as we move forward to meet these opportunities.

I served my local chapter for 7 years in all elected positions except President and I feel that running for secretary of E-Chapter is the step I need to become involved again. As your Secretary and a member of the Board of Directors, I will be available to move this Chapter forward by reaching out to my fellow chapter members for their involvement. I care about our practice and value the profession of nursing and I feel we are obligated as a chapter to communicate our concerns and issues to all who will listen. I am a collaborator and communicator and I am willing to take on this task. I would be honored to serve as secretary and ask for your vote.

As a member of eChapter, my appreciation for who we are and what we do increases constantly. We have shown by example that we possess the means to be the leader in efficient, effective communication, keeping our membership connected and engaged. The influence we possess is that our information is current, relevant, and our response is immediate. For the past 17 years, I have participated on many levels within AORN, beginning with state networking groups, transitioning to Specialty Assembly Leadership roles, and participation on National Task Forces. I have had the privilege of working with, and have been mentored by many of AORN’s leaders. I have also attended AORN Leadership seminars gaining experience in regard to working in a collaborative environment with the goal of moving the association forward. With this knowledge, and the desire to serve our chapter, I feel capable, and would appreciate the opportunity, your consideration, and vote, as a candidate for your eChapter Board.

As we look to the future in perioperative nursing, we find a profession that suffers from retirements, a lack of nursing students, and the myriad of opportunities available for each nursing graduate. Our goal as we move forward should be to grow our profession and we are the key to growing our profession. Our eChapter gives us the voice to communicate our enthusiasm for perioperative nursing. I have just rejoined AORN after four years as I found it very difficult to attend meetings because of my schedule. When I found that eChapter had been created, I immediately rejoined AORN and eChapter.

eChapter’s virtual platform supports professional growth and continues to build upon a strong network of chapter members both nationally and internationally. As a member of the Board of Directors, I will serve our chapter by contributing to the process of moving our global perspective forward.

Still after 29 years, I remain committed to the profession of perioperative nursing. I have been with AORN since 1984, during that time, my career has taken me from small rural hospitals up to large teaching hospitals in the profit, non-profit, community, and faith based organizations around different parts of the country. I understand the challenges each type of organization faces when dealing with the perioperative patient.

I am at a point in my career where I feel settled and have the time and ability to give back to a profession that has supported me over the years. I have been with eChapter for close to two years now and I can only promise that I will work hard for the eChapter, communicate, and support the mission and vision of our group. I would appreciate your vote because now is my time to work hard for you.

The eChapter strategic plan initiatives include enhancing the collegial nature of the website, participation and use of the website, and highlighting member involvement in eChapter and AORN. Ideas that I would like to discuss with Board members to showcase our eChapter include: interactive links to other professional organizations, language translation capability, sponsorships / grants for IFPN (International Federation of Perioperative Nurses) and highlighting member presentations: posters, articles, seminars and presentations.

My past AORN involvement: twenty five years of active membership, attendance at ten Congresses, five of those as Delegate (2009 & 2010 eChapter). At this time I would like to offer my skills as a Perioperative consultant with strengths in planning, education, communication and implementation to assist meeting current objectives and in defining our future direction. As a member of the Board of Directors, I can assist in aligning our chapter with the new direction AORN is taking in becoming a more virtual organization.

The Board of Directors manages the affairs of the Chapter and its members. Board members must be able to communicate electronically as well as function in a committee. I have gained valuable experience in my various positions within AORN:

Governing Council / Chair of the BIC (Nurses in Business, Industry and Consulting) Specialty Assembly (2005-2007),
Chair of the AORN Task Force on Fluid Management (2007),
Member of the Recommended Practices Committee (2008-2009),
Member of the Awards Committee (2009-2011),
Member of eChapter Membership Committee (2007-2008)
Member of eChapter Nominating Committee (2009)

These experiences have prepared me to work with the Board to represent the needs of our members including networking and educational opportunities. I would work to maintain the programs we currently have in place, and identify programs to enhance membership. I have the communication tools and experience required to work effectively in our virtual environment. Please honor me with your vote.

I have been a Perioperative nurse for over 30 years and have worked in every phase of the perioperative arena. While in the military I was active in AORN as a member at large and served as a delegate for several years. Upon retirement I enrolled in eChapter and have continued to be active serving on the Board of Directors for two terms and serving as a delegate for 5 years. I am proud of the work AORN has done over the years in enhancing patient safety.

I have seen the Recommended Standards and Practices grow from a 50 page publication to the over 400 pages of today. Providing guidance to Perioperative nurses around the world I am proud to say that I have been part of that growth in representing Perioperative nurses at the National AORN Congress. I am nearing retirement and now feel that my efforts can best serve eChapter and AORN by helping to select the leaders of the future. I am asking for your support to allow me to once again serve and to use my years of experience in helping to select our leaders of the future.

I have been an operating room nurse for more than 10 years, a member of AORN for almost as long. Over the years I have seen changes in technology and improvements in the care of our patients. I wish to continue the knowledge base and professional progress of operating room nurses, as well as nursing in general. I am a CNOR champion, currently involved with CCI on a job analysis committee. In my practice at home, I continue to utilize research based care and education with my peers.

I hope to become more involved with eChapter, as well as AORN. I believe the Nominating committee is a good place for me to start.

I am a new ADN nurse; however, I have been in the medical field for 19 years in different roles. I understand the role of nursing from many different perspectives, a benefit since I have insight from the lay perspective as well as from a clinician’s view point. I feel the eChapter is a vital part of the AORN and I will work to promote the chapter because it is a useful tool to help new graduates and lifelong nurses in their aspirations to provide the best patient care and safety that is available.

I am a lifelong learner, goal oriented; a driven person and I have worked with congressmen and women in Wisconsin and I am currently working to achieve my BSN at Chamberlain University online.

I want to serve you in the eChapter on the Nominating Committee. I am new to AORN eChapter and have grown to appreciate the professional practice of other Perioperative nurses found in this chapter. I am qualified to serve in this capacity because I believe in AORN and will seek new talent to serve us all. I believe that knowledge is power; I like to empower our staff to provide exceptional care to our patients and believe that AORN standards allow us to do this. So if you elect me to a position in this Chapter, I will work to find qualified candidate to serve our chapter. I have been an RN for 25 years; OR manager for 10. If elected to a position on the eChapter Nominating Committee, I will work to find qualified candidates to serve our chapter.

As a member of AORN for over two decades, I cannot imagine serving in the role of a perioperative nurse without using AORN as my guiding light. AORN reflects the essence of professionalism and evidence-based practice with patient advocacy and safety at the core of nursing practice. In order to continue to provide the services and guidance required in the dynamic environment in which perioperative nurses practice today, active engagement by AORN membership is critical. I have served in many roles in a traditional AORN chapter over the years including president, vice president, nominating committee member, and legislative liaison. Working with colleagues in a virtual chapter offers new and different opportunities to learn, to share, and to grow. I have utilized online technology in education and research and will work to expand the capabilities of this chapter to meet the needs and expectations of AORN members.




	2010 Slate of Candidates

	Read the candidates election statements, then CLICK HERE TO VOTE

	PRESIDENT-ELECT (1 to be Elected)


		Robyn Austin, RN I have been a member of eChapter for more than 10 years and have served in several elected positions. I am seeking your support for the position of President Elect because I am a visionary person and an effective facilitator. I pledge to encourage the development of programs that support our members, and encourage and mentor our eChapter colleagues to participate actively. eChapter is a role model for other AORN chapters in meeting the needs of members who prefer electronic 24/7 participation. I bring my organizational skills to the table to channel enthusiasm and focus ideas, so that our strategic goals can be met in a constructive, friendly environment, and in a timely manner. My personal satisfaction comes from interacting with members around the world who share a passion for perioperative nursing. If you have any questions for me, I would love to hear from you. Robyn.Austin@viha.ca

		Marilyn Sanderson, RN,BSN,CNOR There are challenges we face as an electronic chapter; however we have the opportunities to not only promote our existence, but the potential to surpass our past performance. E-chapter needs to be a household word for anyone seeking membership. I believe our greatest challenge is sharing our incredible wealth of knowledge; being visible in our virtual world. As President-Elect I will work diligently to show the value of E-chapter by becoming more active in the education arena through webinars, education sessions and recognizing our nurses and their accomplishments. For the past 20 years I have served on the local level as President of AORN San Diego, nationally as a Congress Volunteer Coordinator, Scholarship Chair, and national committee member and currently as a Board member for E-chapter. From these experiences I feel I can fulfill the responsibilities that this position demands and would be honored to serve as your next President-Elect.

	SECRETARY (1 to be Elected)


		Linda Brazen, RN, BSN, MSN, CNOR I am seeking election to the office of Secretary because of my volunteer, personal, and professional activities over the last 35+ years of being an operating room (OR) nurse, and because of my work history with AORN at local, state, regional, and national levels. Twenty years ago, as one of many “busy” OR nurses, I needed the dynamics of a virtual organizational structure that would allow me to be professionally involved but still meet my responsibilities as a mom, a wife, and a working OR nurse. Since an AORN eChapter was not an option, I served in another nursing organization and in my personal life, I volunteered in other activities. These experiences have made me qualified to serve as your Secretary, and to help move the AORN eChapter forward to meet your needs for professional activities, networking, and continuing education. Your vote for me would indicate your willingness to let me be “busy” again in AORN, through the dynamics of an eChapter, on your behalf.

		Laura Gayton, RN, MHCA, CNOR As a perioperative nurse for 20 years, I recognize that today, we face more challenges locally and globally than ever before. I would like to be your voice as eChapter Secretary as we move forward to meet these opportunities. I served my local chapter for 7 years in all elected positions except President and I feel that running for secretary of E-Chapter is the step I need to become involved again. As your Secretary and a member of the Board of Directors, I will be available to move this Chapter forward by reaching out to my fellow chapter members for their involvement. I care about our practice and value the profession of nursing and I feel we are obligated as a chapter to communicate our concerns and issues to all who will listen. I am a collaborator and communicator and I am willing to take on this task. I would be honored to serve as secretary and ask for your vote.


	BOARD MEMBER (2 to be Elected)

		Mike Garufi, RN,CNOR,CRNFA As a member of eChapter, my appreciation for who we are and what we do increases constantly. We have shown by example that we possess the means to be the leader in efficient, effective communication, keeping our membership connected and engaged. The influence we possess is that our information is current, relevant, and our response is immediate. For the past 17 years, I have participated on many levels within AORN, beginning with state networking groups, transitioning to Specialty Assembly Leadership roles, and participation on National Task Forces. I have had the privilege of working with, and have been mentored by many of AORN’s leaders. I have also attended AORN Leadership seminars gaining experience in regard to working in a collaborative environment with the goal of moving the association forward. With this knowledge, and the desire to serve our chapter, I feel capable, and would appreciate the opportunity, your consideration, and vote, as a candidate for your eChapter Board.

		Barbara Hickey, RN,MBA,CNOR As we look to the future in perioperative nursing, we find a profession that suffers from retirements, a lack of nursing students, and the myriad of opportunities available for each nursing graduate. Our goal as we move forward should be to grow our profession and we are the key to growing our profession. Our eChapter gives us the voice to communicate our enthusiasm for perioperative nursing. I have just rejoined AORN after four years as I found it very difficult to attend meetings because of my schedule. When I found that eChapter had been created, I immediately rejoined AORN and eChapter. eChapter’s virtual platform supports professional growth and continues to build upon a strong network of chapter members both nationally and internationally. As a member of the Board of Directors, I will serve our chapter by contributing to the process of moving our global perspective forward.

		Roseann Pena, RN, BSN, MBA/HCM, CNOR, NE-BC Still after 29 years, I remain committed to the profession of perioperative nursing. I have been with AORN since 1984, during that time, my career has taken me from small rural hospitals up to large teaching hospitals in the profit, non-profit, community, and faith based organizations around different parts of the country. I understand the challenges each type of organization faces when dealing with the perioperative patient. I am at a point in my career where I feel settled and have the time and ability to give back to a profession that has supported me over the years. I have been with eChapter for close to two years now and I can only promise that I will work hard for the eChapter, communicate, and support the mission and vision of our group. I would appreciate your vote because now is my time to work hard for you.

		Tammy Tenerowicz, RN,BSN,MPA,CNOR The eChapter strategic plan initiatives include enhancing the collegial nature of the website, participation and use of the website, and highlighting member involvement in eChapter and AORN. Ideas that I would like to discuss with Board members to showcase our eChapter include: interactive links to other professional organizations, language translation capability, sponsorships / grants for IFPN (International Federation of Perioperative Nurses) and highlighting member presentations: posters, articles, seminars and presentations. My past AORN involvement: twenty five years of active membership, attendance at ten Congresses, five of those as Delegate (2009 & 2010 eChapter). At this time I would like to offer my skills as a Perioperative consultant with strengths in planning, education, communication and implementation to assist meeting current objectives and in defining our future direction. As a member of the Board of Directors, I can assist in aligning our chapter with the new direction AORN is taking in becoming a more virtual organization.

		Eileen Young, RN,CNOR The Board of Directors manages the affairs of the Chapter and its members. Board members must be able to communicate electronically as well as function in a committee. I have gained valuable experience in my various positions within AORN: Governing Council / Chair of the BIC (Nurses in Business, Industry and Consulting) Specialty Assembly (2005-2007), Chair of the AORN Task Force on Fluid Management (2007), Member of the Recommended Practices Committee (2008-2009), Member of the Awards Committee (2009-2011), Member of eChapter Membership Committee (2007-2008) Member of eChapter Nominating Committee (2009) These experiences have prepared me to work with the Board to represent the needs of our members including networking and educational opportunities. I would work to maintain the programs we currently have in place, and identify programs to enhance membership. I have the communication tools and experience required to work effectively in our virtual environment. Please honor me with your vote.

	NOMINATING COMMITTEE (2 to be Elected)


		Lionel Gagner, RN,BSN I have been a Perioperative nurse for over 30 years and have worked in every phase of the perioperative arena. While in the military I was active in AORN as a member at large and served as a delegate for several years. Upon retirement I enrolled in eChapter and have continued to be active serving on the Board of Directors for two terms and serving as a delegate for 5 years. I am proud of the work AORN has done over the years in enhancing patient safety. I have seen the Recommended Standards and Practices grow from a 50 page publication to the over 400 pages of today. Providing guidance to Perioperative nurses around the world I am proud to say that I have been part of that growth in representing Perioperative nurses at the National AORN Congress. I am nearing retirement and now feel that my efforts can best serve eChapter and AORN by helping to select the leaders of the future. I am asking for your support to allow me to once again serve and to use my years of experience in helping to select our leaders of the future.

		Kristine Mastrodonato, RN,BSN,CNOR I have been an operating room nurse for more than 10 years, a member of AORN for almost as long. Over the years I have seen changes in technology and improvements in the care of our patients. I wish to continue the knowledge base and professional progress of operating room nurses, as well as nursing in general. I am a CNOR champion, currently involved with CCI on a job analysis committee. In my practice at home, I continue to utilize research based care and education with my peers. I hope to become more involved with eChapter, as well as AORN. I believe the Nominating committee is a good place for me to start.

		Ann Molitor, RN I am a new ADN nurse; however, I have been in the medical field for 19 years in different roles. I understand the role of nursing from many different perspectives, a benefit since I have insight from the lay perspective as well as from a clinician’s view point. I feel the eChapter is a vital part of the AORN and I will work to promote the chapter because it is a useful tool to help new graduates and lifelong nurses in their aspirations to provide the best patient care and safety that is available. I am a lifelong learner, goal oriented; a driven person and I have worked with congressmen and women in Wisconsin and I am currently working to achieve my BSN at Chamberlain University online.

		April Walker, RN I want to serve you in the eChapter on the Nominating Committee. I am new to AORN eChapter and have grown to appreciate the professional practice of other Perioperative nurses found in this chapter. I am qualified to serve in this capacity because I believe in AORN and will seek new talent to serve us all. I believe that knowledge is power; I like to empower our staff to provide exceptional care to our patients and believe that AORN standards allow us to do this. So if you elect me to a position in this Chapter, I will work to find qualified candidate to serve our chapter. I have been an RN for 25 years; OR manager for 10. If elected to a position on the eChapter Nominating Committee, I will work to find qualified candidates to serve our chapter.

		Patricia Wright, RN,MS,CNOR As a member of AORN for over two decades, I cannot imagine serving in the role of a perioperative nurse without using AORN as my guiding light. AORN reflects the essence of professionalism and evidence-based practice with patient advocacy and safety at the core of nursing practice. In order to continue to provide the services and guidance required in the dynamic environment in which perioperative nurses practice today, active engagement by AORN membership is critical. I have served in many roles in a traditional AORN chapter over the years including president, vice president, nominating committee member, and legislative liaison. Working with colleagues in a virtual chapter offers new and different opportunities to learn, to share, and to grow. I have utilized online technology in education and research and will work to expand the capabilities of this chapter to meet the needs and expectations of AORN members.