Opportunities to flex your professionalism—Congress 2002 - President's Message

AORN Journal, Jan, 2002 by Sheila L. Allen

By participating in AORN, we connect in our "Circles of Care." AORN's annual Congress, April 21 to 25, 2002, in Anaheim, Calif, provides an opportunity to join with our colleagues in perioperative nursing, health care, and industry to celebrate the joys of perioperative nursing and seize the opportunity to stretch our professionalism muscle. Beverly L. Malone, RN, PhD, FAAN, compares professionalism to a muscle that "... with repeated use strengthens and without exercise atrophies." (1)

There is something extraordinary and miraculous about professionalism. It is the professional part of your being that kicks in when a patient who is abusive, combative, and uncooperative or who demonstrates a behavior you would prefer to avoid on your shift rolls through the door of the perioperative suite. It is at these times that we are forced to stretch our professionalism muscle by seeking the depth of our compassion and summoning the innate capacity that enables us to provide the highest level of quality care that the patient deserves.

During Congress, we are provided with the opportunity to stretch our professionalism muscles in various other ways, too. We have the potential to connect with colleagues from a variety of areas. Each of these types of interaction requires us to flex our professionalism muscles in different ways.

FLEXING WITH STUDENTS

AORN has shared a wonderful connection with nursing students for many years. We invite them to our chapter meetings, exhibit at their national meetings, participate in their meetings by sharing the joys of perioperative nursing, and, most importantly, mentor and encourage them in their paths toward perioperative nursing proficiency. This year at Congress, we will open our arms to include student nurses in our circles of care. For the first time, AORN is offering free registration for student nurses (ie, nonlicensed students only). In addition to providing education tracts in several areas of interest to students (eg, the Perioperative Nursing Data Set [PNDS], government affairs, leadership), we are providing several exciting events for students.

Understanding the perioperative environment. This course, taught by experts in the field, provides "hands-on" instruction in such topics as aseptic technique, positioning, and sterilization. It also provides an opportunity to see perioperative innovations.

Student nurse reception. On Sunday, April 21, from 5 to 6 PM, Leah Curtin, RN, MS, MA, DSc, FAAN, will host a student nurse reception. This reception will provide students with an opportunity to meet a highly respected nursing leader and network with their peers.

Student mentoring. AORN will provide an established AORN member to guide students through Congress to show them how to maximize their experience.

Exhibits. Students will have access to the exhibit floor where they can explore the latest innovations at the technical exhibits. They also can explore all the career avenues open to them through the recruiting exhibitors. (2)

Free registration for Congress 2002 is available to individuals pursuing education leading to eligibility to sit for the RN licensing examination. Students do not need to be members of AORN, although I am sure that we will encourage them to join us as members. They will be asked to show their student identification at registration.

Kendra Keene is the AORN Headquarters staff member to contact for registration and additional information about Congress 2002 free student registration. You can e-mail her at kkeene@aorn.org or call her at (800) 755-2676 x 250. Everyone is encouraged to promote this fantastic opportunity to students. Please seize every occasion to discuss the excitement and dynamic experience that our annual meeting affords. At Congress, students will be identified with a student ribbon. Please take the time to meet with the students; they are our future.

Mentoring is an important part of our Congress connection this year. The new award for mentoring will be presented for the first time, highlighting this vital role in securing the future of our profession. The world of perioperative nursing is exciting and challenging--the perfect arena for these bright, caring colleagues. Congress 2002 will be our chance to share the stories that articulate our passion and joy with the next generation.

FLEXING OUR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Education continues to be an important part of our Congress experience. Informal opportunities will be numerous because networking occurs anywhere and anytime during the activity-filled Congress week. On a more formal level, education sessions will provide a glimpse of trends, alternatives, innovations, issues, and hot topics. Specialty areas of practice, such as cardiothoracic, oncology, orthopedic, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, trauma, pediatric, RN first assisting, and advanced technology, will be represented with programs designed to share the latest information in those areas. Sessions will focus on the PNDS and the use of our own language to validate competency and documentation issues. Public policy topics will expand our knowledge base in the legislative and regulatory arenas and inspire attendees to become politically active. New this year, delegates can earn the same number of contact hours as nondelegates. In addition, educational activities again will be available on the exhibit floor.