Educational opportunities from the Center for Perioperative Education - Educational Opportunities

AORN pre-Congress.

March 22, 2003, McCormick Place, Chicago.

Protecting staff members and patients from the inherent hazards of using medical laser equipment is one of the many responsibilities of the perioperative nurse. A pre-Congress all-day session titled "Patient Safety: Laser Concepts in Health Care," which will be presented by an internationally known expert, is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of laser science as applied to the technology and safety required of perioperative professionals working with and responsible for class 3b and class 4 medical lasers. The American National Standard Institute standard (ie, ANSI Z136), AORN recommended practices, International Electrotechnical Commission standards, and other appropriate regulations will be used as a basis for both risk assessment and the development of relevant control measures.

Pre-Congress education sessions are planned to provide participants with in-depth information on critical perioperative topics. Content for other pre-Congress sessions includes

* bariatric surgery,

* compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act,

* current issues in moderate sedation and analgesia,

* effective resource management,

* mediation techniques,

* an update on the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' criteria for accreditation site visits, and

* workplace issues regarding patient safety.

March 23-27, 2003,

McCormick Place, Chicago.

May 3-4, 2003, Doubletree Hotel, Nashville.

This program will alleviate the fear of taking the CNOR examination by walking participants through the examination's format and subject areas. The subject areas will be related to clinical situations with which perioperative nurses are familiar. The program also will provide effective test-taking strategies and a framework for participants to develop their own plan for continued preparation for the examination.

RNFA Forum.

May 3-4, 2003, Marriott Metro Center, Washington, DC.

This event is designed to provide state-of-the-art education sessions and an opportunity for RN first assistants (RNFAs) and perioperative RNs in the RNFA practice arena to learn, network with colleagues, and discuss issues germane to the practice of the RNFA.

AORN Federal Affairs Conference and Lobby Day.

May 5-6, 2003, Marriott Metro Center, Washington, DC.

This event is the premier opportunity for AORN members to advocate for perioperative nursing and promote AORN's legislative priorities by meeting directly with elected representatives in the US Congress. This two-day event features education sessions with a focus on effective lobbying, informational displays about public policy, and trips to Capitol Hill for face-to-face visits with members of Congress and their staff members. On election day, one vote makes a difference. On Lobby Day, your voice makes a difference.

Leadership Conference.

July 25-27, 2003, Westin Tabor Center, Denver.

Learn to meet the challenges of being a perioperative leader as you network and exchange ideas with other AORN volunteer leaders. Gain valuable leadership skills and become energized listening to expert speakers during this three-day program. You will be able to apply your leadership knowledge and skills in both your personal and professional life. Additional information about this conference will be available soon.