Perioperative nurses participate in educational and political activities in Washington, DC: Friday, June 22, to Tuesday, June 26, 2001 - AORN Goes To Washington - Cover Story

AORN Journal, Sept, 2001 by Brenda S. Gregory Dawes

An overwhelming enthusiasm was exhibited June 22 through June 26, 2001, when more than 400 perioperative nurses congregated in Washington, DC, to participate in the AORN Goes to Washington event, which included the RNFA Forum, Leadership Conference, Federal Affairs Conference, and Lobby Day. Nurses participated in education sessions and networking activities and visited with their state representatives on Capitol Hill. AORN chapter presidents learned creative leadership, motivational skills, and strategies to use during their terms in office.

FORUM PROVIDES EDUCATION AND NETWORKING

Clinical and management education sessions were presented during the forum for RN first assistants (RNFAs) June 22 through June 24. Topics of interest included

* complementary and alternative therapies;

* legal and risk management;

* payment options and billing;

* cardiothoracic, vascular, and general surgery patient assessment;

* research and ethics;

* pharmacology;

* collaborative and independent practice needs;

* negotiation; and

* AORN's conceptual model for perioperative patient care.

Networking by geographic region and by RFNA specialty practice was organized so participants could share and learn from each other about legislative issues, patient care needs, and RNFA practices. Some topics discussed included billing strategies, Medicare limitations, and technology changes. During the RNFA Specialty Assembly meeting, which was presided over by governing council chair Patrice Spera, RN, MS, CNOR, CRNFA, members reported on the status of their specialty assembly projects.

On June 23, Patricia T. Montoya, RN, MPA, stimulated the group during her dinner presentation titled, "The New Millennium, the 2000 Election: What it Means for Nursing and Health Care." Montoya is an independent consultant. She previously served six years in former President Clinton's administration. At varying times during her career she worked as a staff nurse in pediatrics and the emergency room, as a school nurse, and in management positions. She reminded attendees that what they are as nurses they carry with them everywhere. She complimented nurses on being the glue of health care and for maintaining the highest ethics, and she thanked them for being what they are for patients everywhere.

Montoya also focused on forces that will drive future decision making and force difficult decisions (eg, elimination of boundaries, collaboration, deinstitutionalization). Her humorous and honest impressions of the 2000 election and comparisons of the candidates' views were reminders of the future we can expect. Her examples and descriptions reinforced the most valuable lesson of the election--every vote counts.

LEADERS IDENTIFY SKILLS

On Sunday, June 24, Cynthia D'Amour, president of People Power Unlimited, provided building blocks of leadership during an afternoon presentation for chapter presidents and other attendees. The momentum built after D'Amour helped AORN members identify the jobs of leaders and the skills needed to accomplish their responsibilities. She emphasized ways to motivate others while governing and managing groups as she led practice sessions on leadership skills. Individuals described ways they tap into motivators for the new generation of nurses and practices they have implemented to encourage participation. Participants learned key components and how to plan attractive meetings to stimulate attendance and involvement from others.

FEDERAL AFFAIRS CONFERENCE AND LOBBY DAY

On Monday, June 25, a breakfast attended by more than 300 people marked the start of AORN's well-attended Federal Affairs Conference and Lobby Day activities. AORN President Sheila Allen, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, moderated the day-long Federal Affairs Conference. That same day, an advertisement in Roll Call, the official daily newspaper of the US Congress, disseminated information about the presence of perioperative nurses on Capitol Hill to support certified RNFA (CRNFA) Medicare reimbursement, maintenance of prescriptive language requiring RNs in the OR, and dealing with nursing shortage issues.

Speakers provided a variety of viewpoints and information for attendees to use as they planned meetings with their senators and representatives. Rep Lois Capps (D-Calif), a co-sponsor of HR 822, the Medicare CRNFA Direct Reimbursement Act of 2001, shared her message via videotape about the importance of reaching out and helping legislators understand nursing activities and patient care from a perioperative nurse's perspective. She encouraged attendees to be proud and aware that they are experts and to share that expertise with others. Erin McKeon, associate director of government affairs for the American Nursing Association (ANA), discussed ANA federal lobbying activities and the staffing crisis lobby day that the ANA was sponsoring on June 26. Mary Wakefield, RN, PhD, FAAN, outlined public policy arenas in which perioperative nurses must be heard, and she discussed the need for AORN's strong presence in Washington, DC. Melody M. Mena, RN, CNOR, described her journey to convince Rep Mac Collins (R-Ga) to sponsor the CRNFA Medicare reimbursement bill. She successfully accomplished her goal, as he introduced the bill in 2000 and again in 2001. Nancey McCann, director of government relations for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, provided a description of political action committees (PACs) and the importance of PACs to meet association goals. Mary Pat Couig, RN, MPH, FAAN, rear admiral, chief nurse officer of the Public Health Service for the US Department of Health and Human Services, described federal health programs affecting perioperative nursing and the administration of laws after they are passed by Congress. Karen Sealander, JD, AORN's legislative counsel, and Maggie Mitchell, associate legislative director from McDermott, Will, and Emery, then described the agenda for members of the 107th Congress and talking points on HR 822. They also made suggestions for congressional visits and provided other information to help attendees prepare for their visits to Capitol Hill.