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

The enthusiasm was exhilarating as attendees confirmed their appointments with congressional representatives and planned presentations. Joanne Cimorrelli, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, delivered an emotional thank you to her colleagues for their participation. Cimorrelli told those present that she could not be any more appreciative of the support RNFAs are receiving for this bill from all AORN members. She expressed the passion she has felt about this issue since 1995. In 1997, she was one of 16 Lobby Day attendees seeking support for CRNFA Medicare reimbursement. She now realizes the extent to which support has grown. Cimorrelli says, "It was exciting then, but today, enough gratitude cannot be expressed."

ON THE HILL

On Tuesday morning, buses transported more than 300 AORN members to Capitol Hill for a continental breakfast and visits to congressional offices. The breakfast in the Russell Senate Office Building honored Rep Collins for his efforts on behalf of HR 822 and his support of perioperative nursing. President Allen introduced and recognized Mena for her persistence in obtaining support for the bill. Mena then introduced the eight other nurses from Georgia including Christine Thomas, RN; Angela Barnard, RN, CNOR, CRNFA; Gretchen Boling, RN, CNOR; Michelle Byrne, RN, MS, PhD, CNOR; Diane Franklin, RN, CNOR; Susan Beacham, RN; Vicki Franklin, RN, CNOR; and Barbara Wilson, RN, CNOR, CRNFA, who aided in this effort. President Allen presented Rep Collins with a plaque on behalf of AORN that reads, "In appreciation for and recognition of your dedicated leadership on behalf of perioperative nurses and surgical patients." He received a standing ovation from AORN members. Rep Collins stated that he is very confident that nurses will win in this endeavor and referred to the initiative as "an operation to win for a tremendous issue." He commended the dedication and perseverance of perioperative nurses as members continued to recognize his support.

Nurses left the building for a group photo in front of the Capitol before visiting staff members representing more than 200 members of the House of Representatives and 80 members of the Senate, as well as nearly 100 representatives and 25 senators themselves. As a result of these meetings, AORN added more than 37 additional cosponsors to HR 822 and obtained commitments from many legislators to write the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly the Health Care Finance Administration) to support AORN's position to maintain prescriptive language requiting RNs in the OR.

BRENDA S. GREGORY DAWES
RN, MSN, CNOR

EDITOR