Planning for the future - President's Message

AORN Journal,  March, 2003  by Donna S. Watson

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AORN's vision statement says "AORN is the global leader in promoting excellence in perioperative nursing practice." (1) This statement served as the North Star for AORN's Board of Directors as they determined the past year's strategic initiatives and activities.

When I assumed the position of AORN President, I accepted this honor and responsibility knowing that I wanted to make a difference for the perioperative nurses I serve and for surgical patients. In my first "President's Message," I shared the strategic direction of and input from the Board of Directors. Now, at the end of my term, I would like to share with you some of my personal goals for the Association during the past year.

GOVERNANCE

Effective and efficient governance is critical for the survival of any association. AORN has a rich history of visionary leaders who serve on the Board of Directors and as leaders of local chapters, national committees, specialty assembly councils, state councils, and other committees and task forces. The Association has strong leaders, and, along with the AORN Board of Directors, their activities during the past year contributed to ensuring strong leadership development at both the local and national level.

The Board of Directors began the year by taking the Keirsey Temperament Sorter assessment. The purpose was to understand individual differences in information gathering and decision making. This was effective for recognizing individual participation styles and functioning as a team. I feel this assessment was very effective in enhancing the Board's communication, effectiveness, and productivity as a team.

One of the most successful governance initiatives was the Leadership Series. This two-part series started with a pre-Congress session on the "Nuts and Bolts of Chapter Leadership." The successful session, which was led by Louis Benson, PhD, provided incoming chapter presidents, chapter delegates, committee chairs, state council representatives, and other interested members an opportunity to discuss key strategies for planning a successful year related to Association activities.

The second part of the Leadership Series was intended to build on the basics of the pre-Congress session, take a broader view of global issues in nursing, and look at how individuals can make changes and a difference at the local level. This occurred during the Leadership Conference in Denver when 250 perioperative leaders from across the country addressed such critical issues as patient safety, the nursing shortage, and recruitment and retention. The goal of providing coaching for the Association's leaders was achieved, which is exemplified by participant remarks, including

   Most effective
   meeting
   I've attended.
   Received
   tools that
   will help me
   to be a
   motivational
   chapter
   president. I
   truly believe that this will
   help our chapter to move
   forward and be a vibrant
   chapter. Thank you!

Another attendee commented,

   I want to thank you for the
   opportunity to come to
   Denver and participate in
   the Leadership Conference.
   It has been a highlight in
   my career. As I become
   chapter president I feel better
   equipped to handle the
   task that lies ahead. Providing
   leadership is a priority
   for the Association.

As your President, I have listened closely to your issues and concerns and acted accordingly. Many members' enthusiastic remarks during the Leadership Conference included that the Association should continue momentum among grassroots members. This idea has developed into an ongoing leadership series. In October 2002, under the direction of Kendra Keene, AORN's chapter coordinator, the Association launched a highly successful continuation of leadership development titled "Developing the Leader in You: AORN Leadership Series," which is a monthly audio conference program for AORN chapter presidents, state council chairs, specialty assembly chairs, and national committee chairs. Held the first Wednesday of each month, the audio conferences feature one-hour presentations by AORN members; some even provide a continuing education contact hour. Programs to date include

* "Building Teams" by Janet A. Lewis, RN, MA, CNOR;

* "Leadership in a Safety Culture" by Brenda S. Gregory Dawes, RN, MSN, CNOR;

* "The Future of Nursing" by Vivian Watson, RN, CNOR; and

* chapter networking sessions, facilitated by Jane Alcock, RN, BSN, CNOR, AORN's

Membership Committee chair. If you are interested in participating in a program or conducting a program or would like to offer suggestions, please contact Kendra Keene at (800) 755-2676 x 250.

REPRESENTATION

Another of my personal goals was to maintain and enhance opportunities for the AORN Board of Directors to interact with leadership groups and grassroots members of the Association. Occasions for growth and development for the Board of Directors included various opportunities to represent AORN on Association business.

President-elect Betty Shultz, RN, CNOR, initiated the pilot program on chapter visits in early 2002, and this program continued throughout the year. Board members have completed 30 chapter visits.