The value of association and enhancing ease of access

AORN Journal, Sept, 2004 by William J. Duffy

I think "A" is the most important letter in the AORN alphabet. It stands for Association, which comes from the root word associate. Associate is the act of coming together as a partner, friend, or companion. (1) believe partner, friend, or companion truly describes our relationships with each other as perioperative nurses and AORN colleagues. Despite the diversity of our practice or the challenges of working in different practice environments, we find ways to overlook or overcome the differences that surround us to find the common bond that ties us together.

For more than 50 years, AORN members have used their ability to focus on their similarities to develop relationships that have resulted in perioperative nurses speaking in a unified voice. This chorus of many voices with one message has advanced the status of our profession as well as its impact. AORN long has been known as a force in the nursing profession, and I believe that comes, in part, from our connections to each other--connections that result from networking on both the local and national levels. This is the special strength of AORN.

Unfortunately, relationships take time and commitment to maintain and nurture. In today's society, that commitment may result in a difficult choice for some. There are so many distractions for our time and so many pressures on us that the temptation to retreat into our own personal, professional practice zone becomes ever more appealing.

I know a little about some of these challenges. I am father to three very athletic daughters who play summer and winter sports, and it is a constant challenge for my wife and me to orchestrate our chauffeuring and coaching commitments and our commitments to AORN. Many times I wonder how single parents accomplish it all. Work provides no relief either. Today's workplace environment is so focused on productivity that every minute seems allocated. Free time away from work seems a distant memory, and in the health care environment, that trend is not abating.

MAINTAINING CONNECTIVITY

The current environment in our professional and personal lives has stirred debate within AORN about how members can maintain their connectivity to the Association while also reducing pressures associated with connecting with AORN in the traditional manner. I want to revisit several words in the previous sentence, starting with "debate." I use the word debate because some members strongly believe that perioperative nurses need to choose to commit their time to advancing the cause of the profession. To others it is not so clear a choice as they struggle with their desire to advance the profession and the pressures of taking their children to soccer practice or piano lessons or the need to just go home and relax after a hard day of professional practice. I am comfortable with the word debate because it reflects the beauty of AORN--that we are a chorus of voices trying to find a common theme.

Another word I would like to revisit is "maintain." I do not believe any of our members or potential members consider that associating with each other has no value. Sometimes in a debate, statements are made that hint at extreme positions. This is common because parties are advocating for change. If these members do not receive positive feedback, they may drift out to the fringe until they leave AORN altogether. The key to preventing this from happening is to find ways for these members to meet their personal and professional commitments without feeling guilty or somehow less adequate than other members who are able to make more of a commitment to AORN. In other words, we have to find some common ground that maintains the traditions of AORN as we incorporate new ways for members to associate.

Finally, the last words in the sentence are "traditional manner." The traditional manner of associating with AORN has been via the chapter structure. I want to be very clear that I love my chapter, and I really like the chapter structure. I grew up in AORN through the wonderful support of my chapter in Chicago. I do not want to see it go away, and I will work hard to continue its viability.

I also know, however, that although this model has worked for more than 50 years, different generations may want to try a model with which they may be more comfortable. I am okay with that. I think AORN can have both. The Association may look a little different, but the key point is that members are trying to find a way for their voices to be heard in the jungle of time pressures and multigenerational workforces. Nurses are known for accepting diversity, and I think it is time we consider adding some diversity to our Association structure.

ASSOCIATING WITHIN AORN

There is not just one right way to associate within AORN. Members of the House of Delegates recognized this when they passed a resolution at the 2004 AORN Congress to look at alternative membership structure and chapter affiliation.

Having several different member access models would allow AORN to encourage more members who can be a positive influence on the perioperative nursing profession to join. I would like to maintain membership in a chapter because that is where I am comfortable. One of my friends, however, may be more interested in something else. She still believes she is serving AORN and the profession, and that is all AORN can ask of any nurse.