Invite a new member into the association

AORN Journal, Oct, 2005 by Kevin J. Metzing

As chair of the AORN National Membership Committee, I wish I had written "Benefits of professional nursing organization membership" (vol 82, July 2005). Kaeryn Frank, RN, CNOR, makes some wonderful points in her article. Most importantly, I hope every reader took to heart her point that "membership in a professional association also gives nurses, including perioperative nurses, an opportunity to be in control of their professional destiny." (1(p13))

Through AORN membership, we are given a voice in our profession. We are able to influence the health care environment, affect patient outcomes, and improve conditions for ourselves at our facilities. By attending AORN-sponsored education seminars, networking with other members to exchange ideas, and taking full advantage of all the products and benefits of the Association, we become active, informed members. This is the message we must spread to our nonmember colleagues and associates.

One goal for Sharon McNamara, RN, MS, CNOR, President of AORN, is to increase Association membership by 3,000 members this year. Each one of us can help achieve this goal by encouraging other nurses, students, and industry representatives to join AORN. If you don't know what to say to convince potential members, tear out pages 13 and 14 of the July Journal and have a membership application ready. Your associate can read for himself or herself about the opportunities available to access information, network with experts, and make use of all the resources and benefits that come with AORN membership.

I challenge each of you who knows the value of membership to invite and welcome one new member into the Association this year. With increased membership numbers comes strength, as well as recognition from other professionals. Let's all commit to making our total membership soar this year to make AORN the best possible association for perioperative nurses!

KEVIN J. METZING

RN, BS, CNOR

NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIR

Note

(1.) K Frank, "Benefits of professional nursing organization membership," (Guest Editorial) AORN Journal 82 (July 2005) 13-14.