AORN Announces Congress Dates and Activities

DENVER, CO-The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) will hold its annual Congress in New Orleans, April 2-6, 2000. This year's theme, Partners in Care - 50 Years of Magic, salutes AORN's 50th anniversary. AORN National President, Patricia C. Seifert, RN, MSN, CNOR, explains, "AORN has played a pivotal role in providing education, representation, and standards that enhance surgical patient care. The magic of perioperative nursing is evident in the combination of technical skills and caring that form the foundation for humane and effective practice. This ongoing combination of compassion and skill is reflected by AORN members in our collaborative partnerships with patients and colleagues in the clinical, educational, business, and policy arenas."

AORN Congress attendees will be choosing from more than 70 educational sessions within the conference's five days and will have the opportunity to hear the following keynote speakers: Cathy Ray, RN, MS; Patricia Scott Schroeder, BA, JD; General Colin L. Powell, USA (ret.); Virginia Trotter Betts, RN, MSN, JD; and W. Mitchell. Ray currently anchors the news at the Las Vegas ABC television network affiliate. She has received several broadcasting awards for health reporting and will discuss how perioperative nurses can gain the media's attention to promote their profession. Schroeder served 24 years in the House of Representatives and will share her knowledge of the policymaking process. Powell served in the US military earning the rank of General and will offer his insights on managing crisis and change. Betts is the senior advisor on nursing and policy to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services and past president of the American Nurses Association. She will speak about the existing US healthcare system and how it relates to current health needs and quality care. Mitchell hosts the closing session of the Congress referencing his book, It's Not What Happens to You, It's What You Do About It, in which he states the importance of taking responsibility for change, overcoming obstacles and obtaining your goals.

In addition to the educational aspects of the Congress, AORN and the AORN Foundation are building a house with Habitat for Humanity, sponsoring a 5K run/walk, and offering research poster reviewing sessions where participants may obtain up to 2.4 contact hours. The AORN Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable and education foundation that encourages quality patient care through scholarships and grants. The Foundation recently appointed a new Director, Joan M. Blick, to be responsible for all fundraising programs and grants. Blick has 20 years of experience in academic and healthcare fundraising to assist her in her new position.