AORN Congress 2003 delegate report
Beth Parker
A big hug and Hello to all members.
I definitely feel renewed. I am so glad Claire has already sent us such a wonderful report. Her comments reflect how I feel as well. I do not know how I survived being up at 0500 almost every morning for a breakfast CEU and then off to sleep at 2300 or 0100; but I did and the whole week was “AWESOME”.
I must speak of the weather and parties first. I cannot believe I was there at the last to look over the lake and “Miggs Field”. It was sunny, warm and breezy when I took a break and went outside McCormick Place on Thursday. I just took in the view, felt the warmth and pondered life. I was very proud to be from Chicago and very grateful for all Chicago has offered my family and I over these past 25 years. I am still in shock with the Mayor’s plan.
Chicago also offered some great fun during the week. Night time found myself, Nancy Bizup and Suzette enjoying Nicks Fist Market and Johnson and Johnson’s “Rocking Thru the Ages” at Navy Pier — along with 6000 + others. The very best evening was at the House of Blues I have not felt so “groovy” for many years. The band was “The American English.” They play Beatles music and they ROCKED for 2 hours. I was ROCKIN too! What great fun our children must have at those concerts. I definitely am missing out.
The best report is that we now have 2 National representatives from Il. Bill Duffy is President-Elect and Kathy O’Toole is on the Board of Directors. Our representation is growing and it is a good feeling. I know that this year and next National will be working for the Chapters trying to help with dwindling attendance. That is great news.
The ICORN meeting centered around the bill in the Il Legislature to license the techs. I have not heard any news as yet. We must know what is going on with this. AORN National has hired a Lobbyist. We will be asked to write letters.
I was proud to be a Delegate and attend all those “Forums”. Thank you for sending me. I was proud to be one of the 7000 + peiOperative Registered Nurses. I am happy to be able to recert this year with all those CEU’s.
Let’s keep our title of “Patient Advocate” strong, and our goal of “Patient Safety First” always at the forefront of our practice.
We all need to be proud of who we are — what we stand for.