Congress opens with flair
The spirit of St Patrick was alive and well at Monday's Congress Opening Session, where attendees decked out in green feather boas and shamrock-adorned scarves watched the spirited Trinity Academy of Irish Dancers and listened to the Emerald Society of Bagpipe Band. As the bagpipe music waned, an off-stage voice announced AORN President, Susan K. Banschbach, RN, MSN, CNOR, whose entrance spurred everyone to their feet and to clap along to her processional music, Jefferson Starship's "Nothing Can Stop Us Now."
AORN military members walk in the processional
at Opening Session.
With the energy in the hall growing, Banschbach introduced the many distinguished guests whose processional inspired standing ovations, hoots, and hollers. Those honored in the processional included members of the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee, Past Presidents, the Foundation Board of Trustees, the US military, and many others. After the introductions, Banschbach premiered a video about the significance of perioperative nursing, which will be aired in edited versions in national television spots. The end of the video cued Banschbach to officially declare the 56th AORN Congress in session.
Reverend Howard Kusler gave the invocation. Afterwards, the Chicago Fire Department Color Guard presented the colors, and then Lisa Kwasigroch, RN, MSN, CNOR, from the AORN Chicago Chapter sang the national anthem. The hall was silent as the Color Guard exited the room, appropriately transitioning the session to an in memoriam presentation to honor members and colleagues who had passed away in the previous year.
At the conclusion of the memoriam, Donna Preisler took the stage to discuss her position as the 2009 Congress Volunteer Coordinator. "At my first Congress, I was awestruck as I walked into that huge arena and saw the nearly 5,000 people who loved perioperative nursing all gathered together for the Opening Session," she said. "At that time, I had no idea of the amount of work that was necessary to prepare for that event. This morning, I am much more aware."
Preisler described the week's events, including the more than 80 education sessions; poster sessions; the "invigorating" general sessions; and special events such as the Next Generation Happy Hour, Student and Faculty Program, and Perioperative QuizBowl. As she left the stage, Banschbach asked the more than 1,200 volunteers who served as liaisons, members of national committees, task forces, grassroots activities, specialty assembly governing councils, and the editorial board. She also took a moment to honor AORN colleagues and guests from the Nursing Alliance and international nursing organizations.
"It is truly rewarding to interact with perioperative colleagues across the globe," Banschbach said. "I have been privileged to network and share our many similarities and have been energized by our diversity. We are especially pleased to have with us nursing colleagues from around the world."
International visitors at this year's Congress can be recognized by the red, white, and blue ribbons they wear. Ms Banschbach invited attendees to take the time to "give a very warm welcome" to AORN's international visitors.
"It is through collaboration, commitment, competency, and a deep sense of partnership that contribute to the high level functioning of the surgical team," Banschbach said by way of introducing representatives from "our surgical team members." One by one, she called Jackie Rowles, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists; Thomas Russell, executive director of the American College of Surgeons; Becky Patton, RN, MSN, CNOR, president of the American Nurses Association; John Thorner, executive vice president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists; and Sherri Alexander, president of the Association of Surgical Technologists to the stage to address Congress.
Each surgical team member stressed the goal they share with AORN members: ensuring patient safety. Most of the speakers also discussed teamwork and respect in the OR and its contribution to patient safety. Alexander presented Banschbach with a piece of glass art featuring this year's theme, "Embrace the Future," which Banschbach said would be hung in a place of honor at AORN Headquarters.
Nancy Lilliott, RN, MSN, CRNFA, CNOR, president of the Competency & Credentialing Institute, began her address to Congress with a demonstration, asking all of the members with a CRNFA or CNOR to stand-demonstrating how many certified professionals were in attendance. She noted that there are more than 1,500 professionals with CRNFA certifications and more than 32,000 with CNOR. She invited those members with either certification to enjoy the CCI Oasis room through Thursday, where they can network, snack, and enjoy a short massage.
Banschbach took the podium again and offered personal thanks and recognition to her colleagues in the Northeastern Oklahoma Chapter, who stood to be recognized. She also invited the more than 1,200 first-time Congress attendees to stand, saying "we are glad to have you with us this week." She thanked Molnlycke for sponsoring the First Time Attendee Orientation that was held on Sunday. "This orientation provides valuable networking opportunities that help these new attendees get the most out of their first Congress," she said.
In lieu of announcing all of this year's award winners, Banschbach showed a video of the Awards Dinner that was held Sunday night. She also noted that the winners are featured on the Awards Display in the Central Concourse near the AORN Bookstore.
At Banschbach's invitation, Matt Gattuso, Tim Moram, and Ken Donlon of Covidien, the AORN platinum sponsor, came to the stage to be recognized. Covidien pledged $750,000 to the AORN Foundation Endowment Campaign last year, and Banschbach thanked them on behalf of AORN and the Foundation.
On a personal note, Banschbach invited Devina Howard to the stage to thank her for the support she received from her and her colleagues at St Francis Hospital. "In addition to all of you," Banschbach said, gesturing to the room, "I have a number of people I wish to thank for their support, encouragement, and love. None of us succeed without the generosity of many people, and I am indebted to so many of you." With that, she introduced and thanked her family members, including her husband, daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren, son, and sister.
In closing, Banschbach again welcomed everyone to the 56th Congress, the "pinnacle of the year for AORN." She talked about the past year's theme, "Embrace the Future," and said how significant it turned out to be, with the profound "drama and changes of the year," including the 2008 Presidential Election, the current economic crisis, corruption, bailouts, and the "war born of terrorism."
"I have learned, however, that perioperative nurses do not respond to crisis with hand wringing and hopelessness," she said. "They respond with fortitude and begin to look for new ways to continue on the path of success in designing the preferred future for AORN. … These are times when less prepared organizations are failing, but where AORN is setting priorities and looking to growth. I learned that the united voice of nursing can and will be heard as this country designs its recovery."
"As my presidency ends this week, I want you to know how proud I am to represent this association and the energy of this membership," she continued. "You gave me far more than you can imagine. Thank you, and take advantage of this week to foster your professional growth, network with colleagues, laugh, and dance, and make lifetime friends."
Read more stories in Tuesday's edition.
Back to Congress News home.
AORN military members walk in the processional
at Opening Session.
With the energy in the hall growing, Banschbach introduced the many distinguished guests whose processional inspired standing ovations, hoots, and hollers. Those honored in the processional included members of the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee, Past Presidents, the Foundation Board of Trustees, the US military, and many others. After the introductions, Banschbach premiered a video about the significance of perioperative nursing, which will be aired in edited versions in national television spots. The end of the video cued Banschbach to officially declare the 56th AORN Congress in session.
Reverend Howard Kusler gave the invocation. Afterwards, the Chicago Fire Department Color Guard presented the colors, and then Lisa Kwasigroch, RN, MSN, CNOR, from the AORN Chicago Chapter sang the national anthem. The hall was silent as the Color Guard exited the room, appropriately transitioning the session to an in memoriam presentation to honor members and colleagues who had passed away in the previous year.
At the conclusion of the memoriam, Donna Preisler took the stage to discuss her position as the 2009 Congress Volunteer Coordinator. "At my first Congress, I was awestruck as I walked into that huge arena and saw the nearly 5,000 people who loved perioperative nursing all gathered together for the Opening Session," she said. "At that time, I had no idea of the amount of work that was necessary to prepare for that event. This morning, I am much more aware."
Preisler described the week's events, including the more than 80 education sessions; poster sessions; the "invigorating" general sessions; and special events such as the Next Generation Happy Hour, Student and Faculty Program, and Perioperative QuizBowl. As she left the stage, Banschbach asked the more than 1,200 volunteers who served as liaisons, members of national committees, task forces, grassroots activities, specialty assembly governing councils, and the editorial board. She also took a moment to honor AORN colleagues and guests from the Nursing Alliance and international nursing organizations.
"It is truly rewarding to interact with perioperative colleagues across the globe," Banschbach said. "I have been privileged to network and share our many similarities and have been energized by our diversity. We are especially pleased to have with us nursing colleagues from around the world."
International visitors at this year's Congress can be recognized by the red, white, and blue ribbons they wear. Ms Banschbach invited attendees to take the time to "give a very warm welcome" to AORN's international visitors.
"It is through collaboration, commitment, competency, and a deep sense of partnership that contribute to the high level functioning of the surgical team," Banschbach said by way of introducing representatives from "our surgical team members." One by one, she called Jackie Rowles, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists; Thomas Russell, executive director of the American College of Surgeons; Becky Patton, RN, MSN, CNOR, president of the American Nurses Association; John Thorner, executive vice president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists; and Sherri Alexander, president of the Association of Surgical Technologists to the stage to address Congress.
Each surgical team member stressed the goal they share with AORN members: ensuring patient safety. Most of the speakers also discussed teamwork and respect in the OR and its contribution to patient safety. Alexander presented Banschbach with a piece of glass art featuring this year's theme, "Embrace the Future," which Banschbach said would be hung in a place of honor at AORN Headquarters.
Nancy Lilliott, RN, MSN, CRNFA, CNOR, president of the Competency & Credentialing Institute, began her address to Congress with a demonstration, asking all of the members with a CRNFA or CNOR to stand-demonstrating how many certified professionals were in attendance. She noted that there are more than 1,500 professionals with CRNFA certifications and more than 32,000 with CNOR. She invited those members with either certification to enjoy the CCI Oasis room through Thursday, where they can network, snack, and enjoy a short massage.
Banschbach took the podium again and offered personal thanks and recognition to her colleagues in the Northeastern Oklahoma Chapter, who stood to be recognized. She also invited the more than 1,200 first-time Congress attendees to stand, saying "we are glad to have you with us this week." She thanked Molnlycke for sponsoring the First Time Attendee Orientation that was held on Sunday. "This orientation provides valuable networking opportunities that help these new attendees get the most out of their first Congress," she said.
In lieu of announcing all of this year's award winners, Banschbach showed a video of the Awards Dinner that was held Sunday night. She also noted that the winners are featured on the Awards Display in the Central Concourse near the AORN Bookstore.
At Banschbach's invitation, Matt Gattuso, Tim Moram, and Ken Donlon of Covidien, the AORN platinum sponsor, came to the stage to be recognized. Covidien pledged $750,000 to the AORN Foundation Endowment Campaign last year, and Banschbach thanked them on behalf of AORN and the Foundation.
On a personal note, Banschbach invited Devina Howard to the stage to thank her for the support she received from her and her colleagues at St Francis Hospital. "In addition to all of you," Banschbach said, gesturing to the room, "I have a number of people I wish to thank for their support, encouragement, and love. None of us succeed without the generosity of many people, and I am indebted to so many of you." With that, she introduced and thanked her family members, including her husband, daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren, son, and sister.
In closing, Banschbach again welcomed everyone to the 56th Congress, the "pinnacle of the year for AORN." She talked about the past year's theme, "Embrace the Future," and said how significant it turned out to be, with the profound "drama and changes of the year," including the 2008 Presidential Election, the current economic crisis, corruption, bailouts, and the "war born of terrorism."
"I have learned, however, that perioperative nurses do not respond to crisis with hand wringing and hopelessness," she said. "They respond with fortitude and begin to look for new ways to continue on the path of success in designing the preferred future for AORN. … These are times when less prepared organizations are failing, but where AORN is setting priorities and looking to growth. I learned that the united voice of nursing can and will be heard as this country designs its recovery."
"As my presidency ends this week, I want you to know how proud I am to represent this association and the energy of this membership," she continued. "You gave me far more than you can imagine. Thank you, and take advantage of this week to foster your professional growth, network with colleagues, laugh, and dance, and make lifetime friends."
Read more stories in Tuesday's edition.
Back to Congress News home.