AORN Presidents Share the Podium

Wyatt sums up his term and Ervine looks to the future.

President Wyatt

In his parting speech to members, AORN President David Wyatt, PhD, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, reminded the House of Delegates of a quote he used in 2020 when he accepted the President’s Gavel. It was an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This, said Wyatt, summed up his term of office in a year that most people will remember for the challenges. “I will remember it for the lessons I have learned. I am confident that the AORN I cherish is stronger and more prepared for an extraordinary future.”

Wyatt highlighted several accomplishments of the association during his 2020-2021 term, including new partnerships and collaborations with several professional societies.

Other 2020-2021 achievements included:

• a strategic roadmap for Perioperative Nursing Research for developing initiatives to be used by AORN as well as future Board leadership for developing initiatives to enhance and increase perioperative nursing research
• the Taskforce on the Role of the DNP explored how the role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice can enhance and support perioperative nursing practice to promote the profession of nursing and advancing practice
• the Board’s revision of the association’s mission, vision, and values to ensure alignment with what is important to perioperative nurses
• the development of a Comprehensive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan that focused on AORN values that are exhibited in all aspects of the association

President Ervine

Holly Ervine, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNOR, is AORN president for the 2021-2022 term. In her speech to the members, Ervine highlighted her commitment to advocacy and urged perioperative nurses to “take a stand” by advocating for themselves, their patients, and for the profession.

“To take a stand for yourself, it may mean identifying unsafe on-call practices, or recognizing bullying and incivility in the workplace,” said Ervine. “Stand up for safe practice and advocate for your patients when they are unable to speak for themselves.” Ervine also recommended taking a stand for the profession and emphasized the opportunities to support the AORN Policy Agenda which is established by the board of directors. The AORN Government Affairs team pursues the Policy Agenda’s goals in legislative and regulatory arenas nationwide. 

As news of Global Surgical Conference & Expo in New Orleans begins to roll out, Ervine’s event theme, Advocacy: Take a Stand, will be seen in promotional materials. Those members with a sharp eye may notice a hidden ladybug in ads for Expo. The ladybug holds a special place in Ervine’s heart as it was her father’s nickname for her as a child. “He called me ‘bug,’ short for ladybug. Its most common representation, she said, is good luck, great fortune, love, and protection. 

To view Wyatt and Ervine’s speeches along with the other AORN Business sessions, visit https://www.aorn.org/delegates.