AORN’s First House of Delegates held in person since Nashville, TN kicked off with a warm welcome from AORN President Holly Ervine. State reporters announced delegates seated in the room and lively state anecdotes to great applause. Members successfully adopted the House of Delegates rules and agenda using new voting technology this year, which will also be used during the Second House of Delegates on Wednesday.
Jeffrey Keane, Chair of the 2021-22 Nominating Committee, presented the Nominating Committee report and the national ballot for open positions for the 2022 national ballot. Voting for the candidates remains open through midnight, March 22.
AORN’s Treasurer Nakeisha Archer then presented the Treasurer’s report, highlighting AORN’s recovery in 2021 from the financial stress related to the pandemic in 2020. 2021 was AORN’s 13th year in a row of positive income, with reserves at their highest level ever of $21 million, and expectations for AORN’s combined companies’ 2022 revenues to grow from $36 million to $37 million.
Next, attendees heard from James Cousin, AORN’s CFO and Chief Diversity Officer, about AORN’s recent accomplishments related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The board approved AORN’s DEI plan in July of 2020 to highlight the association’s plans to make meaningful impact in seven key areas – membership, patient outcomes, community, AORN’s board of directors, the AORN Foundation, headquarters staff and leadership, and the LGBTQ+ community. Some of the key accomplishments in the past year include:
- AORN members adopted a Position Statement on Health Care Equity and Racial Justice
- Numerous DEI educational programs, DEI posters and articles here at Expo 2022
- Marked increase in diversity in AORN membership, the board of directors, and among headquarters staff
In addition, AORN’s DEI efforts in the community have affected over 2,000 lives since 2020, as both staff and members donated to impact lives with food drives and backpacks for black and Latino elementary students in underserved communities.
Looking forward, AORN’s DEI initiatives will continue meaningful efforts toward improving scholarship opportunities for minority applicants, increasing diversity in AORN staff and elected leadership, increasing educational programs, opportunities, and Journal resources, and working to improve outcomes for transgender patients.
AORN’s Second House of Delegates will be Wednesday, March 23, and members may attend virtually or in person.
