CHAPTER MEMBER ORIENTATION PACKET

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses

History………………………………………………………………….3

AORN – A Tradition of Excellence………………………………......3

Philosophy and Objectives …………………………………………..3

Organizational Structure ……………………………………………..3

Membership Structure ………………………………………………….4

Infrastructure ………………………………………………………4, 5

Austin Area Association of perioOperative Registered Nurses History ………………………………………………………………………….5

Officers and Board of Directors ……………………………………….6

President
   President-Elect
   Vice President
   Secretary
   Treasurer
   Board Members
   Board of Directors

Delegates to AORN Congress …………………………………………6

First time Congress Attendee ………………………………………….7

Award of Excellence in periOperative Nursing ……………………….7

Scholarships ……………………………………………………………7

Program/Education Committee ………………………………………..7

Seminar/Workshop Ad Hoc Committee ……………………………….7

Bylaws/Policy Committee ……………………………………………..7

Chapter Newsletter …………………………………………………….7

Legislative Committee …………………………………………………8

Public Relations Committee ……………………………………………8

Chapter Membership …………………………………………………...8

Chapter Membership Eligibility …………………………………….8

Student Membership ………………………………………………...8

Retired Membership …………………………………………………8

Associate Membership ………………………………………………8

Dues …………………………………………………………………9

Chapter Meetings ………………………………………………………9

PeriOperative Nurse Week …………………………………………….9

Texas Council of Operating Room Nurses (TCORN) …………………9

ASSOCIATION OF PeriOPERATIVE REGISTERED NURSES

HISTORY

AORN-A Tradition of Excellence

Surgical patients around the world depend on the skills and knowledge of perioperative

registered nurses. Perioperative nursing practice is defined as “those activities performed by the professional registered nurse in the pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative phases of the patient’s surgical experience”.

AORN is the professional organization of perioperative registered nurses whose mission is to promote quality patient care by providing its members with education, standards, services, and representation. AORN is composed of approximately 40,000 prioperative nurses in the United States and abroad who manage, teach, and practice perioperative nursing; who are enrolled in nursing education, and who are engaged in perioperative research.

Members are the heart of AORN. AORN’s emphasis on leadership and member participation is the key to its success. Individuals are asked to participate in AORN in many ways: House of Delegates, state councils, national committees and task forces, specialty assembly leadership and chapter offices.

Philosophy and Objectives

AORN is a voluntary organization of professional registered nurses concerned with prioperative patient care.

The Association believes:

· that nursing is a social institution that provides essential and significant health care services to meet evolving societal needs,

· that nurses must be ethical, responsible, and accountable for quality patient care,

· that research should be the foundation for perioperative nursing practice,

· that learning is a lifelong process and that perioperative nurses assume responsibility for their ongoing education,

· that standards of nursing pratice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and appropriate resourse unilization enhance the practice,

· that the organization activities should be structured to anticipate and meet society’s health needs.

Organizational Structure

The highest governing authority is the House of Delegates. Local chapters name delegates to the House, which meets twice during the annual AORN Congress. Members-at-large have a designated number of delegates. Decisions made by the House guide the National Board of Directors.

The House of Delegates elects seven members to the Board of Directors, as well as the President, President-elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five members of the Nominating Committee. The Board of Directors employs an Executive Director to administer the activities of the Association and direct the Headquarters staff according to policies established by the Board and directives voted by the House.

Membership Structure

Active Member

Any registered nurse who is engaged in practice as defined by perioperative nursing. Members help set standards for practice, determine the need for specific educational activities, and act as spokespersons for their nationally recognized association.

Member at large

A registered professional nurse who supports the mission of AORN and does not have access to a chapter.

Retired Membership

AORN registered nurse members who have retired from the healthcare industry may still participate in all benefits of active membership at a lower dues rate.

Student Membership

A student nurse is defined as an individual pursuing education leading to eligibility to sit for the registered nurse licensing exam. Students joining AORN receive all benefits of membership except voting and office-holding privileges. They also may not serve as a delegate to the AORN House of Delegates. Proof of enrollment, such as a copy of student ID or NSNA membership card is required.

Associate Membership

A non voting category for individuals who are primarily engaged in one of the following professions: health care industry representative, central service, physician, health care administrator, materials manager, informatics personnel, and pharmacist.

Infrastructure

National Congress

Largest meeting held in the United States designed for nurses working in the

Perioperative setting. It provides a forum for education, networking and decision

making for members. A Congress mentoring program has been developed for

assistance to first time attendees.

Certification

The National Certification Board (Competency & Credentialing Institute) offers two certification exams.

The CNOR certification for registered nurses practicing perioperative nursing.

The CRNFA certification for registered nurses that hold a CNOR and practice as

nurse first assistants.

For more information, visit http//:www.certboard.org.

AORN Journal

The AORN Journal is an award-winning source of perioperative information. It is published monthly and provides articles on clinical management and research topics; updates on clinical issues, perioperative pharmacology, OR nursing law reports, legislative issues , educational events, conference reports, job listings and home study programs. It is included with AORN membership.

AORN Foundation

The AORN Foundation is a 501(c )(3) charitable and educational foundation created in 1991 by the Association of periOperativer Registered Nurses, Inc. Its mission is to “secure resources and administer assets that provide support for meeting AORN’s strategic goals in education and research”.
Its programs are supported by contributions from members, chapters, state councils, industry, and individual donors.

AORN Nominating Committee

The nominating committee is a standing committee elected by the membership. The committee consists of at least five active members elected for two year terms. Three members are elected in even numbered years and two members are elected in odd numbered years. The chairman of the committee is elected by the committee.

AUSTIN AREA ASSOCIATION OF periOPERATIVE REGISTERED NURSES

HISTORY

Austin Area AORN was organized in April 1963, with the purpose of organizing Operating Room Nurses within a 75 mile radius of the city of Austin, to share ideas and to offer educational programs. The chapter disband in June 1967 and was reactivated in July 1970.

The geographic area includes, but is not limited to, Austin, Rollingwood, West Lake, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Johnson City, Stockdale, Burnet, Marble Falls, Fredericksburg, Wimberly, Bartlett, Lago Vista, Round Rock, Georgetown, Leander, Pflugerville, Smithville, Bastrop, Elgin, Cedar Creek, Giddings, Taylor, Florence, Lockhart, Luling, Buda, San Marcos, Lorena, Nolanville, and Gonzales.

Chapter meetings are the first Tuesday of the month, August through June, except January. For further explanation of chapter meetings, see CHAPTER MEETING section.

The Austin Area AORN has seminars for educational purposes and as financial funding.

Other money-making activities usually include a Fall Bowling Tournament and Spring Golf Tournament. All members are encouraged to participate and make these activities a success.

An integral part of the organization communication is the monthly newsletter. Members can receive the newsletter either via the Web site and/or mail. The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER section has more information.

One of the major annual highlights of the organization is the National AORN Congress. Delegates and alternate delegates attendance is partially funded by the chapter. For more information see the AORN NATIONAL CONGRESS DELEGATES section.

Beginning in 1999, the chapter honors one of its members annually for their advancement in perioperative nursing through individual facility, local chapter and National AORN activities by awarding the AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN PERIOPERATIVE NURSING. For more information see the section on AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN PERIOPERATIVE NURSING.

OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Is the official representative of the Association and presides at all meetings (chapter meetings and board meetings). Serves a one-year term.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Observes and assists the President. Serves a one-year term and then moves to the Presidency.

Serves in the absence of Secretary or Treasurer.

VICE PRESIDENT

Performs in the absence of the President. Coordinates, organizes, and facilitates chapter education programs. Serves a two-year term.

SECRETARY

Maintains records of all business meetings and communication of the organization. Serves a two-year term.

TREASURER

Maintains financial records and advises fiscal matters of the chapter. Serves a two-year term.

BOARD MEMBERS

Assist in conducting the business of the chapter and provides chapter member representation to the board of directors. There are three Board Members, each serving a two-year term. Two are elected in odd years and one is elected in even years.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors consists of the officers and Board Members. The Board has the authority and responsibility to manage the affairs of the chapter. The Board carries out the business of the chapter and brings recommendations and actions to the chapter membership for action.. Board meetings are conducted at the discretion of the President.

DELEGATES TO AORN CONGRESS

Eligibility: Delegates and alternate delegates to the annual Congress must have current membership status. They must attend at least seven (7) chapter meetings; participate in workshops and chapter fundraisers. The nominating committee develops a ballot from eligible members willing to serve. The chapter members elect delegates and alternate delegates from the ballot.

Representation: The number of delegates and alternate delegates the chapter is allowed to send to AORN Congress is based upon a ratio of total chapter membership to total

Association membership as of June 30. Each chapter shall have a minimum of one (1) delegate and one (1) alternate delegate.

Funding for delegates and alternate delegates is a lump sum and includes registration. The amount of funding is determined by the available funds in the treasury and is voted on by the membership

FIRST TIME CONGRESS ATTENDEE

The chapter strives to send one member as a First-Time Congress Attendant, based on eligible candidates and monies available.

This member must have active membership for the year preceding nomination; attend at least seven (7) chapter meetings in the previous year, (August through June), and serve on a committee or in office the year preceding election as a first time attendee.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN PERIOPERATIVE NURSING

This award is presented to a chapter member that demonstrates chapter involvement, mentoring, and leadership accomplishments. The nominations are forwarded to the Nominating Committee and the members vote to elect the award winner. The award is presented at the November chapter meeting during Perioperative Nurses Week.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The chapter designates money for scholarships, education workshops an Congress. Each year the Board of Directors reviews the applications for monetary assistance for these areas. Based on the criteria in the policy, the Board then determines who is eligible to receive funds. The amount of money given is based on the number of requests received for each of the areas.

PROGRAM/EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Program/Education Committee is a standing committee chaired by the Vice President and voluntary committee members. The committee plans the chapter monthly education programs and applies for Continuing Education approval. One of the members must have a BSN for the contact hour process. The monthly programs are open to any healthcare provider that belongs to a professional organization; if the attendee does not belong to a professional organization the fee for the continuing education is $5.00.

SEMINAR/WORKSHOP COMMITTEE

The committee’s chairman and members are voluntary positions coordinated with the President. The Austin Area Chapter sponsors continuing education seminar/workshops a minimum of once a year. These may be presented independently, in conjunction with industry or local schools of nursing. The programs are opened to allied healthcare providers.

POLICY/BYLAWS COMMITTEE

The Policy/Bylaws Committee is a standing committee, consisting of a chairman and at least two members, appointed annually, with the responsibility to review the Bylaws and submit recommendations for amendments to the Board of Directors and membership. Additionally the committee formulates and maintains the policies and procedures of all standing committees of the chapter.

CHAPTER NEWSLETTER

A newsletter is written monthly except June and December, and sent to members by first class or by e-mail, to arrive prior to each chapter meeting. Members are invited to submit articles of personal or professional topics of interest to perioperative nurses. Regular features include the President’s Column, monthly educational offerings, continuing educational opportunities, willingness to serve forms, and business of the chapter.

The newsletter contains nursing legislative news, articles from chapter members national and local hot topics in perioperative nursing. The preferred method of mailing is via e-mail, therefore, all members should make sure their e-mail addresses are current with the Editor.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

Nursings’ legislative agenda is a hot topic today in the workplace and literature. As the capital of Texas, Austin, is at the focal point of activity. Members of the Legislative Committee attempt to be aware of current issues affecting the perioperative arena and the patients under their care. The committee is challenged to develop a grassroots communication line from members to legislative representatives within their districts. As a member of TCORN, the Texas Council of Operating Room Nurses, the chapter is represented within TNA’s Nursing Agenda efforts.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

The PR committee consists of chapter members, the Web Master, and the Newsletter Editor.

The committee assists the chapter to publicize chapter activities within the preoperative community, such as; socials, fundraisers, educational events, elections, and workshops. During Perioperative Nurse Week efforts are channeled to recognize those caring for patients undergoing surgical intervention.

The Austin Area AORN Web site is: www.austinareaaorn.org. It is maintained by the web master to keep members informed up to the minute on national and local chapter news. Some topics covered in the web site are; Executive Committee and Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, Meeting Minutes, Events, Educational Events, Perioperative Legislation Update, Austin Area AORN Forms, Area Facilities and contents, AORN Congress, Workshops, links to related sites as National AORN and TCORN.

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP

Active Member

A registered nurse living or working in the Austin area who supports the mission of

AORN is eligible for membership.

Member at large

Chapters may not have ‘members at large’, as there is a chapter available.

Student Membership

Retired Membership

AORN registered nurse members who have retired from the healthcare industry may still participate in all benefits of active membership at a lower dues rate.

Associate Membership

DUES

Annual membership dues are paid to AORN Headquarters at the time of joining and renewal.

Local chapter dues are assessed by the chapter and forwarded from National to the chapter.

CHAPTER MEETINGS

The monthly meeting is the participation of all categories of members and guests. The chapter president presides over the meeting.

Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month from August through June, except January. The meetings usually include an educational offering, a business meeting, and dinner. The August meeting is the annual social and recruitment meeting. The June meeting is election of new officers. The education sessions are relevant to perioperative nursing. Visitors and non-AORN members that are members of any healthcare professional organization may attend the education session at no charge. All other visitors may attend for a fee of $5.00.

The Board of Directors meet at a time and place mutually agreed upon by the Board members. Officers and board members will attend board meetings; chapter members are welcome to attend board meetings, but may not vote.

PERIOPERATIVE NURSE WEEK

Perioperative Nurse Week seeks to educate the health care consumer regarding the knowledge, skill, and judgment necessary to provide quality care patients have relied on in the past and expect in the future. In 1979, November 14 was designated “OR Nurse Day”, and although the observation was expanded to a week several years later, it is always the week surrounding November 14.

TEXAS COUNCIL of OPERATING ROOM NURSES

In November 1990 representatives of nine AORN chapters of Texas met to discuss forming a State Council of Operating Room Nurses. Austin Area AORN was one of those chapters. A mission, purpose and bylaws were drafted and adopted at the first official meeting on April 7, 1991.

The purpose of TCORN is to unite AORN chapters across the state and to provide a formal structure for networking among perioperative nurses. TCORN establishes a mechanism to quickly mobilize efforts to support or battle legislative issues that would impact the practice of perioperative nursing in Texas. Thus making the major focus on monitoring legislative and regulatory activities.

TCORN meets at the AORN Congress, committees and ad hoc groups may meet when deemed necessary by the chair.

There are five officers: Chairman, Chairman-elect, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Standing committees are legislative, newsletter, and special projects.

Membership consists of two categories; chapter membership, which is $25.00, paid annually, and individual membership, which is $15.00, paid annually. Chapters having voting privileges, the chapter president is the voting member. Individual members also have voting privileges.