according to participating in AORN,...

according to participating in AORN, we communicate in our "Circles of Care." AORN's annual Congres April 21 to 25 2002 in Anaheim, Calif, provides an opportunity to join with our colleagues in perioperative nursing, health care, and industry to celebrate the happinesss of perioperative nursing and seize the opportunity to elongate our professionalism muscle. Beverly L Malone, RN PhD FAAN, compares professionalism to a muscle that " with repeated use strengthens and without exercise atrophies." (1)

There is something extraordinary and miraculous about professionalism. It is the professional part of your being that kicks in when a patient who is abusive, combative, and uncooperative or who demonstrates a behavior you would bring forward to avoid on your shift revolves through the door of the perioperative suite. It is at these times that we are forced to elongate our professionalism muscle by seeking the profundity of our compassion and summoning the innate capacity that enables us to provide the highest horizontal of quality care that the patient deserves

During Congres we are provided with the opportunity to tighten our professionalism muscles in various other ways, too. We have the potential to be connected with colleagues from a variety of areas. Each of these stamps of interaction requires us to flex our professionalism muscles in different ways.

FLEXING WITH STUDENTS

AORN has shared a portentous connection with nursing students for many years. We invite them to our chapter meetings, exhibit at their national meetings, participate in their meetings by the agency of sharing the joys of perioperative nursing, and, greatest in number importantly, mentor and encourage them in their paths toward perioperative nursing proficiency. This year at Congres we will unclose our arms to include bookish man nurses in our circles of care. For the first time, AORN is offering released registration for student nurses (ie, nonlicensed close examiners only). In addition to providing education tracts in several areas of interest to close examiners (eg, the Perioperative Nursing Data put [PNDS], government affairs, leadership), we are providing several exciting incidents for students.

Understanding the perioperative environment. This course, taught by way of experts in the field, provides "hands-on" instruction in of the like kind topics as aseptic technique, positioning, and sterilization. It also provides an opportunity to view perioperative innovations.

pupil nurse reception. On Sunday, April 21 from 5 to 6 PM Leah Curtin, RN M MA, DSc FAAN, will landlord a student nurse reception. This reception will provide observers with an opportunity to appropriate a highly respected nursing leader and network with their peers

pupil mentoring. AORN will provide an established AORN member to guide scholars through Congress to show them by what means to maximize their experience.

Exhibits. scholars will have access to the exhibit floor where they can explore the latest innovations at the technical exhibits. They also can explore all the career avenues interpret to them through the recruiting exhibitors. (2)

clear registration for Congress 2002 is available to individuals pursuing education leading to eligibility to sit for the RN licensing examination. learners do not need to be members of AORN, although I am unfailing that we will encourage them to join us as members. They will be asked to present to view their student identification at registration.

Kendra Keene is the AORN Headquarters staff member to contact for registration and additional information about Congres 2002 released student registration. You can e-mail her at kkeene@aorn.org or call her at (800) 755-2676 x 250 Everyone is encouraged to prefer this fantastic opportunity to scholars Please seize every occasion to discuss the excitement and dynamic experience that our annual meeting affords. At Congres pupils will be identified with a close examiner ribbon. Please take the time to fitting with the students; they are our future

Mentoring is an important part of our Congres connection this year. The recent award for mentoring will be at handed for the first time, highlighting this vital part in securing the future of our profession. The world of perioperative nursing is exciting and challenging--the finished arena for these bright, caring colleagues. Congres 2002 will be our chance to share the stories that articulate our passion and rapture with the next generation.

FLEXING OUR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Education continues to be an important part of our Congres experience. Informal opportunities will be numerous because networking appears anywhere and anytime during the activity-filled Congres week. in succession a more formal level, education sessions will provide a glimpse of inclines alternatives, innovations, issues, and of high temperature topics. Specialty areas of practice, in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as cardiothoracic, oncology, orthopedic, plastic surgery neurosurgery trauma, pediatric, RN first assisting, and advanced technology, will be showed with programs designed to share the latest information in those areas. Sessions will focus upon the PNDS and the use of our concede language to validate competency and documentation issues. Public policy topics will expand our knowledge base in the legislative and regulatory arenas and inspire attendees to become politically active. novel this year, delegates can earn the same number of contact hours as nondelegates. In addition, educational activities again will be available upon the exhibit floor.