The AORN National Membership Commit...

The AORN National Membership Committee has initiated sum of two units new programs for AORN members: MemberTalk--an online Internet discussion group--and the Congres Mentoring Program. the pair programs provide opportunities for members to increase their participation in AORN, provide input forward its products and services, and learn more about the organization.

INTERNET DISCUSSION clump GROWING

Launched in December 1998 MemberTalk continues to attract more subscribers who want to participate in online discussions with their colleagues. The e-mail-based forum tenders participants the chance to accord to issues and questions placeed by the Membership Committee, which sponsors the forum. Members also may station their own questions and desires for information. For example, chapter members looking for ideas to increase participation in chapter meetings can ask for and receive ideas from other MemberTalk subscribers.

In an introductory message to subscribers, MemberTalk entertainer and Membership Committee Chair William Duffy RN M J CNOR, said the forum is another effort of the Committee to detain members connected as a national organization all year lengthy Duffy encouraged members to take advantage of this benefit and have one fun with the new technology.

Participating in MemberTalk is as easy as getting to AORN's web site (http://www.aorn.org). Simply click upon the MemberTalk button on the left side of the page and prefer "Join MemberTalk now!" Also included in succession the site are current topics, tips for using the forum, guidelines and behaviors of conduct, and information about electronic mailing lists.

CONGRES MENTORING PROGRAM

With thousands of nation attending Congress each year, it is easy for first-timers to be overwhelmed and a little confused. Although participants have originate the Membership Committee's Congress Orientation valuable, many have set forthed that, in some instances, it is proffered too late in the game. For example, holding a discussion about appropriate dres at Congres is a little late if the member has and nothing else packed blue jeans and t-shirts.

Membership Committee members believed they penuryed to educate members attending Congres for the first time about the expectations, appropriate dres activities, and business functions of Congress--before members leave domestic circle To accomplish this, one of the ideas that cause to growed from MemberTalk is a mentoring program for first-time Congres attendees. Congres mentors would be available the two before and during Congress to provide first-timers with helpful information and advice about Congres activities. In addition, pairing first-time attendees with members who have attended several Congresse could allow the orientation to be more personal and tailored to each member's needs

The program will work as follows

* Members who have attended Congres before may tender to serve as mentors to first-time attendees.

* First-time attendees will be asked if they would like to be assigned mentors.

* Mentors will receive a list of assigned first-time attendees with whom they will be responsible for communicating.

* Mentor responsibilities will include sending an introductory epistle before Congress, providing an opportunity to fit during Congress, and offering to be available for assistance during Congress

If you are interested in serving as a mentor, or if you are a first-time attendee and would like to be assigned a mentor, please contact Lorrie Briggs, AORN chapter relations coordinator, at (800) 755-2676 x 8367 or at lbriggs@aorn .org. First-time attendees also should plan to attend the Congres Orientation, Saturday, March 27 1999 from 4:45 to 6 PM in latitude 103 of the Moscone Center

WILLIAM DUFFY RN M J CNOR CHAIR, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

LORRIE BRIGGS AORN CHAPTER RELATIONS COORDINATOR

COPYRIGHT 1999 Association of Operating compass Nurses, Inc.

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