Well, it’s that time of year again. Summer is almost over and nearly everyone who is returning to school has started. I hope everyone has had some vacation time to rejuvenate themselves a bit before the snow-bird season begins. I know that all of you are very busy trying to balance work, family, school and all the extra-curricular activities. I am especially looking forward to more local involvement by Managers, Directors and Clinical Educators this year. Although I always seem to find myself “triple booked” I have made a special effort to stay involved with AORN at some level all year long. I strongly feel that professional involvement in our organization is one of the most important things we can do for our patients as advocates. Maintaining current skills and knowledge provided through the vast resources at AORN helps me to be a strong advocate for patients and their families, as well as for other nurse colleagues. As it is the mission of the Southern Arizona Chapter to provide quality continued education and networking opportunities, the board of directors and more specifically Sue Weekley of UMC have put much effort into providing a great program for you this coming season

The board of directors met on August 14, 2004 for the official “transition” of officers. Unfortunately, we missed a few members due to illness and last minute issues. Those who were there discussed some of the needs and concerns regarding the survivability of our chapter. This coming Congress will be held in New Oleans and will be expensive. In addition to the need for increased funds to support our delegates’ trips to Congress, we also feel a need to have more contact and dialogue with perioperative nurses of Southern Arizona regarding our practice, initiatives, position statements and public policy regardless of chapter membership. As you may already know AORN is one of the most powerful professional healthcare organizations in the United States and our voices are heard when we use them. Plan to attend some continued education sessions and to participate in chapter meeting discussions this year. There is much we can share and learn from each other.

My contact information along with the other board members is included with every newsletter. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions, comments or concerns regarding AORN.

I am looking forward to a very productive and positive year.
Hope to see all of you at some point throughout the year!

Sincerely,

Dana Dunn RN, BSN, CNOR
President Southern Arizona Chapter of AORN