President’s Message
Greetings AORN Members and Associates,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. I am sure you are all looking forward to a colorful spring in the desert this year due to the recent rains. Hopefully the allergies will also cooperate. I am very excited about attending Congress this year in New Orleans. Our chapter has selected a very qualified and diverse group of delegates to represent us nationally. This is an excellent opportunity for Southern Arizona’s voice to be heard regarding patient safety initiatives and nursing practice in the perioperative setting. There will be a discussion during the business meeting in March to discuss national practice issues, proposed positions statements and election of national board members and officers. You will find information on the candidates and forum topics in the most recent edition of the AORN Journal and/or on the national AORN web site. I would like to encourage everyone to attend this meeting to express your concerns and opinions regarding these topics.

I also would like to take this opportunity to thank Barbara Phillips for coordinating the interactive “operating room” booth for the Girl Scout Career Fair on January 29th. She has successfully organized the interactive booth to promote perioperative nursing for the past four years and has received excellent reviews by the Scouts each time. As a result of the local nursing participation with the career fair the Girl Scouts have developed requirements for a “Nursing Badge”. There are three levels of achievement based on their age and skill. Participation with this program has been very rewarding to me as I am sure it has been for all those who have attended. I know we have sparked an interest in perioperative nursing in the hearts of many girls. In addition to Barbara please help me thank all those who volunteered their Saturday to participate in this year’s event. Volunteers included Clara Campbell, Elise Mellinger, Judith Trocke, Gina Ragonese, Chris Cornett, Kay Lingeman, Steffan Wigert, and Chris Ingineri.

Best Wishes!
Dana Dunn RN, BSN, CNOR
President