The 55th AORN Congress is over and what a time it was. I try to pack in as much as I can, and this year was no exeption. I thought every class I went to was excellent and the exhibits were overwhelming. It seems like the exhibit hall gets larger and larger with each Congress. Even though I am retired, I still like to hear about new products, procedures, and equipment. I miss so much by not working that there is a lot for me to learn. I saw friends and acquaintances I had not seen since last Congress, so there was a lot of “catching” up to do. Again, I am so impressed with out national leaders’ knowledge,experience and dedication to our organization I always return with renewed vigor for my profession, and our AORN.

In my last President’s message, I spoke about the proposed Bylaws change regarding the Nominating Committee. When I first heard about the proposal, I was in favor of the change. The change had to do with appointing two extra members that had served in leadership roles. Since the Nominating Committee is usually the starting point for members running for national office,I felt one or two experienced leaders would be an asset to the committee but “appointed” was a hang up for me and apparently for the majority of the delegates. After much discussion, the delegates felt the Nominating.. Committee should remain an elected committee, so the motion was defeated. I am extremely proud of our delegates, and I thankthem for their hard work and dedication.

Thank you: Bruce Miller, Martha Gex, Barbara Jones, Kathy McCrarey, and Carmel Engel. I was privileged to serve as Delegate Chair, and I thank you for the honor.