AORN educufion

Regional Institutes

Although nurses have always recognized and proclaimed the need for continuing education programs, only a minority have directly been involved in developing and implementing meaningful educational ex- periences which promote learning. Many nurses are satisfied to participate in educa- tional programs which are structured by "others." If nursing is to be less ambiguous as a profession, nurses themselves must ac- tively engage in the formulation of con- tinuing education programs which are rele- vant to their needs.

AORN has emphasized the responsibility o f each individual for their own continual learning and consistently supported the at- tempts of members to plan and sponsor workshops, seminars, regional institutes, and formal courses. In the realm of continuing education, AORN has been a stalwart leader. Certainly, the endeavors of numer- ous members on the local level have con- tributed to the success of AORN educational activities in the past.

Our task at this time is to maintain this progressive image and to expand the scope

of our education programs. One of the most effective ways we as AORN members can assist in fulfilling this goal is by ac- tively organizing and conducting workshops and regional institutes. These programs are specifically planned by operating room nurses in order to meet the needs of the membership. Primarily, they provide learn- ing experiences that foster increased under- standing of the theoretical knowledge and behavioral skills necessary for competent, comprehensive nursing care of the patient undergoing surgery.

Usually, a chapter first sponsors a one day workshop, utilizing guidelines obtained from the AORN Education Department. If a chapter i s successful in their activities per- taining to the implementation of a work- shop, they may decide' to conduct a two day regional institute under the auspices of the National Committee on Education.

The National Committee on Education i s an AORN standing committee comprised of 10 members who represent various geo- graphical areas. The representatives on this committee fulfill numerous responsibil-

March 1972 23

ities, primarily in terms of assisting AORN members in planning and conducting ed- ucational programs. These programs help to fulfill the philosophy and objectives of AORN.

The members of this committee are avail- able to local members for consultation and guidance in relation to the organization and implementation of a regional institute. They work diligently with the general chair- man and other committee chairmen to in- sure a successful regional institute. They serve as major advisors to you in terms of answering any questions regarding under- lying policies and the basic format of a re- gional institute. Their initial contact with you i s approximately one year prior to the actual scheduled date of the institute. At this time, they serve to clarify questions pertaining to the organization of an insti- tute. Following the initial contact, NCE rep- resentatives are available as you deem necessary for additional consultation.

The following information will be of as- sistance to you if you are interested in initiating a regional institute:

1. Local AORN chapter considers the feasibility of sponsoring an institute before making contact with AORN National Head- quarters.

a. Does the chapter have sufficient peo- ple able and willing to serve as chairmen and committee members?

b. Are local speakers available?

c. Are hotel facilities large enough to accommodate approximately 150 ta 300 people?

d. Does a hotel have adequate meeting fa c i I i ties?

2. Local AORN chapter indicates a def- inite interest in conducting a regional in- stitute under NCE sponsorship and declares thi!, intent in writing to the Director of Ed-

ucation one year or more prior to the an- ticipated date of the institute.

3. The Director of Education officially in- forms the NCE regional representative of the local chapter’s intent to sponsor a re- gional institute.

4. The Director of Education forwards a form which requests three proposed dates and two suggested names for general chairman to the local chapter for comple- tion and eventual return to the Education Department.

5. In considering dates for a regional institute, the following items may be of as- sistance:

a. Institutes are held for two days.

b. Institutes are usually scheduled in the spring and fall.

c. If an institute is planned in the fall, i s this area easily accessible by transpor- tation in bad weather?

d. Institutes should be planned at a time of year that i s not too near a National Con- gress, holiday, or other professional meet- ing.

6. The final scheduling of regional in- stitute dates i s done by the Director of Ed- ucation and the NCE regional representative in order that geographic consideration of other AORN activities can be given.

7. When the local chapter submits the two names for general chairman selection, they should include recommendations and biographical information, which emphasize leadership qualities. Certainly, a candidate’s potential strengths should be acknowledged.

8. The Director of Education will consult with the NCE representative regarding the selection of a general chairman from the candidates submitted by the local chapter.

9. The Director of Education will confirm the general chairman‘s appointment in

24 A 0 RN Joumct 1

writing to both the local chapter president and the person selected for this position.

10. The general chairman then appoints committee chairmen and committee mem- bers.

11. The general chairman explores the hotel/motel facilities, but does not confirm arrangements until approval of the pro- posed facilities i s given by the NCE rep- resentative.

12. Local AORN chapter utilizes the NCE regional representative as a consultant in terms of developing and implementing the regional institute.

13. A planning guide manual will be sent to the general chairman from AORN Head- quarters approximately one month prior to a meeting with the NCE representative.

14. The first meeting between the NCE representative and local committee chair- men and members will be held approx- imately 10 to 12 months prior to the insti- tute dates. At this meeting, the hotel site i s definitely established and confirmed, also the program theme and possible topics are considered.

15. Broad program suggestions for re- gional institute topics are:

a. Revolutionary changes in operating room nursing

b. Legal aspects in operating room nurs- ing

c. Specialization in the operating room

d. Principles of sterilization and bac-

e. Communication skills and human rela- teriology

tions

f. Staff development

g. Management and supervision

h. New trends in surgery

i. infection control

i. Research in operating room nursing

k. Pre-operative and post-operative visits

1. Teaching, learning, evaluation

m. National issues affecting nursing

n. Problems and frustrations in the oper- ating room - solutions

0. Satisfaction of the needs of patients, surgeons, nurses and technicians

16. Local AORN chapter might wish to consider the feasibility of sending one 9f the local members, preferably the general chairman, to another regional institute to investigate the organizational “working.”

Thorough preliminary planning will en- able you as members to embark upon an exciting course which will culminate in a dynamic regional institute which promotes quality continuing education.

The ramifications of personal involve- ment by operating room nurses in their own educative process cannot fully be pre- dicted. We do know that operating room nursing will be strengthened not only as a powerful and vital specialty group but as an essential integral part of the nursing profession.

Volunteer to sponsor a regional institute - reinfoKe education as the crux of AORN’s success.

--Carol Alexander, RN, MS

March 1972 25