Congress Highlights JUNE 2004, VOL 79, NO 6

Education, networking, and fun abound at the

51st annual AORN Congress in

San Diego Sunday, March 21, to Thursday, March 25,2004

ore than 7,000 nurses and 6,000 exhibitors attended the M 51st annual AORN Congress

in San Diego. The harbor-side patios at the convention center provided atten- dees with the perfect setting to enjoy educational and networking opportu- nities and a wonderful place to take a relaxing break between sessions.

Learning opportunities were abun- dant during the week. During General Sessions, attendees learned how to regenerate their enthusiasm for nursing and life. During the concurrent sessions, they learned about varied topics, includ- ing the Nuss procedure, fire prevention, and trauma, to name a few. The exhibit floor and poster sessions also provided chances to learn something new.

First-time attendees took time to get acquainted with Congress traditions at a breakfast on Sunday morning. Mana- gers, faculty members, and students attended special sessions designed just for them. Opportunities for networking with colleagues and having fun were ever-present as well. The Foundation

~

AORN Secretary Sharon A. McNamara (standing) talks with fint- time Congress attendees at a breakfast held in their honor.

Two nurses enjoy the fruits of their Labon at the Ambulatory Surgery Administrator Certificate graduation held Saturday evening.

once -again held the popular Black Tie Gala and 5K Run/Walk. Attendees gathered at SeaWorld on Tuesday evening to see Shamu and Fools With Tools, a show featuring two sea lions and an otter. Thursday evening, Con- gress ended with the Closing Get- Together, an evening of food, fun, and dancing. *3 Representatives of 3M Hek--.. Care, which sponsored the

International Reception and International Hospitality Center, enjoy the reception. (From left) Cathy Bark, Giuseppe Savino, Cheryl Pedenon, Craig DiLorenzo, AORN President Betty J. Shultz, Rob Council, and Martha Young.

NIKKI PARKER SENIOR EDITOR

55M O N m f

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JUNE 2004, VOL 79, NO 6 Congress Highlights

Susan M. Craig, newsletter edi- tor for the Integrated Health Practices Specialty Assembly, leads Moving Meditations.

Burke Beu, federal legislative analyst for AORN, presents

2003-2004 Legislative Committee cochair Collette 1.

Carton (left) and chair Joan M. Butera (middle) with certifi- cates of appreciation at the

legislative Reception. Not pic- tured: Diana K. Sullivan,

Legislative Committee cochair.

Members of the AORN Board of

Directors, Exhibitors'

Advisory committee,

and executive staff cut the

ribbon on Tuesday,

signifying the opening of exhibits.

Attendees enjoy visiting

the exhibit floor (right)

and the CareerFair section of

the exhibit floor (fir

right).

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Congress Highlights J U N E 2004, VOL 79, NO 6

Congress attendees leave the convention center i n the warm San Diego sunshine.

Research poster award of merit winners are &om left) Hiroe Seiko, Joyce Miller, and Sheri Swenning.

Representatives of Tyco Healthcare's five divisions, including Kendall, Kendall-LTP, Liebel-Flarsheim/Mallinckrodt, Valleylab, and United States Surgical, pose with AORN Executive Director Tom Cooper during the managers' networking reception. Tyco Healthcare sponsored the event.

Congress attendees take the San Diego Convention Center escalator down to the bus pick-up area. The convention center features more than 500,000 sq ft of exhibit space, more than 200,000 sq ft of meeting room space, and beautiful views of the city and San Diego Bay.

Attendees use the Message Center to check e-mail and stay i n touch with family members and colleagues while i n San Diego.

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JUNE 2004, VOL 79, NO 6 Congress Highlights

Attendees visit Seaworld to get i n touch with nature. On

Tuesday evening, the park was open to Congress attendees

only, making this a once-in-a- lifetime networking and fun-

filled event. Shamu's perform- ance was enjoyed by all,

especially those who remem- bered to bring their ponchos to

avoid getting soaked.

Petting a dolphin is the highlight of the evening for a few lucky marine- l i fe lovers.

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Congress Highlights JUNE 2004, VOL 79, NO 6

(Above left) At the Candidates’ Reception, Patrick E. Voight receives heartfelt congratulations regarding his election to the AORN Board of Directors. (Above right) Liane E. Salmon (center) i s thrilled to be elected to the Nominating Committee.

(Leff and below) A t the Closing Get-Together on Thursday night, attendees dance the night away in celebration of another successful congress.

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JUNE 2004, VOL 79, NO 6 Congress Highlights

President Betty J. Shultz enjoys the end of Congress at the Closing Get-Together. President Shultz winds down with husband Dick (left) and tears up the dance floor with AORN Ombudsman Vivian C. Watson (obove).

A t the Closing Get-Together, President-elect William J. Duffy cele- brates the end of a wildly successful Congress and looks forward to his year as President with his wife Chic (obove), his daughter Patty (top right), and his daughter Becky (bottom right). During his term as President, Duffy w i l l focus on key practice issues that are important in the day-to-day lives of AORN members.

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