A vibrant host city and excellent speakers give members good reasons to attend the 2003 Congress: Sunday, March 23, to Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 2003 Congress

AORN Journal,  Nov, 2002  

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Join your colleagues from around the country to network, learn, and have fun at the 50th annual AORN Congress in Chicago, March 23 to March 27, 2003. Some reasons to attend this event include

* a new lifestyles pavilion showcasing innovative products for work and home;

* free registration for nursing students;

* a free one-day program for full-time nursing school faculty members on Wednesday, March 26;

* an additional morning of exclusive exhibit hours for management level attendees; and

* a 50th anniversary celebration dance party at Navy Pier Tuesday evening, March 25, featuring your favorite songs from decades past and present.

CHICAGO

Whether you are looking for culture or serious fun, Chicago is your kind of town. If shopping is your passion, Chicago's options are endless. The Magnificent Mile, otherwise known as Michigan Avenue, offers everything from Chanel to Tiffany's. If that is not your style, try State Street; Oak Street's designer boutiques, galleries, and antique shops in River North; and vintage stores on Belmont and Lincoln. Visit Navy Pier for shopping, dining, theater, gardens, a carousel, and Ferris wheel.

When you are tired of shopping, you can relax while watching top-notch musicians in one of Chicago's hundreds of clubs. Listen to some of the best jazz around, or visit the Second City improvisational club where comedy greats like John Belushi and Bill Murray got their start.

For a slower pace, take in the view from the Sears Tower or the John Hancock Center, two of the world's tallest buildings. Stroll through Grant Park, and stop at Buckingham Fountain to watch the spectacular musical water and light show featured nightly. Everyone will find something wonderful to fill his or her free time in Chicago.

NEW THIS YEAR--LIFESTYLES EXHIBITS PAVILION

Visit exhibitors featuring products to enhance your life at home and work. For years, companies with products that do not pertain to surgery have asked for the opportunity to spend time with AORN members and conference attendees. Shop at your leisure. The pavilion will be open to attendees and their guests Saturday, March 22, through Monday, March 24.

GENERAL SESSIONS

AORN has assembled an innovative, motivational group of keynote and general session speakers to send you home with new information, fresh ideas, and a can-do attitude. Each day will end with a general session, giving everyone the opportunity to come together, network, and hear exceptional speakers. Speakers may be humorous or thought-provoking, but all will challenge you to expand your thinking. General sessions will end no later than 6:15 PM, providing more time for attendees to renew old friendships and develop new bonds.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 3:30 TO 4:45 PM KEYNOTE ADDRESS 1.5 CH

Enhancing Patient Safety Through Teamwork Solutions--John Nance

Being a professional in a perioperative setting means working at "the sharp end" of a complex human system in which penalty for failure is very great in both human and monetary terms. The health care professions do not have an exclusive franchise on life at the sharp end. Other businesses and professions also face human and monetary penalties for significant failure or incapacity; among them is the aviation industry.

The public accords aviation practitioners (eg, pilots, flight attendants, airline managers) the same level of blind trust most patients give health care providers, and like health care, aviation as a system is extremely vulnerable to human mistakes. In fact, more than 90% of all aviation accidents result not from mechanical failures but from human failures, which usually are nurtured, created, or caused by the workplace system. This realization has created a crisis and revolution in aviation safety during the past 15 years and led to profound changes.

The health care industry is beginning the safety revolution that aviation already has experienced. Aviator and author John Nance will discuss principles the aviation industry has implemented to improve safety that can be applied to health care, specifically the perioperative arena. The implementation of these principles in health care can improve perioperative patient safety, hospital and clinical performance, and your own job satisfaction.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 5 TO 6 PM GENERAL SESSION 1.2 CH

Success is a Journey, Not a Destination--Donna Cardillo, RN, BS

This powerful program will start you on a journey to discover your passion, in nursing and in life. It is easy to get stuck in a rut and fail to move forward because of self-doubt, imagined obstacles, or fear of change. This program will help you unlock hidden potential, pursue your dreams, and get your career on track for the future. Uncover the secrets to finding your life's work. The answers may surprise you and be closer than you think.

MONDAY, MARCH 24, 3 TO 4 PM GENERAL SESSION 1.2 CH

Nursing Leadership: The Crucial Ingredient for Health Care--H. Ross Perot

AORN and the AORN Foundation are pleased to welcome H. Ross Perot, American business executive, philanthropist, and dynamic leader, to the 50th annual Congress. Perot will discuss his perspective on the significance of nursing leadership in health care.