Renewing spirit - Letters

AORN Journal,  June, 2003  by Peggy Cahman

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I received my March Journal yesterday. As I usually do, I browsed through. I came back to read your editorial because I can relate, Oh how I can relate. ("Renewal of the Spirit," [Editorial] March 2003, page 543). I work in a small hospital south of Charlotte, NC. There are very few AORN members, but we are growing. Many staff members cannot see a reason to belong, but as more "outsiders" come along and we talk and incorporate standards, I see hope. My previous experience was in Miami, which has a very active chapter, and our hospital was very involved and had a high percentage of certified nurses.

My first Congress was in 1981. I haven't been able to make all of them, but I certainly do try. You are absolutely on the mark about renewing the spirit. I try to tell people what the experience of Congress is like but until you actually attend, you can't understand. I introduced the assistant nurse manager to Congress three years ago, and now, she counts down the days. The experience is almost overwhelming in its scope and offerings, and you can't help but come back to the OR ready to make things better, sharing the information and knowledge as well as new products, technologies, and the friendships--old and new--that are formed. I could go on about the feeling of Congress, but thank you for saying it for all of us.

PEGGY CAHMAN

RN, CNOR, ONC

CHARLOTTE, NC

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