aorn's lobby day—shades of blue and green on the hill

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SEPTEMBER 2001, VOL 74, NO 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSACE AORN’s Lobby Day- Shades of blue and green on the Hill was captivated by the energy and enthusiasm of our members I in attendance at the AORN Goes to Washington meetings held in June, just before the Fourth of July. We celebrate our independence on that day, but we also rejoice in our political and policy process. As it provided a combination of events for our members, the AORN Goes to Washington program also seemed to energize and encourage participants to strive for the contin- ued success of AORN in whatever venue necessary. LEADERSHIP MEETING One hundred and sixty-five chapters sent representatives to the Leadership meeting. In addi- tion to meetings on chapter lead- ership, focus groups were held that provided an occasion for members to talk with each other and offer input into task forces (eg, Governance Task Force, One- Member/One-Vote). Both groups had enthusiastic participants and gained valuable information. tion of the meeting, there was a dinner and educational program. You know we love any opportuni- ty to gain those valuable contact hours. Patricia T. Montoya, RN, MPA, related her experiences in the political and public policy are- nas and conveyed her perceptions of the impact of the 2000 election process. Her interesting presenta- tion afforded our leaders the chance to gain insights into quali- ties and abilities that demonstrate the role nurses can play in the cur- To kick off the leadership por- rent political environment. Those same qualities and traits can be correlated to chapter leadership. In addition to all the paper information our leaders received, the afternoon workshop provided fun exercises to bring examples to life. Cynthia D’Amour, president of People Power Unlimited, was the catalyst for this energetic, interactive session. She discussed the “Generation Me” group, which she does not define by age. They are a new group of potential active members who need to be sold over and over on why they should invest their time being involved in your association and chapter activities.‘ D’Amour outlined three rea- sons people become involved, including rn professionaVpersona1 develop- ment, contribution to a greater good, and w belonging to a community. We performed a role-playing exercise by portraying both a new AORN member and a seasoned member, and then exchanged roles during the exercise. D’Amour coached us through strategies for getting volunteers excited and interested in chapter activities, as well as exploring ways to give members more value in their AORN membership. She calls this the what’s in it for me (WIIFM) strategy.2 Toward the end of the ses- sion, we were divided into small groups and instructed to plan a meet- ing around a theme. After SHEILA 1. ALLEN the exercise, individual groups shared their cre- ative ideas. The excitement and enthusiasm of the overall group could be seen as people jumped up to present their programs. D’Amour compiled 20 of the sug- gested meeting descriptions for those who attended. Copies of this information can be obtained by contacting Kendra Keene, chapter relations coordinator, at (303) 755-6304 x 250 or by accessing AORN Online at http://www .aorn.org. As we left the session, people still were talking, laughing, and sharing ideas they had heard during the entertaining and informative program. FEDERAL AFFAIRS CONFERENCE AORN held its first Federal Affairs Conference on June 25, 2001. The conference was organ- ized, orchestrated, and directed by Candace Romig and Jim Irwin, from AORN’s Government Affairs Department, and Karen Sealander, JD, AORN’s legislative counsel, and her colleagues from McDer- mott, Will, and Emery. AORN staff members and our Legislative Committee members assisted with the details that made the whole event such a resounding success. 304 AORN JOURNAL

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Page 1: AORN's Lobby Day—Shades of blue and green on the Hill

SEPTEMBER 2001, VOL 74, NO 3

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A C E

AORN’s Lobby Day- Shades of blue and green on the Hill

was captivated by the energy and enthusiasm of our members I in attendance at the AORN Goes

to Washington meetings held in June, just before the Fourth of July. We celebrate our independence on that day, but we also rejoice in our political and policy process. As it provided a combination of events for our members, the AORN Goes to Washington program also seemed to energize and encourage participants to strive for the contin- ued success of AORN in whatever venue necessary.

LEADERSHIP MEETING One hundred and sixty-five

chapters sent representatives to the Leadership meeting. In addi- tion to meetings on chapter lead- ership, focus groups were held that provided an occasion for members to talk with each other and offer input into task forces (eg, Governance Task Force, One- Member/One-Vote). Both groups had enthusiastic participants and gained valuable information.

tion of the meeting, there was a dinner and educational program. You know we love any opportuni- ty to gain those valuable contact hours. Patricia T. Montoya, RN, MPA, related her experiences in the political and public policy are- nas and conveyed her perceptions of the impact of the 2000 election process. Her interesting presenta- tion afforded our leaders the chance to gain insights into quali- ties and abilities that demonstrate the role nurses can play in the cur-

To kick off the leadership por-

rent political environment. Those same qualities and traits can be correlated to chapter leadership.

In addition to all the paper information our leaders received, the afternoon workshop provided fun exercises to bring examples to life. Cynthia D’Amour, president of People Power Unlimited, was the catalyst for this energetic, interactive session. She discussed the “Generation Me” group, which she does not define by age.

They are a new group of potential active members who need to be sold over and over on why they should invest their time being involved in your association and chapter activities.‘

D’Amour outlined three rea- sons people become involved, including rn professionaVpersona1 develop-

ment, contribution to a greater good, and

w belonging to a community. We performed a role-playing

exercise by portraying both a new AORN member and a seasoned member, and then exchanged roles during the exercise. D’Amour coached us through strategies for getting volunteers excited and interested in chapter activities, as well as exploring ways to give members more value in their AORN membership. She calls this the what’s in it for me (WIIFM) strategy.2

Toward the end of the ses- sion, we were divided into small groups and instructed to plan a meet- ing around a theme. After

SHEILA 1. ALLEN

the exercise, individual groups shared their cre- ative ideas. The excitement and enthusiasm of the overall group could be seen as people jumped up to present their programs. D’Amour compiled 20 of the sug- gested meeting descriptions for those who attended. Copies of this information can be obtained by contacting Kendra Keene, chapter relations coordinator, at (303) 755-6304 x 250 or by accessing AORN Online at http://www .aorn.org. As we left the session, people still were talking, laughing, and sharing ideas they had heard during the entertaining and informative program.

FEDERAL AFFAIRS CONFERENCE AORN held its first Federal

Affairs Conference on June 25, 2001. The conference was organ- ized, orchestrated, and directed by Candace Romig and Jim Irwin, from AORN’s Government Affairs Department, and Karen Sealander, JD, AORN’s legislative counsel, and her colleagues from McDer- mott, Will, and Emery. AORN staff members and our Legislative Committee members assisted with the details that made the whole event such a resounding success.

304 AORN JOURNAL

Page 2: AORN's Lobby Day—Shades of blue and green on the Hill

SEPTEMBER 2001, VOL 74, NO 3

The program began with a videotape of Rep Lois Capps (D- Calif). In her remarks, Rep Capps outlined legislative health issues affecting perioperative nursing, including the nursing shortage. I had the opportunity to visit with her on Tuesday. She spoke pas- sionately about her memories as a school nurse, and she clearly has great respect for nurses. She is well-known on Capitol Hill for her advocacy of our profession.

Following the videotape, Sealander presented an overview of the schedule for the entire event. She explained the tools that had been placed for each attendee, including

a special edition of the Congressional Directory com- missioned by AORN with a list of health staff members and a map of Capitol Hill; a personal copy of Joel Blackwell’s book Personal Political Power; two teal folders containing information on AORN issues and one commemorative first aid kit to be left with individ- ual legislators;

m three copies of the American Nurses Association (ANA) fact sheet on certified RN first assistant (CRNFA) reim- bursement; a House and a Senate gallery pass to view House or Senate floor debate from the visitor’s gallery; and

m a personalized red folder con- taining each attendee’s sched- ule.

One person from each state received folders and first aid kits for use during Senate visits. Having attended the Nurses In Washington Internship program and made appointments with leg- islators in the past, I was immea-

surably impressed with the skill and tenacity of Maggie Mitchell, associate legislative director for McDermott, Will, and Emery, who coordinated the Capitol Hill visits of the 305 AORN members.

Erin McKeon, associate direc- tor of government affairs for the ANA, discussed that association’s agenda and their lobbying efforts. The ANA held two days of lobby- ing efforts during the same week AORN was on Capitol Hill. McKeon told the group that there were 100 participants on the first of the ANA’s lobby days and 80 registered for the second day. She was candid in her praise for the number of our members in atten- dance. (See page 379 for a report on the ANA meeting.)

Mary Wakefield, RN, PhD, FAAN, shared her expertise regarding public policy and the perioperative nurse. She related trends in health care, discussed the Institute of Medicine’s reports, and outlined the value of a collaborative approach to prob- lem solving.

After lunch, one of our Legislative Committee vice-chairs, Melody Mena, RN, CNOR, reprised her Congress 200 1 pres- entation in her usual enthusiastic manner. Her story of cultivating a personal relationship with her leg- islator, Rep Mac Collins (R-Ga), was inspiring and entertaining.

Nancey McCann, director of government relations for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, presented the “ABCs of Political Action Committees” (PACs). She expanded on the issues surround- ing a PAC that were introduced in a debate by Joel Blackwell and Ralph Nader at the 200 1 AORN Congress. Mary Pat Couig, RN, MPH, FAAN, rear admiral, chief

nurse officer of the Public Health Service for the US Department of Health and Human Services, dis- cussed federal programs affecting penoperative nursing. All the speakers graciously answered questions from the group.

Sealander and Mitchell round- ed out the program by explaining the logistics of Lobby Day and answering questions from the group. Praise and celebration were frequent as attendees demonstrat- ed their appreciation for the efforts of all who contributed to the extensive planning and pro- duction of this educational event. Sealander, Romig, Irwin, and Mitchell received cheers and applause from participants, and speakers knew their time was well spent because our members were generous and open with their esteem. The air was charged with energy and electricity as attendees were empowered to make their Capitol Hill visits as prepared and confident grassroots lobbyists.

LOBBY DAY Seven buses displaying ban-

ners asking legislators to keep RNs in the OR transported 305 enthusiastic members to Washington’s Capitol Hill for Lobby Day. The Russell Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building was the setting for the breakfast arranged to honor our champion of penopera- tive nursing, Rep Collins. As Rep Collins entered the room, AORN members, staff members, and guests spontaneously jumped to their feet, and a din of cheers, ap- plause, and whistles filled the room. Along with the Georgia nurses instrumental in obtaining Collins’ support, I presented him with a plaque commemorating his service to perioperative nurses.

306 AORN JOURNAL

Page 3: AORN's Lobby Day—Shades of blue and green on the Hill

SEPTEMBER 2001, VOL 74, NO 3

Following these special mo- ments, all of us walked to the east steps of the US Capitol to have our picture taken with our champion. Many nurses were wearing blue and green scarves-which quickly sold out when offered by the RNFAs from Florida-to identify RNFAs attending Lobby Day activities. (See photo on page 397).

our well-prepared group dis- persed to the offices of more than 200 US representatives and 80 US senators. We managed to obtain face-to-face meetings with nearly 100 representatives and 25 senators. Our members had some exciting and interest- ing visits and comments that I am pleased to share.

From the steps of the Capitol,

I wanted to let you know what a great time I had at AORN Lobby Day and the RNFA Forum. It was an awesome turnout for a great cause. Myself and three other constituents from District 2 in New Jersey met with Congressman LoBiondo. The outcome of this meeting was extremely encouraging. The congressman ofsered his&ll support in writing to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to keep the RN in the OR. Afer our meeting, the con- gressman invited us to walk with him to the Capitol. Once there, he took us on a 40-minute private tour of the Capitol, including the Rotunda, Hall of Statues, Oflce of the Speaker of the House, and the Speaker j. Private Conference Room. Our tour concluded on the

balcony over the west entrance overlooking the Mall.

Can I have an application for the nurse internship program in Washington, DC? I attended the Lobby Day on June 25th and 26th, and, after 30 years experi- ence in nursing, I want to become more politically active.

You ’ve got another soldier in your fight for periopera- tive nurses. . . . the event in Washington was spectacu- lar: Thank you for showing me yet another side of AORN that means so much!

Thanb for all the hard work you have done. I thought the Lobby Day was absolutely fantastic! Everywhere I go, I have to tell my colleagues about the great experience. The hospi- tal administrators want all the information too. Thanb for the updates. We have to keep the ball rolling! Thanb again for the oppor- tunity to participate.

Please notice how many people were interested in attending. Can there be more located in the District of Columbia or the Northern firginid Maryland area.

KEEP THE BALL ROLLING The feedback from Capitol

Hill has been incredible. AORN and its members were not only highly visible on Capitol Hill on Lobby Day, but they were out- standing and effective advocates

for the perioperative nursing pro- fession. All of our 40,000 mem- bers will reap the benefits of the efforts of our grassroots lobby- ists. Thus far, 37 additional cosponsors from the House of Representatives have been added to the list of cosponsors for HR 822, the Medicare CRNFA Direct Reimbursement Act of 200 1. For a complete list of cur- rent congressional sponsors of HR 822 see Table 1 on page 398.

Those congressional ofices that did not get personal visits from our grassroots members received a hand-delivered letter under my signature explaining A0R”s issues, as well as the commemorative first aid kit. In addition, just before Lobby Day, an advertisement about A0R”s Lobby Day was placed in Roll Call, the Capitol Hill newspaper. Nathalie Walker, RN, BSN, CNOR, was to visit the legislative aide to Rep David Vitter (R-La). Instead, while she was waiting, Rep Vitter walked out of his office with the paper and said, “I knew you were coming.” Pictures were taken and an unexpected visit re~ulted.~

MEETING WITH THE GAO The General Accounting

Ofice (GAO) has a congressional mandate to conduct a study on the cost of CRNFA reimburse- ment. The afternoon of Lobby Day, President-elect Donna Watson, RN, MSN, CNOR, ARNP, FNP-C; Melody Mena, and Angela Bernard, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, along with rep- resentatives from McDermott, Will, and Emery, AORN staff members, and I met with GAO officials responsible for the CRNFA reimbursement study. We will continue to assist the GAO in

307 AORN JOURNAL

Page 4: AORN's Lobby Day—Shades of blue and green on the Hill

SEPTEMBER 2001, VOL 74, NO 3

their study, and we need your help. Please continue to urge hos- pital administrators, patients, and surgeons to write to their legisla- tors outlining the value of CRNFAs and the contributions they make to patient care. Please remember to share copies of this correspondence with AORN so that we may share this informa- tion with the GAO. In addition, information detailing private and public insurance reimbursement for the RNFA is needed.

MOVING FORWARD Although our efforts were

effective on Lobby Day, we can- not slacken our endeavors to accomplish recognition for the roles of the perioperative RN and the CRNFA. When we renew our efforts, we make a difference. Due to the past diligence of our grassroots network, our congres- sional leaders now know who perioperative nurses are and the value we bring to patient care. AORN will continue efforts in the public policy arena on your behalf and on behalf of our peri- operative patients.

Congratulations to all who were able to participate in Lobby Day 2001. We apologize to those who wanted to be a part of the

N O T E S

action and were foreclosed. Videotapes of the Federal Affairs Conference and Lobby Day will be available from AORN. In addition, AOR”s 2002 Congress in Anaheim will feature a video- tape highlighting both the confer- ence and the experience of Lobby Day. Please join us in Anaheim and relive the excite- ment of that day or experience it for the first time, Our members were incredible as we worked to educate federal lawmakers and policy makers on the vital role of the perioperative RN.

Sally Sicherman, RN, CNOR, sums it up best with her poem titled, “The Perioperative Regis- tered Nurse: A Tribute to You.”

OR nurses may pe form many tasks, They are more than just a

face behind the mask. They are knowledgeable, capable, compassionate, and caring. They are risk takers, patient advocates, technical experts, and daring. They assess, evaluate, implement, and strive, To make eflective changes in their patient’s lives. In their jobs they fiequently

June 200 1.

have to do more with less. Howevec when it comes to patient care, they always give their best. Of the varied patient popu- lation, they try to meet every need. They listen to what their patients say and take heed. They are of dferent ages, sexes; they are culturally diverse. Every single patient deserves a perioperative registered nurse.

As has been demonstrated over and over that if we work together we are an incredibly effective team. I am grateful to be a part of such a hard-working, valuable group. As perioperative nurses, we have a positive impact on patient care every day. We now have learned the impact we can have in the public policy arena. We must continue our efforts to achieve the outcome we want. Remember, we can do this.

SHEILA 1. ALLEN RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA

PRESIDENT

President Allen can be cantackd by 8-mail at [email protected] or by fax at (425) 740-9269.

1. C D’Amour, How to Turn Generation Me Into 3. N Walker, presentation at Louisiana Council of AORN Chapters meeting, Jennings, La, 7 July 2001.

4. S Sicherman, “The perioperative registered nurse: A tribute to you,” Cardiothoracic Specialty Assembly Newsletter 7 (Winter 2000) 3.

Active Members of Your Association (Ann Arbor, Mich: Jump Start Books, 1999) 2.

2. C D’Amour, “The building blocks of leader- ship: Skills for nurse leaders,” workshop presented at the AORN Leadership Program, Washington, DC, 24

308 AORN JOURNAL