June 2013 Vol 97 No 6 • AORN Connections | C11

2013-2014 AORN BOARd Of diRectORs.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0001-2092(13)00503-6© AORN, Inc, 2013

National Time Out DayIt has been

nine years since the Universal Protocol went into effect. AORN was a leader

in the development and implementation of this protocol, which has improved patient safety across the country. Although progress has been made to reduce wrong-patient, wrong-site, and wrong-procedure events, more work needs to be done.

This month, AORN supports National Time Out Day, an opportunity to recognize the progress to date and strive for continued improvements in the future. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate our successes by sharing stories of “good catches” and emphasizing the importance of the time out. We need to continue to work on this key initiative by focusing on and improving some problem-prone processes to enhance patient safety, and we need to share our success stories.

Victoria M. SteelmanPhD, RN, CNOR, FAANAORN President-Elect

From the BoardA report from the AORN Board of directors

Victoria Steelman

AORN’s Board of Directors convened its annual Board orientation meeting at AORN headquarters in Denver on April 12, 2013. Board members were oriented to the roles and

responsibilities of the Board of Directors. The AORN organizational chart and business model were reviewed. An overview of AORN’s financial policies and reporting structure was presented as well as a snapshot of government affairs, corporate communications, and AORN’s representation among and relationships with other professional organizations. Discussion also focused on the 2012-2013 strategic plan dashboard. Board members were pleased to see that significant progress has been achieved toward current strategic goals. The Board also approved the 2013-2014 strategic plan.

The Board approved to sunset the AORN “Position statement on surgical smoke and bio-aerosols.” Updated references on this topic have been incorporated into the “Recommended practices for laser safety in perioperative practice settings,” the “Recommended practices for electrosurgery,” and the “Recommended practices for minimally invasive surgery.”

Board members also received an update on the 2013 Congress in San Diego. Survey results from attendees and vendors were very positive and plans are already underway for an exciting 2014 Congress in Chicago. The Board would like to thank the numerous AORN staff members and member volunteers who made Congress a success.

Callie CraigMS, BSN, RN, CNOR

AORN Secretary