I pray everyone has enjoyed a productive summer, hopefully finding time to recharge and regroup despite a busy summer OR schedule. The TCORN leadership installed its new officers at the Congress meeting and transitioned into a smooth succession over the next couple of months since we were in the middle of a legislative session. Since that time the leadership has been busy, working behind the scenes representing the membership at numerous activities at the state and national level. I am proud to represent Texas State Council (TCORN) each month during the AORN State Council Conference calls and to attend the AORN Leadership Conference.

As you may well remember the Texas legislature gaveled to an end June 01, 2009. The 2009 session proved to be a most interesting one and will certainly be earmarked to go down in history. Prior to beginning the session, the Texas Nursing Association (TNA) held a Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition (NLAC) in Austin, TX, and numerous perioperative colleagues were present from TCORN, the TX RNFA Network, AORN of Greater Houston, AORN of North Harris Montgomery County, and the Society of Otorhinolaryngology & Head & Neck Nurses. A legislative agenda pertaining specifly to nursing was set during this meeting with the additional input from guest speaker, Rep Donna Howard, RN. Then, once the session began, there were weekly conference call sponsored by TNA, who kept us abreast of the status of all and any nursing bills. Individuals on these call were Denise Jackson, Joy Don Baker any myself. In addition, TCORN had representation at Nurse Day at the Capitol with participation in promoting nursing in a campaign sponsored by TNA. Historically, TCORN has had an established presence in the legislative arena and continues to collaborate with TNA, especially with Jim Willmann, who has frequently renders consultation regarding perioperative issues whenever there is a major concern. Without these collaborative efforts, TCORN could not have accomplished the successful legislative outcomes this past session, regarding HB 643 Surgical Technologist bill. Jim Willmann and Denise Jackson were instrumental in negotiating the language in this bill with key stakeholders and the outcome was a win- win situation for all.

Many may recall participating in a survey this past summer and I personally would like to offer my appreciation and gratitude for your willingness to help move TCORN forward and think outside the box. There were 57 TCORN members who responded. The responses are as follows:

• When should TCORN hold its annual business meeting?
  • 64.7% indicated they would prefer the meeting be connected to the annual conference,
  • 35.7% wanted it to remain with the Congress meeting, and 5.4% were not happy with either option.
• How often should TCORN hold a business meeting?
  • The greatest percent, 48.2% indicated one/year meet the current need. Smaller percentage was spread between 2-4 times a year.
• Would your chapter be willing to co-sponsor a seminar, splitting expenses?
• An overwhelming number (87.5%) indicated that they might be interested, but would not be able to make the decision independently.
  • Only 7.1% indicated Yes
  • 5.4% indicated No.
• Should TCORN collaborate with nearby state councils for a regional meeting?
  • 73.7% of the respondents indicated they would like this option explored further.
  • Remainder of the results was
    • 15.8% Yes
    • 10.5% No.
    • Should TCORN have a Facebook page?
      • 67.3% Yes
      • 32.7% No
• Should TCORN explore the options of Webinars?
  • 85.7% Yes
  • 14.3% No

Additional behind the scenes work took place July 31-08/02/2009 as the TCORN leadership met for its second annual Leadership Retreat at Art Klebba’s ranch. This was a working weekend where we came together to establish goals, objectives and discuss strategic planning for moving TCORN forward. Seeing quickly there was a lot of work to accomplish, a plan of action was developed to best address all the issues, including the survey results. Listed below is a summary of the goals developed during the Leadership Retreat and targeting accomplishments for the coming year:

• Increase communication via the website
• Improve and modify the willingness to serve forms
• Fill the State Coordinator position- completed. Joy Don Baker has accepted this position.
• Offer a conference call for Texas Chapter Presidents (frequency to be determined)
• Create a membership marketing campaign to increase membership
• Establish a task force to investigate a regional state council meeting, collaborating with bordering state councils, i.e. Louisiana and Oklahoma
• Hold a business meeting during the January conference (This has been scheduled.)
• Explore the options of setting up a Facebook
• Explore the options of developing webinar educational meeting
• Add two (2) Board members to the leadership team for more representation. (This will require a bylaws change.)

Becky

Becky Churchman, RN, CRNFA
TCORN Chair 2009-2010 “No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledges this help with gratitude.”- Alfred North Whitehead