AORN OF GREATER CLEVELAND POLICY MANUAL
August 2011
POLICY MANUAL
CONTENTS PAGE
Mission and Philosophy 1
General Policy Statement 2
Board of Directors 3
OFFICERS
President 5
President-Elect 6
Vice President 7
Secretary 8
Treasurer 9
COMMITTEES
Overall Policy for Committee Chairs 10
Committee Members/Committee Structure 11
STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CHAPTER
Budget and Finance 12
Bylaws/Policy 13
Communications 14
Education 15
Fund Raising 16
Hospitality 17
Legislative 18
Membership 19
Nominating 20
Scholarship 21
Selection Criteria 22
Special Committees/AD HOC 24
APPOINTED POSITIONS
Historian 24
Parliamentarian 25
POLICIES
Delegate Policy 26
Point System Policy & Tally Sheet 29
Bereavement Policy 31
Guest Policy 31
Industry Policy 32
Sale of Address Labels 32
Member Incentives Policy
Congress Incentive Award 33
Continuing Education Grant 34
Application 35
Vice President’s Award 36
August 1977 Revised 1997 Revised March 2005 Revised August 2010
Revised Nov 1985 Reviewed March 1998 Revised April 2006 Revised August 2011
Revised Nov 1988 Revised July 2001 Revised November 2006
Revised May 1990 Revised July 2003 Revised June 2007
Revised June 1994 Revised May 2004 Revised August 2008
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
A. Mission
AORN is the professional organization of perioperative registered
nurses that unites its members by providing education,
representation, and standards for quality patient care.
B. Vision
AORN is the premier association essential to the professional practice of perioperative nursing that exerts global
influence to advance and protect quality perioperative services.
C. Value
AORN is committed to excellence in support of its mission.
D. Philosophy
AORN, Inc., is a voluntary organization of professional registered
nurses concerned with perioperative patient care.
AORN believes nursing is a social institution that provides essential
and significant health care services to meet evolving societal needs.
The perioperative nurse uses knowledge, judgment, and skills based on
the principles of physical, biological, physiological, behavioral,
social and nursing science.
AORN believes that nurses must be ethical, responsible and
accountable for quality patient care. The nurse engaged in peri-
operative nursing practice provides or facilitates care to surgical
or other perioperative patients. AORN believes that research should
be the foundation for perioperative nursing practice.
AORN believes that learning is a lifelong process and that peri-
operative nurses must assume responsibility for ongoing education.
AORN is committed to enabling perioperative nurses to meet that
responsibility.
AORN believes that standards of nursing practice, interdisciplinary
collaboration, and appropriate resource utilization enhance peri-
operative nursing practice.
AORN believes its activities should be structured to anticipate
and meet society’s perioperative health care needs.
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GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT
DUES:
1. The amount of dues of this chapter is determined by the National
Board of Directors.
2. The annual dues of National AORN are determined by the National Board
of Directors and subject to ratification by the House of Delegates.
3. The annual dues of Specialty Assemblies are determined by the Specialty
Assembly and National AORN and are subject to the approval of the
National Board of Directors.
4. Local, National and Specialty Assembly dues are sent to Headquarters
Office in accord with National Bylaws Article III, Section 5-B.
CHAPTER RECORDS AND PROPERTY:
Upon leaving office or chair of a committee, officers and chairs will deliver all records and other property to their
successors by the next board meeting.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. Composition: The Board is composed of the officers and five (5)
members elected by the membership.
B. Term of office: Two (2) years, except for the President and President-
elect, which is a one (1) year term for each office.
C. Relationship of the Members: The Board of Directors is to act in the
best interest of the membership by conforming to the purpose for which
AORN was formed as outlined in the Bylaws, the Mission and the Vision.
The Board of Directors is charged with the overall responsibility of
conducting the affairs of the Chapter.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Board of Directors shall:
1. Direct the business and financial affairs of the chapter and
submit recommendations and/or major policy changes to the
membership for approval.
2. Establish administrative policy.
3. Fill all vacancies on the Board with the exception of the office
of President: a. Within one month for elected officers,
b. within three months for Board members.
4. Foster growth and development of the chapter.
5. Review committee reports and determine action to be taken.
6. Approve budgetary allocations as appropriate.
7. Assist the President in the structuring of committees.
8. Approve fund raising functions.
9. Approve the purchase of supplies and equipment.
10. Approve contracts for services, such as printing and mailing of
the Chapter Newsletter or special projects.
11. Function as the credentials committee in determining membership
status.
12. Assist the President with liaison advising and reporting.
13. If a member becomes nonfunctional and does not resign
voluntarily, the remaining Board members may request their
resignation.
Meetings: The purpose of meetings is to complete the responsibilities of
the Board of Directors as a whole.
1. Meets as often as necessary, but at least five (5) times a
year. Meetings will be open to the membership as long as
space permits.
2. Executive Sessions:
a. Will be used for personnel or sensitive issues as
determined by the Board.
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b. May be requested by any Board member, with reason stated.
c. Only Board members are present. At the request of the
Board, individuals may be requested to attend.
d. When possible, announcement of executive sessions should
be on the published agenda.
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Each Board member shall:
1. Serve on committees as assigned. Will not chair committee unless
another volunteer is unavailable.
2. Be expected to attend all Board of Directors meetings, unless
excused by the President. Must attend a majority of meetings
to receive points for being a board member.
3. Conduct oneself in a professional manner, so as to reflect
prestige upon the chapter.
4. Keep informed on the activities of the chapter and National AORN.
5. Arrive promptly for meetings and come prepared to discuss item of
business.
6. Accept and complete special assignments as made by the President.
7. Be knowledgeable of chapter and National Bylaws.
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OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
Officers of the Board are in the service of the Board. As such, they are bound by Board wishes and by limits of Board
authority.
PRESIDENT:
Assures the integrity of Board process including effectiveness of meeting and the Board’s adherence to its own rules.
Serves as chair of the Board. The presidential succession, in case of temporary absence of the President, is the Vice
President, the Treasurer, and the Secretary.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The President shall:
1. Preside at all meetings of the Association and Board of Directors.
2. Be a member, ex-officio, of all committees.
3. Represent the Association at meetings of other organizations or
designate an alternate, usually the Vice President.
4. Appoint chairs of all standing and special committees after consul-
tation with the Board of Directors.
5. Offer guidance to all committees and their activities.
6. Terminate committee appointments when such appointees are nonpro-
ductive.
7. Direct the preparation of, and signs when applicable all official
communications.
8. Speak on behalf of the Board of Directors on all official matters.
9. Keep Board and membership totally informed of all Association
activities as received from National AORN.
10. Respond promptly to all communications from National AORN.
11. Be in close contact with Vice President at all times to keep
him/her informed of ongoing activates of chapter and National AORN.
12. Appoint tellers committee for elections.
13. Prepare agenda for business meetings of the Chapter and Board
meetings.
14. Keep attendance record for all Board meetings to be turned in to
the Vice President for Point System records as ascribed in
Committee Chair responsibilities.
15. Be one of the two (2) prepaid delegates to Ohio Council of peri-
Operative Registered Nurses.
16. Serve as the Advisor and Board liaison to the Nominating Committee
the year following term of office, making certain that the election
slate is completed within ascribed timelines as stated in the
Policy manual on page 20.
17. Shall notify Vice President of the allotted number of delegates/
alternates to the annual AORN Congress.
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PRESIDENT ELECT
Orients to duties and responsibilities of the office of President by observing, assisting, and consulting with the
President. Assumes the office of President for a period of one year immediately following the
term as President Elect. Is an active member of the Chapter and has served
on the Board of Directors for one term. Is responsible to the Board for reporting on and noting inconsistencies of Board
actions related to current bylaws and policies.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The President Elect shall:
1. Serve as a member of the Board of Directors assuming responsibilities
as delegated by the President, or Board of Directors.
2. Serve as a member, ex-officio, without a vote, on standing and special
committees.
3. Act as a representative of the President in any delegated capacity.
4. Act as Parliamentarian when Parliamentarian is not present.
5. Serve as Chair of annual Congress delegation –
a. Send list of the delegates/alternates, and name of the Delegate
Chair, to Headquarters within ascribed deadline.
6. Summarize highlights of Board meetings in subsequent Chapter
newsletter.
7. Plan the June installation dinner meeting -
a. Choose location, menu, installing officer.
b. Choose theme – a maximum budget of $200.00 is allotted for
expenses (i.e. flowers, candles, etc.)
c. Purchase gift for outgoing President – Budget of $50.00 allotted
d. Submit all information to the communications committee 60 days
in advance
8. Be the Chapter Representative at the National Leadership Conference.
Reimbursement will include up to $400.00 for airfare, the registration fee, and two nights at the assigned hotel.
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VICE PRESIDENT
Acts in the absence of the President.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Vice President shall:
1. Perform the duties of the President in case of the President’s
absence or inability to act.
2. Perform such duties as may be delegated by the President.
3. Be responsible for keeping a record of accumulated member points
a. determine recipient of Congress Incentive Award and present
at the January dinner meeting;
b. determine recipient of the Vice President’s Award and present
at the Installation banquet.
4. Send officer eligibility report to the Nominating Committee
in November.
5. Be responsible for determining annual congress delegates, after
point sheets have been tallied.
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SECRETARY
Attests formally to the legitimacy of Board documents by affixing his/her
signature. The Secretary is also responsible to the Board for reporting
on and noting any inconsistencies of Board actions related to current bylaws and policies.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Secretary shall:
1. Assure that records are maintained of the proceedings of all business
meetings of the Chapter and the Board of Directors for the current and
past seven years.
2. If unable to attend a Board or membership meeting, will inform the
president prior to the meeting and make arrangements for someone to
take minutes.
3. Receive and maintain all correspondence.
4. Maintain records of communications sent to committees from the Board
of Directors.
5. At the direction of the President, write correspondence for the
Chapter.
6. At Chapter business and Board of Director meetings:
a. read correspondence,
b. record minutes of meeting.
7. Provide members of the Board of Directors with a copy of the Board of
Directors meeting minutes before the next chapter meeting.
8. Prepare a copy of all business and Board meeting minutes for
distribution at the following meeting.
9. Provide a copy of the chapter meeting minutes to the Website
coordinator prior to the end of the month.
10. Write thank you notes to special guests at Chapter meetings.
11. Inform National AORN of the death of a member.
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TREASURER
The Treasurer manages the financial affairs of the Chapter. The membership elects the Treasurer for a term of two
years to serve with the Board of
Directors in conducting the affairs of the Chapter. This officer should be knowledgeable of basic accounting and
banking principles.
The Treasurer’s files should contain:
- Copy of Chapter and National Bylaws
- Copy of budget (current and special projects) as adopted by the
Chapter
- Receipt book to acknowledge money received
- Check book to disburse funds as authorized
- Treasurer’s books in which to keep the financial records
- Current roster of chapter members
- Tax exempt status and number
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Treasurer shall:
1. Prepare annual statement of income and expenses based on chapter’s
fiscal year of July 1 through June 30th for use by the Budget & Finance
Committee in preparing the annual budget.
2. Prepare a financial statement for presentation at each chapter
business meeting and/or Board meeting.
3. Maintain the Chapter checking account.
4. Pay all bills, sign all checks, and oversee additional transactions.
(All bills must be accompanied with an itemized and signed statement
of expenditures and receipts.)
5. Maintain income records for the Chapter.
6. Monitor the Chapter’s financial status. Notify President of any
unusual requests for funds.
7. Maintain accurate Chapter accounting records.
8. Oversee the distribution of the Education Grants.
(See Description in Policy Manual)
9. Distribute designated funds to Congress Delegates as determined by
chapter policy.(Each delegate must provide copies of personal receipts
that total the amount of funding received from the chapter to receive
final payment.
10. Ensure that records are audited before turning over to the newly
elected Treasurer. The audit will be conducted by at least three of
the five members of the Budget & Finance Committee.
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OVERALL POLICY FOR COMMITTEES:
COMMITTEE CHAIR:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Each Committee must have a minimum of two (2) meetings annually with
the exception of the Scholarship Committee if there are no
applications.
2. Prepares an agenda for committee meetings.
3. Presides at committee meetings/and or presents Committee report.
4. Assures that minutes are taken at all committee meetings and
distributed to the members.
5. Shall provide a monthly report at membership meeting and submits
written reports for newsletter when appropriate.
6. Maintains committee records in a notebook.
7. Submits an annual written report to the Chapter President two
weeks before the June meeting. This report should summarize
the committee’s progress, accomplishments, expenditures, and
recommendations.
8. Submits a list of members attending each committee meeting to the
Vice President for point system records. Must be turned in by the
October meeting.
METHOD OF FUNCTIONING:
1. If you are unable to get committee cooperation, please report
immediately to the Board of Directors for advice.
2. If you, as chair, feel unable to function after agreeing to serve,
submit your resignation, in writing, to the President in order that
the President can replace you immediately.
a. If the chair is non-functional the Board of Directors may request
a hearing with the Chair and will then advise, help or replace
the chair, as needed.
3. If you, as chair, are unable to attend a chapter meeting, you are to
arrange for someone from the committee to give the monthly report.
4. You are to present a verbal report to the membership, during and at
the completion of, any project.
5. Will maintain a balance sheet for any projects performed on behalf
of the chapter.
6. Expenditures of $100.00 or more must be approved in advance by the
Board of Directors.
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COMMITTEE MEMBER
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Supports the purpose and goals of the committee and the Chapter.
2. Attends committee meetings as scheduled by the chair.
3. Participates in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of
projects/work of the committee.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
The following committees will meet jointly in order to expedite business:
• Communication
• Membership
• Hospitality
• Legislative
• Fund Raising
• Outreach
The following committees will meet individually:
• Budget & Finance
• Bylaws & Policy
• Education
• Scholarship
• Nominating
• Ad Hoc Committees
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BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Budget and Finance Committee is a standing committee of the chapter and is composed of the President, President-
Elect, Past President, Treasurer and one Board of Directors member appointed by the President.
PURPOSE:
The Budget and Finance Committee establishes monetary objectives and limitations for the financial operation of the
organization and monitors
all accounts.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Prepares the annual budget and submits to the Board of Directors for
approval.
2. Is available to assist the treasurer in preparing the books for audit.
3. Conducts the chapter Treasury audit as indicated by policy.
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BYLAWS AND POLICY COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Bylaws and Policy Committee is a standing committee of the chapter. The chair shall be appointed annually by the
President after consultation with the Board of Directors. At least two (2) other members shall be selected to serve on
the committee.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Annually review the bylaws and recommend amendments to insure
consistency with National AORN.
2. Prepare amendments which are considered advisable to facilitate the
work and best interests of the chapter and submit same to the Board
of Directors for consideration and approval.
3. Submit final copy of Bylaws, as revised, for distribution to the
membership.
4. Send amended Bylaws to National AORN, after approval by the member-
ship. Two (2) copies are to be sent.
5. Annually review the Policy Manual and submit recommendations for
change to the Board of Directors.
METHOD OF FUNCTIONING:
1. The Chair shall present proposed bylaws amendments to the membership
thirty(30) days prior to voting. This may be done either by mail or
at a regular meeting.
2. The chair will present proposed policy changes to the Board for
approval and present changes at a regular Chapter meeting.
3. The Vice President shall be an ex-officio member and serve as a liaison
between the committee and the Board of Directors.
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COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Communications Committee is a standing committee of the Chapter and will meet as part of the joint committee
structure. The chair shall be appointed annually by the President after consultation
with the Board of Directors. At least two (2) other members shall be selected to serve on the committee.
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to coordinate the public information programs about the local AORN and to provide the membership of
the chapter with current
information regarding the activities of the Chapter.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Solicit an established deadline for manuscripts and material for
publication in the Chapter Newsletter/Website.
2. Follow AORN Publication “Chapter Newsletter Guide.”
3. Maintain an up-to-date mailing list including address,telephone
numbers and e-mail.
4. Prepare labels for mailing.
5. Prepare and submit press release items for publication in local news
media with the objective of image enhancement of the Perioperative
nurse.
6. Promote interest in Chapter programs through the newsletter and
website.
7. Assist other committees with publicity needs.
8. Printing will be handled at the discretion of the committee with
approval by the Board of Directors.
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EDUCATION COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Education Committee is a standing committee of the Chapter. A chair is appointed annually by the President after
consultation with the Board of
Directors. At least two (2) other members shall be selected to serve on the committee. Workshops are separate
educational offerings from Chapter
meetings.
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to plan and develop educational programs and workshops to provide continuing education for the
chapter membership.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Insure that all offerings planned reflect the philosophy and
objectives of AORN.
2. Submit a tentative schedule of offerings for Board approval.
3. Obtain contact hours for each offering, preferably through AORN.
4. Assure necessary audiovisual equipment is available for the speaker.
5. Incorporate the Communications Committee in planning for
publicity for all endeavors.
6. Provide appropriate information to treasurer regarding honorarium for
speaker. If money is declined, it will be donated to National AORN
Foundation.
7. Send thank you notes to all speakers.
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FUND RAISING
DEFINITION:
The Fund Raising Committee is a standing committee of the Chapter and will meet as part of the joint committee
structure. The chair shall be appointed annually by the President after consultation with the Board of Directors. At least
two (2) other members shall be selected to serve on the committee.
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to organize fund raising projects to support the needs of the Chapter.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Annually recommend fund raising activities to the Board of
Directors.
2. Solicit members to participate in the execution of the fund
raising activities.
3. Promote fund raising activities.
4. Collect al monies from fund raising activities, turning same over
to the Chapter Treasurer as soon as possible.
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HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Hospitality Committee is a standing committee of the Chapter and will meet as part of the joint committee structure.
The chair shall be appointed annually by the President after consultation with the Board of Directors. At least two (2)
other members shall be selected to serve on the committee as needed.
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to plan and implement the social/networking time at chapter meetings.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Determine if directional signs are needed and post if necessary.
2. Plan the social/networking time, assist and make arrangements for
same (i.e. serving, tidying up).
3. Provide refreshment at membership meetings as approved by the Board.
The annual expense shall not exceed approved budget monies.
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LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Legislative Committee is a standing committee of the Chapter and will meet as part of the joint committee structure.
The chair shall be appointed annually by the President after consultation with the Board of Directors. At least two (2)
other members shall be selected to serve on the Legislative Committee.
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to inform the membership of current political and legislative activities occurring at the local, state and
National levels relating to perioperative and other pertinent health care issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Members of this committee shall maintain current knowledge of:
a. Political issues and legislation relating to health care and
nursing at the local, state and national levels.
b. Political candidates and their history of support for nursing
and/or health care issues.
c. Legislation occurring within AORN and other nursing organizations
that may affect perioperative nursing practice.
d. Issues proposed in related health care organizations (AMA, AHA,
etc.) that may have an effect on the nursing profession.
2. Report to membership to apprise them of important issues, changes
and bills coming to vote.
3. The chair of the committee and the chapter President will serve
as the two (2) prepaid delegates to the Ohio Council of periOperative
Registered Nurses.
METHOD OF FUNCTIONING:
1. The Chair shall determine which members of the committee have access
to publications, political information, candidates or officials and
other nursing/health care organizations.
2. Members will be encouraged to attend the Ohio Council of peri-Opera-
tive Registered Nurses meeting to collect information pertinent to
peri-Operative Nursing.
3. A report will be presented at each monthly meeting.
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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Membership Committee is a standing committee of the Chapter and will meet as part of the joint committee
structure. The chair shall be appointed annually by the President after consultation with the Board of Directors. At least
two (2) members shall be selected to serve on the committee.
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to promote and maintain growth of the chapter and to welcome members, guest, participants and
speakers at meetings and workshops.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Arrive prior to the social/networking time. Set up registration
table near the entrance.
2. Provide “sign in” log to record attendance of members and guests.
3. Provide nametags.
4. Greet members and guests. Alert President to presence of guests and
new members.
5. Report total attendance when called upon by the President. Introduce
guests.
6. At close of meeting, give “sign in” log to the Vice President to
update records.
7. Contact those who have allowed membership to lapse and send out
membership applications.
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NOMINATING COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Nominating Committee is an elected committee of the Chapter and shall be elected in the manner provided in the
Bylaws. The Chair shall be appointed annually by the President after consultation with the Board of
Directors. The current Past President will serve as an ex-officio member of this committee.
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to prepare a slate of qualified candidates for the elected offices/positions in the Chapter.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Select qualified candidates for officers, board members and the
nominating committee, based on the point system and credentials
provided by the vice-president.
2. Present a ballot to the membership for officers, board members and
nominating committee at the March meeting, providing for
nominations from the floor.
3. Provide final slate to the Communications committee for publication.
4. Validate current membership status of all members at the time of
Elections (May meeting).
5. Prepare and distribute the ballots at the May meeting.
5. Will act as the Teller’s committee for all elections.
METHOD OF FUNCTIONING:
1. Advise candidates of the demands of the office they seek prior to
their commitment to serve by providing appropriate job descriptions.
2. Obtain a signed willingness-to-serve form from all candidates for the
specific office/position they are seeking.
3. Following election, results will be given to the President to
announce and to the Secretary for permanent record.
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SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
DEFINITION:
The Scholarship committee is a standing committee of the Chapter. The Committee will consist of a chair, most recent
recipient and at least one volunteer. The Chair will be appointed annually by the President after
consultation with the Board of Directors. These scholarships are in memory Of C.Joan Gowin, Christine Allen-Dona
Martin Laing.
These scholarships are the:
1. C. Joan Gowin ($500)presented at the June dinner meeting
2. Christine Allen-Dona Martin Laing ($500) presented at the June dinner meeting
3. Entry Level Student Nurse ($1000) presented at the January meeting
PURPOSE:
The purpose is to determine the annual recipients of the three scholarships.See applications for further guidelines.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
CHAIR shall:
1. Process the applicants packets and verify completeness according
to specified guidelines. See Scholarship Application.
2. Assign an identification number for confidentiality.
3. Verify eligibility criteria as listed below.
4. Initiate criterion scoring sheets.
5. Be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the applicants.
The recipients will remain confidential until the award is presented.
6. Plan a committee meeting in December for the Entry Level Student Nurse
Scholarship recipient.
7. Plan a Committee meeting in May for the C. Joan Gowin and Christine
Allen-Dona Martin Laing Scholarship recipients.
8. Contact each applicant and follow up with a letter of acceptance or
rejection for the scholarships.
9. Present the scholarships at the June dinner meeting.
10. Present the scholarship for the student nurse at the January meeting.
COMMITTEE shall:
1. Encourage the membership to use the scholarship funds for further
educational endeavors.
2. Publish information regarding availability of scholarship funds
along with the chair’s name and telephone number for contact purposes
in the chapter newsletter and on the website.
3. Review general criteria for awarding scholarships to members to
insure that applicants meet all criteria.
4. Review scoring sheets and personal statements by identification
number only.
5. Reach consensus on the recipients with the highest criterion scores.
6. Not access names of the applicants.
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SELECTION CRITERIA:
A. Eligibility for C.Joan Gowin and Christine Allen-Donna Martin Laing
Scholarships:
1. Must be a member of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of AORN (3608).
2. Must have twelve (12) consecutive months of AORN membership
immediately prior to application for the scholarship.
3. Recipients cannot receive the same scholarship in successive
years unless there are no other applicants.
4. Eligibility related to intended program of study:
a. C Joan Gowin Scholarship:
• Bachelor of Nursing (BSN)
• Currently an RN going toward any advanced Nursing degree
b. Allen-Laing Scholarship:
• Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) or higher degree in Nursing
• Any advanced degree in Nursing, education or management/business that supports perioperative nursing
5. Grade point average of 3.0 from a college or institution of
higher education.
6. Must meet all eligibility requirements, without exception.
7. All scholarship applications are sent directly to the Chair of
the committee.
8. Grievances regarding eligibility may be presented to the Board
of Directors.
9. At the end of the selection process, packets will be returned
to non-recipients.
B. Eligibility for the Entry Level Student Nurse Scholarship:
1. Resident of Cuyahoga, Geauga, or Lake County.
2. Be enrolled full-time in an accredited nursing program.
3. A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in required nursing
Courses. A current official transcript must be included in
application.
4. A letter of recommendation from a nursing instructor.
5. Complete an 800-1000 word typed essay answering the following
questions. Applicants should compose a professional paper using
correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Margins should be
1 inch, papers should be double spaced, and the font should be
no smaller than size 12.
o What is your philosophy of nursing?
o Describe your understanding of the role of the perioperative registered nurse.
o How will you use your education for the advancement of nursing?
o Include pertinent information related to professional organizations and community service.
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C. Deadlines for Scholarship Applications:
1. For the C. Joan Gowin and Christine Allen-Dona Martin-Laing
Scholarship, deadline is May 1st.
2. For the Entry Level Student Nurse Scholarship, deadline is
December 1st.
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SPECIAL COMMITTEES/AD HOC
Special committees may be appointed by the President and cease to exist when the purpose for which they were
created is complete.
APPOINTED POSITIONS
HISTORIAN
DEFINITION:
The Historian shall be appointed annually by the President after consultation with the Board of Directors.
PURPOSE:
The Historian shall keep a record of the history of the Greater Cleveland
Chapter of AORN.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. In cooperation with the Newsletter/Website Committee, obtain all press
clippings, chapter pictures and other items of interest regarding
chapter activities.
2. Place clippings, pictures, etc. in books of permanent record.
3. Solicit new items from chapter members.
4. Display permanent record books at the January and June Chapter
functions and at the request of the President.
5. Keep the camera belonging to the Chapter, to be used at organizational
functions.
6. Return all materials to the President upon completion of the appointed
term.
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PARLIAMENTARIAN
DEFINITION:
The Parliamentarian is a member of the Chapter, appointed annually by the President, after consultation with the Board
of Directors. The Parliamentarian shall be knowledgeable in parliamentary procedure, rules and/or debate and have a
full understanding of the Bylaws and Policies of the Chapter.
PURPOSE:
The Parliamentarian is to provide advice on parliamentary procedure in order to protect the rights of all the membership
and to assist the President in maintaining order during chapter meetings.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Parliamentarian shall advise the President at all meetings, as necessary,
so that parliamentary procedure is based on the regards for the rights of:
1. The minority, especially a strong minority of greater than one-third;
2. The majority;
3. Individual members;
4. Absentees;
5. All these together, within the chapters total membership.
METHOD OF FUNCTIONING:
1. Be present at all Chapter business meetings.
2. Have a current copy of the Chapter Bylaws and Policy Manual on hand.
3. Have a current copy of the National Bylaws on hand.
4. Have a recent copy of Robert’s Rules of Order on hand.
5. Serve on the Bylaws and Policy Committee.
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DELEGATE POLICY
APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATES:
1. Delegate eligibility is to be determined by point sheet tally
prior to the November chapter meeting.
2. A full complement of delegates will be selected.
3. Credentials include:
a. A chapter or retired member of the chapter.
b. Record of attendance at five(5) chapter meetings during the
previous fiscal year.
c. Active participation on one chapter committee or one chapter
activity.
d. Point sheet must be turned in no later than the October Chapter
meeting.
4. The Vice President will determine willingness to attend Congress as a
chapter delegate.
5. In the event that the number of chapter members eligible exceeds the
number of allotted delegates, selection shall be based on highest
point totals, and then by lot should the need arise.
6. Delegates will be announced at the January chapter meeting.
7. The final slate of delegates will be sent to National AORN.
8. The slate of delegates will be published in the Spring newsletter.
9. In the event a full complement cannot be filled by “qualified” delegates,
the remaining seats will be filled using the following criteria:
a. A Greater Cleveland chapter member who has attended a minority of
meetings in the previous fiscal year (4, 3, 2, etc)
b. must have participated in at least one chapter activity or served
on one chapter committee,
c. must be willing to accept responsibility for all National delegate
duties required at Congress,
d. no compensation will be issued from the chapter treasury.
10. In the event that the full complement still cannot be filled,
a. Ohio Council members who have met their chapter’s delegate criteria
will be considered. Choice will be by lot if necessary.
b. Individuals selected must be willing to accept the responsibility
for all National delegate duties at Congress,
c. no compensation will be issued from the greater Cleveland chapter
treasury,
d. If Delegate responsibilities are not fulfilled, individual(s) will
not be eligible to be a Greater Cleveland chapter delegate in the
future.
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POLICY STATEMENT:
+ A delegate will receive compensation by the chapter, as
determined by chapter Policy (see below).
+ A delegate shall reimburse the chapter the full amount of
compensation if for any reason they are unable to represent the
chapter at Congress or they do not perform the responsibilities
outlined for the role.
+ If a delegate obtains FULL Congress funding from another
source, the money allotted by the chapter will be returned to the
chapter.
RATIONALE:
• Providing funding to delegates/alternates is justified because the role
requires a time commitment at Congress and the Chapter would not have
representation if members did not make this commitment.
FUNDING FROM THE CHAPTER:
1. The chapter will fund delegates to Congress as designated by the Board
of Directors in the following manner:
a. each delegate will receive the same amount;
b. funds used shall not exceed ½ of the total monies in the treasury,
to the maximum of $750.00 per delegate.;
c. the chapter treasury shall not be depleted to less than $1000.00 in
order to fund delegates;
d. the gross amount available is to be divided by the total number of
delegates;
1. Funding must be returned to the chapter if responsibilities are
not fulfilled.
2. The chapter shall provide a check, drawn for ½ the amount calculated, to
each delegate prior to Congress.
3. The remaining ½, or percentage of total funding, will be paid upon
completion of delegate responsibilities.
4. Each delegate responsibility will be equally weighted in determining
amount to be reimbursed.
5. Reimbursable items for delegates are limited to registration, travel
expenses and hotel accommodations only. Receipts turned in to the
Treasurer, must identify the delegate name as the recipient of the
services.
DELEGATES WHO FAIL TO MEET ALL CHAPTER REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO BE A DELEGATE THE
FOLLOWING YEAR. DELEGATES MAY SEEK (EXCUSAL)APPROVAL AT THE BOARD MEETING FOLLOWING
CONGRESS.
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REQUIRED CHAPTER DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. All House of Delegate Meetings
2. Forums/Town meetings related to AORN business.
3. Candidates speeches.
4. Voting
5. Writing of Delegate report
a. upon return from Congress, each delegate/alternate will
write a review of an educational session and submit to the
Delegate chair. Article must be turned in no later than the
May chapter meeting following Congress.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DELEGATE CHAIR:
The chair should be the President-elect. In the event the President-elect
is unable to serve, the chair will be appointed by the Board of Directors.
Prior to Congress:
a. Provide delegates with required chapter responsibilities,
At Congress:
a. Take attendance at required sessions and be sure each delegate votes;
b. Make any status changes promptly;
c. Report attendance to the State recorder at House of Delegate sessions;
d. Confer with each delegate and make a list of the articles they will write
for the newsletter. Any recipient of the Chapter Congress Incentive Award
is also required to write an article.
After Congress:
a. Report to the chapter membership, the results of the election and any
issues that came before the House.
b. Communicate with the President before the next Board meeting. Report
about attendance or any changes in delegate status.
c. Receive delegate reports and forward to the Communications Chair
to be posted on the website.
d. Report to the Treasurer that all delegate responsibilities have
been fulfilled.
POINT SYSTEM POLICY
The following tally sheet will be used in determining member eligibility
for Chapter officers and Congress delegates.
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Point System for the Greater Cleveland Chapter of AORN
Chapter Office Eligibility and Congress Delegates
Fiscal year July 1,__________________ to June 30,________________________
Before being considered for chapter office eligibility or being a Congress Delegate, five (5) Greater Cleveland AORN
Chapter Business Meetings must have bee attended.
Points will only be given for attendance at Chapter Business Meetings. Points for business meetings will not be given if
more than 10 minutes late for the meeting.
Please use this form to determine your points. Fill in and total your points. Submit your completed form to the Vice
President by the October Chapter meeting.
Chapter Business Meetings Attended: (one point per meeting + bonus points) Total Points
9 meetings + 4 bonus points Please check the month of Meeting/s attended: Chapter
8 meetings + 3 bonus points Meetings
7 meetings + 2 bonus points September____ October____ November____
6 meetings + 1 bonus point January ____ February_____ March ____
5 meetings + 0 bonus points April ____ May ____ June ____ ______
Chapter Officer Point Values: Officer Points
President 5 Vice President 3 Treasurer 3
President-elect 3 Secretary 3 Board of Directors 3 ______ ¬¬¬
Chapter Committees
Chair 4 Co-chair 3 (If no individual chair) Member 2
Committee Chairs: Committee
Budget/Finance____ Education ____ Legislative ____ Outreach ____ Chair Points
Bylaws/Policy ____ Fund Raising ____ Membership____ Scholarship ____
Communication____ Hospitality ____ Nominating ____ Ad Hoc ____ ______
Committee Membership:
- You must attend 50% of committee meetings in order to be considered a
member of a committee and to receive the corresponding points Committee
Member Points
Individual Committees: Joint Committee _____
Budget/Finance ____ (includes Communication
Bylaws/Policy ____ Fund Raising, Hospitality,
Education ____ Legislative, Outreach and ______
Nominating ____ Membership)
Scholarship ____
Ad Hoc ____
Name:______________________________________________ OVER
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Additional Chapter Points: Additional
Historian 2 Chapter Activity (i.e. Baskets) 1 each Chapter Points
Parliamentarian 2 (must be approved by BOD)
Chapter Workshop 1 __________________________
__________________________
______
Speaker at
Greater Cleveland AORN Chapter sponsored educational Speaker Points
activity: 1 ______
State Level: State
Level
Ohio Council of periOperative Registered Nurses
Points (must attend 50% of meetings) (Total of 4 meetings per year)
Officer 3 Please list meetings attended:
Member 2 __________ __________ __________ __________
______
National Level: National
Board of Directors 3 Level Points
Nominating Committee 2
National Committee Chair/Member 2
Specialty Assembly Coordinating Council 2 Please list Assemblies: ______
Specialty Assembly Member 1 ____________ ___________
Publication/Congress Poster Submission: Publication
Points
One point for each publication/poster - maximum of 4
(Please list title/s and date/s)
______________________________ _______________________________
______________________________ _______________________________
______
Certification:
Current CNOR 3 (Date of expiration ) Certification
Current CRNFA 3 (Date of expiration ) Points
(do not also get
CNOR points) _______
Date:__________________ TOTAL POINTS
Name: __________________________________________
_________
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BEREAVEMENT POLICY
The Chapter will contribute up to $100.00 in honor of a deceased member only. This contribution can include, but not
be inclusive of, any charitable organization (s) identified in the member’s obituary, flowers, and/or AORN Foundation.
GUEST POLICY
DEFINITION:
Any invited person who is not currently a member of the AORN of Greater
Cleveland.
GUIDELINES:
1. A guest may not participate in voting during the business meeting.
2. The Membership Committee shall keep a record of guest’s names,
employment affiliation and professional status.
3. Guests shall be introduced during the regular business meeting.
4. Children are not allowed.
CONTACT HOUR OFFERINGS:
1. Fees are waived for students and first time guests.
2. AORN members from another chapter will pay a $5.00 fee to receive
contact hours for education programs presented at monthly meetings.
3. Any non-member of AORN will pay $7.00 to receive contact hours for
education programs presented at monthly meetings.
4. Fees will be paid at the registration desk.
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INDUSTRY POLICY
DEFINITION:
To provide guidelines to the organization in cooperating with industry in educational offerings.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the guidelines are to protect AORN interests and reputation.
To assure equitable and fair treatment of AORN and industry in cooperative efforts.
GUIDELINES:
1. The AORN Chapter of Greater Cleveland will consider cooperative
offerings in collaboration with industry.
2. The Chapter will consider offerings based upon educational needs of
the membership and applicability of the program.
3. Place, time, program content, faculty, refreshments and meal
arrangements will be made cooperatively between AORN and the industrial
co-sponsor. These arrangements will be put in a written agreement if
the educational offering is a Greater Cleveland AORN workshop with
shared expenses.
a. This agreement shall be signed by the AORN Workshop Chair and the
designated industrial representative,
b. The Board of Directors must approve arrangements,
c. The workshop chair is responsible for reporting proposed changes
to the Board of Directors,
d. NO CHANGES may be made without approval of both parties,
e. Changes must be made in writing.
4. Mailing labels MAY NOT be sold to industry.
5. Industrial representatives may sponsor refreshments before meetings.
SALE OF ADDRESS LABELS
Address labels for the Greater Cleveland Chapter of AORN (3608) may be sold
to other organizations for educational programs. If a request is made, there will be a fee of $300.00. The labels will be
printed and mailed to the
recipient only after the Treasurer has received the fee.
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MEMBER INCENTIVES POLICY
CONGRESS INCENTIVE AWARD
PURPOSE:
To recognize a member who has worked in support of the chapter in a non-officer, non-delegate capacity and through
professional achievement has accumulated the most points.
AWARD:
$200.00 toward Congress attendance given yearly at the January dinner meeting.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
1. Member in good standing of the Greater Cleveland Chapter who has,
during the period of July 1 to June 30, of the previous year, accumu-
lated the most points.
2. Must have at least 6 points, 4 of which must be from chapter meeting
attendance.
3. May not receive award in two consecutive years.
4. May be a chair or co-chair of a standing or ad hoc committee of the
chapter.
5. May not be awarded to anyone receiving full funding to attend
Congress. If no member is eligible, any allotted funds revert to the
Chapter treasury.
6. Winner must meet all requirements or relinquish the award to the
Treasurer. Proof of attendance is required for record keeping by the
Treasurer in the event of an external audit.
7. Ties are broken by lot.
8. Can not be connected with other awards, such as membership renewals,
or any awards given through National agencies or exhibitor
committees.
9. In the event of default, the award may be reassigned by the Vice
President.
10. Upon return from Congress, the recipient will write a review of an
educational session and submit to the Delegate Chair. Article
must be turned in be turned in no later than the May chapter meeting
following Congress.
11. May be notified in advance at the discretion of the Vice President.
REMITTANCE:
A check for $100.00 is issued to the winner by the Treasurer. Upon proof of attendance and completion of an
educational session review, the Treasurer will issue the remaining $100.00.
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CONTINUING EDUCATION GRANT
PURPOSE:
To provide members with monies toward attendance at seminars/meetings
based on the criteria as outlined below.
AWARD:
$2000.00 will be budgeted each calendar year to this fund. Individual
awards will be limited to $200.00.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants shall:
1. Be current members of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of AORN.
2. Have attended four (4) of the nine (9) business meetings during
the year.
3. Active participation on one chapter committee or one chapter
activity.
4. Be limited to applying every other year.
CRITERIA:
1. The meeting/seminar will meet the qualifications approved by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on
Accreditation (ANCC).
2. Recipient may use the money for registration or room and board.
3. A non-delegate to the Annual AORN Congress may apply for the funding.
4. Recipient must provide proof of attendance to the Treasurer.
5. Treasurer will award the money based on completion of all eligibility
criteria.
6. If recipient is unable to attend, money will be repaid to the
Chapter within 30 days.
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Continuing Education Grant Application
AORN
Greater Cleveland Chapter
Name: . AORN Membership #: .
Address:___________________________________. Phone: ___________________________ .
. E-mail:___________________________
.
Please list the dates of the AORN Meetings you have attended in the past year:
. . .
. . .
Please list the AORN committee/s with which you have been involved in the past year:
. .
. .
. .
Name and location of the activity for which funds are being requested. (Please attach a copy
of the registration material with the fee listed)
.
Other anticipated reimbursable expenses: (i.e.: room/ meals)
. .
. .
Amount being requested (Not to exceed $200.00)
.
For Treasurer’s Use: Membership current Meeting attendance verifed
Committee involvement verified Function appropriate for funding
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VICE PRESIDENT’S AWARD
AWARD:
Membership renewal voucher awarded for the most non-officer, non-delegate
points accumulated during the period of July 1 to June 30 of the previous
year.
Award is presented annually by the Vice President, or designee, at the June
Installation dinner.
ELIGIBILITY:
1. Current member.
2. Not a consecutive event winner, including Membership Raffle.
3. Ties are broken by lot.
4. May be a chair or co-chair of a standing or ad hoc committee of the
chapter.
CRITERIA:
1. Treasurer will draft the appropriate vouchers.
2. May be notified in advance at the discretion of the Vice President.