Edif orial

The implications of today’s togetherness

Togetherness seems to have become more than just a word in the field of health care. It i s becoming a reality. At i t s spring sec- tional meeting in Philadelphia, the Amer- ican College of Surgeons met in joint ses- sion with over 500 operating room nurses. They shared the opening session and for three days doctors and nurses attended meetings together ad lib.

As one might expect, interest, and the herd instinct maintained its customarily strong gravitational pull - nurses attended mainly the nurses‘ meetings - doctors at- tended mainly the doctors’ meetings, but the point is, both were free to attend any session they chose. This system certainly has some distinct advantages in terms of greater flexibility and interest appeal, as well as creating a climate for interdisci- plinary knowledge exchange, understand- ing and problem solving.

Closer liaison is being actively sought by many related special interest groups. For instance, the American College of Obstet- rical and Gynecological Surgeons and Ob and Gyn nurses have close association ties.

The executive committees of the ANA Psy- chiatric Nursing Practice Division and the American Psychiatric Association met in a joint session this spring to seek a closer liaison so that mutual concerns might be discussed.

The newly organized Emergency Depart- ment Nurses Association includes member- ship for LPNs - (LVNs) and their liaison with the American College of Emergency Physicians is very active.

Recently, there has been established a National Joint Practice Commission of the American Nurses Association and the Arner- ican Medical Association whose avowed commitment i s to improve health care through change in practice of both med- icine and nursing.

Certainly, AORN moved in the direction of liaison with a closely related ancillary group when the Association of Operating Room Technicians became a reality.

This month, AORN will demonstrate its move toward closer professional liaison as our President, for the first time, will of-

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ficially participate in the opening proces- sion of ANAs' biannual convention in De- troit. The same kind of involved participation i s evident around the country, as state nurs- ing associations are inviting AORN and other special interest groups to meet with them for dialogue and planning sessions.

What does all this togetherness really mean in today's world of health care? In spite of the natural anxiety of each merg- ing group, ie, the fear of loss of identity, or of becoming part of a homogeneous so- ciety without distinction, or the apprehen- sions of unequal clout within the social and organizational structure, there are very clear advantages to be gained. Economic benefits are readily visible. Time saved in joint interdisciplinary problem solving com- mittee meetings is an obvious fact.

I believe this togetherness move repre- sents an abiding desire on the part of health care workers to produce together, conditions under which each group can maintain its own identity and spon- taneously express its real goals and com- mitments. It represents a desire to produce together an intellectual soil and an emo- tional climate in which each can flourish, far superior to what either could achieve alone.

It is viewed as a positive productive force for progress in which all health care work- ers will benefit and who knows, even the patient might reap a good share of the benefit in this health care togetherness.

-Betty Thomus, RN Editor

You're . . . People helping people

After all, that's why you chose operating room nursing.

Yet, in addition to the countless ways you help people each and every day, AORN has just one more way for you to help someone.

AORN, as most of you already know, has established a scholarship fund to assist someone in pursuing a continuing education program. To accomplish i t s intended goals, this fund must have your support.

Please send your tax deductible contribution to: AORN Scholarship Fund, 8085 E Prentice Ave, Englewood, Colo- rado 801 10.

It's such a nice way to help someone Try it* You'll like it!

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