JANUARY UPDATE

Greetings to all.

With the holidays behind us, we are now focusing on the normal yearly events. We do have plans under way for the October workshop, and ask for your participation in this event. We will have elections for the positions of Secretary, and three Board of Directors. The parameters for elections to theses positions are listed on the “Election Info” link of the web site.

One of the goals for this year is to make the presence of the Surgical Technologists more known in each facility. Many of us know, for a fact, that bulletin boards in surgical suites are filled with AORN material, and opportunities for educational programs for the nurses. I visit very few facilities where there is even a dedicated corner of a bulletin board for the surgical technologist and the happenings of their organization. This past year, I personally sent posters and registration forms to many facilities. Yet, when I visited there, nothing was posted. Many were not aware of the workshop or what the organization was doing. This needs to change. We are very viable and important members of the surgical team, and should be recognized as such.

We would like to see our updates and messages posted for all to read. We would like to see more recognition for the performances of the technologists. BUT- we, as a committee of eight, cannot accomplish this on our own. We need your help. We need you, as members, to approach your supervisors and ask about a place in which to post items of concern for the technologists. Print and post the monthly updates from this site; do the same with any link on the web site. The more exposure we can obtain, the better it will be for all of us.

Most certainly, we would like to see only certified technologists employed in all facilities. This does not mean CST only, although that is our certification. We also do realize the presence of NCCT certification for those who did not attend a school accredited by ABHES or CAAHEP. The desire is still the same- certified personnel, serving the patient community. We believe that this is the very least every patient deserves.

We ask you to take the time to often visit the web site and see what is happening. We ask for you ideas, opinions and suggestions. Our next Board meeting will be held in March 10, 2012. The location is still being worked on, and will be posted on the web site as soon as it is confirmed. Members are welcome to attend.

With this New Year, we do wish good fortune to those who are currently experiencing financial or personal difficulties. It is our hope that 2012 will be fruitful to them.

Your Arizona State Assembly