Unparalleled Opening Session

From Joan Shinkus Clark: At the opening session of the AONE Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, attendees were invited into a room with a seating arrangement in the round, interwoven with symphonic instruments in sections throughout the room. Soon, the orchestra conductor, Roger Nierenberg stepped up to the podium and began conducting beautiful symphonic music, and while he put all attendees under the spell, he began to teach us lessons about leadership in organization, using the analogy of the orchestra and the role of the conductor. We learned about the importance of listening, being a coach and a mentor, thinking a half beat ahead but being present in the moment, and how every single person's role adds to the synergy that occurs when we all hear beautiful music. The lessons learned were invaluable and helped to remind us of the important role of the leader in bringing out the potential of staff in our organizations. Everyone I spoke with absolutely loved the session and the Maestro's book immediately sold out in the Leader Book Store on site. When asked how he came to making these presentations to organizational leaders, the Maestro said that he felt that the love of classical music was being lost. He simply wanted to have more people experience the symphony. I for one, will have new energy and appreciation of the symphony and I know we all want to thank the Maestro for a fantastic opening session.

Exhibit Hall - Donna Poduska and Rob Rose

The ribbon cutting ceremony was off to a great start with Cheryl Hoying cutting the ribbon. The newly designed Passport to Prizes charted the way to a successful exhibit hall. Our partners were excited to demonstrate their products and services and we were excited to get our books stamped. Check out the Passport Prizes in the center of the exhibit hall, you will surely be motivated to complete the book. Don't forget that passports have to be turned in by 1:30 on Friday and you need to be present to win! We would like to thank our exhibitors who have generously supported the Passport to Prizes and all our exhibitors who participate in our annual meeting. We appreciate their support.

free fallin' into apps

I am a huge “i” fan. I love iPods and iPhones – and covet anyone with an iPad. When AONE first decided to create an app for the annual meeting I was very excited.

My favorite section of Mobile Meeting is the “My Schedule.” From the general “Schedule” section of the app, you can browse the different sessions and then click the + sign at the top right corner. It is then magically added to “My Schedule.” When you are walking from session to session, you have everything you wanted to go to in one spot. It links to the time, room and speakers.

It was also a lot of fun to develop the app. I got to work with Apple and learned the true (and complex) process of creating an app. I was multi-tasking on my way home during the testing period. I had my iPhone, cup of tea and book all in my hands. As I stepped onto the train my phone fell over 50 feet (from the top of the ‘el train platform, through the tracks and all the way to the middle of the street)! But, amazingly enough, the screen wasn’t cracked, the battery wasn’t smashed and I was still able to continue testing the app on my way home. The sad part is, the next day the antenna died…

But do not worry, I got a replacement and the app has been fully testing and is ready to go. I hope you like the app as much as I do. Shoot me an email (akittner@aha.org) with any feedback you have or visit me at the AONE booth in the exhibit hall or LeaderShop.

And, if you have any questions about the app, we have a help desk right outside the LeaderShop. Jay will be able to help you download it and troubleshoot any problems you may have.

Happy app-ing!

--Alyse Kittner AONE membership manager

Sunny San Diego

To all you AONE annual meeting attendees get ready for a wonderful location! The convention center is located right near the bay and the views are wonderful. Lots of great restaurants and shopping so bring your credit cards. I hope to see many of you at the pre-conference session on Wednesday, there are some great topics and for those that want to brush up their resume and interview skills there is a session for that too. First time attendees on behalf of the Board of Directors we welcome you and invite you to the New Member and First time Attendee Reception Wed night. Safe travels and see you soon!! Rob Rose, Region 1

Charting My Course - Rob Rose Region 1 BOD

Cannot believe the AONE annual meeting is almost here, it seems like yesterday I was blogging from Indiana. I am sure by now your travel arrangements have been made, and like me you are trying to to clear your desk before you leave. This year's annual meeting looks to be even more exciting than last year, if that can be possible. I cannot wait to hear our opening keynote speaker: The Music Paradigm with Roger Nierenberg! The breakout session will also have such pertinent and timely subjects, it will be hard to choose which ones to go to. Our exhibit hall and passport to prize program is a must and every year I get excited to see if I win one of the great prizes... and never do... but this year is my year, I can feel it!! As most of you know, I am the Board of Directors networking expert and look forward to dancing with all of you at our President's Welcome Reception. See you in Sunny San Diego :) - Rob Rose

AONE launches new Mobile App for Annual Meeting and Exposition

Are you addicted to your mobile app? So are we!

New this year, you can download the new AONE Mobile Meeting app for iPhone, Droid and Blackberry and stay connected and informed on all that's happening at the AONE Annual Meeting!

With Mobile Meeting, you can:

• Create your own custom schedule
• View the entire meeting schedule
• Receive real-time updates from AONE staff on changes and news

Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks on how to participate. AONE Mobile Meeting apps are sponsored by PatientSafe Solutions, Inc.

From the hospital side of things...

Skillful. Efficient. Compassionate. That's how I see nurses.

As the marketing communications manager of AONE, my life is played out in an office environment and not in a clinical setting. However, I recently had an outpatient surgical procedure that put me on the hospital side of things. That's right ladies and gents, I had a bunionectomy!

Those who know me know I am squeamish and a big baby when it comes to anything medical-related - just ask my colleagues! Having worked at AONE in the company of strong and formidable nurse leaders, I thought... OK, now I will see the front line of nurses in action... and I can report back my experience.

My foot surgeon and anesthesiologist were assisted by a scrub nurse and rotating nurse, both of whom ROCKED! From the moment I arrived, they were totes compassionate and calmed my nerves. I watched Nina, my scrub nurse, prepping my foot with efficiency and careful attention- not one movement was superfluous! Stephanie, my rotating nurse, also moved with precision, and at one point tricked me into a conversation as the anesthesiologist inserted the IV into my hand. Ah, the power of diversion!

All in all, through prep, surgery and recovery, I knew I was in capable and expert hands because of these awesome nurses!

I know this blog isn't groundbreaking or anything you didn't know, but I wanted to share my experience and take the opportunity to say thanks to all the nurses in my life- for all that you do.

So... how do YOU see nurses? If you have a similar story of appreciation you would like to share, please send my way to efrancque@aha.org and I'd love to pass along to the AONE membership.

Have a great day! Eric