Local Chapter ManualAn Introduction to the American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses" (ASORN)
ASORN MISSION STATEMENT
ASORN's mission is to foster excellence in ophthalmic patient care, while supporting the ophthalmic team through individual development, education, and evidence-based practice.
A SHORT HISTORY OF ASORN
Ophthalmic registered nurses have existed in various cities across the country working in physician offices, hospitals, and clinics. They hold their own Annual Meeting during the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting. In 1976, at the AAO meeting in Las Vegas, Ms. Edna Ashy united professional registered nurses committed to providing quality eye care to ophthalmic patients and founded ASORN. With the help of a small group of thirty individuals, Ms. Ashy undertook the ambitious program of starting an annual meeting and developing Bylaws. Local chapters began forming in the year 1981 and are now distributed across the country lending strength to the national structure. .
In 1982, ASORN entered into contractual agreement with the AAO for association management services. The headquarters office is located within the AAO's building at 655 Beach Street in San Francisco. Full-time staff is available to answer member and local chapter inquiries at 415/561-8513.
In October 1997 ASORN added an Individual Affiliate membership category, welcoming non-RNs for the first time. ASORN currently has approximately 1,000 members and 14 local chapters throughout the United States
ASORN ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Annual Dues
Dues are assessed annually for all categories of membership and are set by the Board of Directors. Each chapter has its own local dues structure to support local activities. Dues rates are set by the individual chapters and collected separately by the local chapters.
Bylaws
Bylaws are the governing rules of the Society. National Bylaws are available on the ASORN web site and are the foundation for local chapter Bylaws. Local Bylaws must not conflict with the national organization’s Bylaws. Counsel from the Chair of the national Bylaws Committee is available to provide assistance to local chapters in both the developmental stages and the amendment process of Bylaws.
Policy
ASORN's policy manual is available upon request and provides much information concerning types of committees, their charges, Board composition, duties of Board members and information concerning various ASORN functions. This information can be adopted as needed by a chapter. Policies do not require a member vote to be changed.
Board of Directors
The National Board of Directors meets several times each year to conduct the business of ASORN. The composition of the Board is stated in the Bylaws. Each Board member's duties are described in the policy manual, which is available upon request from the Headquarters office.
Staff
ASORN staffing is provided via contractual agreement with San Francisco Association Management Services (SF AMS, A Subsidiary of the AAO). Staff members are housed at the AAO offices in San Francisco. The office is open daily during regular business hours, Pacific Coast time. Members are encouraged to call if they have questions, need assistance or resources.
Member Benefits
The benefits accruing to members of a professional organization are numerous. ASORN is a specialty professional organization and its efforts and resources are dedicated to serving the needs of its members and the profession.
The following benefits are listed to assist in member recruitment and retention.
- Educational Offerings
- Accredited Provider and Approver of Continuing Nursing Education
- Annual Meeting
- Regional Meetings
- Learner-paced Activities
- Networking
- Joint Educational Activities with Other Professional Associations
- Journal
- Insight, the Journal of the American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses
- Electronic Communications
- Listserv
- Newsletter
- Computer Services
- Transcripts
- Mailing Labels
- Membership Rosters
- Certification Program
- Earn CRNO designation - (Certified Registered Nurse in Ophthalmology)
- Scholarships and Awards
- Publications
- Care and Handling of Ophthalmic Microsurgical Instruments
- Core Curriculum for Ophthalmic Nursing
- Ophthalmic Procedures in the Operating Room and Ambulatory Surgery Center
- Ophthalmic Procedures in the Office and Clinic
- Representation and Collaboration with Other Professional Organizations.
- National Visibility
- Professional Development
- Leadership skills
- Publishing
- Teaching and speaking
- Research
- Mentoring
- Member Rates
- Certification
- Educational Activities
- Publications and Products