University of Virginia Health System

Nursing Congress Delegates are a vital component of the shared governance of the PNSO. The Nursing Congress is an annual one-day convention of front-line nursing representatives. Delegates are elected, not appointed, with the number of delegates being determined by a ratio of 1 delegate seat per 25 RNs in each patient-care cost center. At Congress, delegates address issues raised by constituents and the Worklife Survey results and determine solution-oriented initiatives which the Nursing Cabinet, standing committees and Congress delegates will drive throughout the following year.

Schedule of 2009 Congress Delegate events:

• Spring Congress Checkpoint - March 12, 2009, 0800-0900, DCR's 1 & 2 
• Fall Congress Checkpoint - September 17, 2009, 0830-0930 DCR's 1,2, &3
• Ninth Annual Nursing Congress - November 10, 2009; will be held in Jordan Hall

 The Congress Planning Committee

The mission of Congress is to identify and establish priorities for the nursing organization, to provide a mechanism for the membership to share and receive information, to announce the election results, and to recognize and celebrate contributions of PNSO members. The Congress Planning Committee facilitates this mission in a variety of ways:

• The Committee plans the Congress Day event, identifies speakers, arranges for facilities and catering, and coordinates with other key PNSO leaders involved in the Nursing Worklife Survey and Elections processes. Planners often serve as behind-the-scenes facilitators on Congress Day, greeting guests and helping set up each stage of the events.
• Similarly, the Committee plans and conducts quarterly Congress Checkpoint meetings to keep delegates connected throughout the year.
• The Committee tracks the terms of delegates and evaluates changes in practice area staffing numbers. Working with nurse managers, the Committee oversees the election of new Congress delegates annually in areas where terms are transitioning, or where the desired 1:25 ratio opens a new delegate seat due to organizational realignment.
• The Committee orients new delegates to their role, and provides exiting delegates with certificates of appreciation for their service.

Additional Information: 

The PNSO Bylaws - see Article VI, Section 3 regarding Congress.

2009-2010 Congress Delegates  
                   Magnet Champions  

Operational Guideline 4: Electing Nursing Congress Delegates 

PNSO Intranet Resource page for Congress Delegates (HS Login)