Join leaders for an engaging discussion from the AAOHN Foundation, AAOHN and ABOHN and a look back at the evolution and shared purpose of the three organizations, their collaborative partnership and their leadership perspectives for the future of occupational health nursing.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Bonnie Rogers, DrPH, RN, COHN-S, LNCC, FAAN

×

Bonnie Rogers, DrPH, RN, COHN-S, LNCC, FAAN

Lara Spalding, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, COHN-S

×

Lara Spalding, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, COHN-S

Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Catherine Pepler, ASN BSS MBA, FAAOHN

×

Catherine Pepler, ASN BSS MBA, FAAOHN

Yolanda Lang, PhD, MSN, CRNP, COHN, FAAOHN

×

Yolanda Lang, PhD, MSN, CRNP, COHN, FAAOHN

Jennylynn Balmer, MPA, BSN, RN, CSP, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Jennylynn Balmer, MPA, BSN, RN, CSP, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Betty Sanisidro,  DNP, MSN, COHN-S, APHN-BC

×

Betty Sanisidro,  DNP, MSN, COHN-S, APHN-BC

Kriste Shoop

×

Kriste Shoop

Ann Marie Loiseau, DNP, MS, RN, CSN, CCM; Melissa Bartholomew, MSN, BSW, RN, AGPCNP-BC
Catherine Dempsey’s dedication to nursing and nursing education with her goal to bring better health services to workers proved instrumental in expanding occupational health nursing education. In honor of this session’s namesake, AAOHN explores the non-medical conditions termed social determinants of health (SDOH). These conditions affect a wide range of health and quality of life risks and outcomes. Presenters in this session will help OHNs and OHNPs understand the social determinants of health (SDOH) and the impact on their patients. They will review screening tools that can be utilized to assess clients for SDOH issues as well as ICD-10-CM codes. An overview of community resources and eligibility to address SDOH issues will be discussed to benefit the OHN.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Ann Marie Loiseau, DNP, MS, RN, CSN, CCM

×

Ann Marie Loiseau, DNP, MS, RN, CSN, CCM

Melissa Bartholomew, MSN, BSW, RN, AGPCNP-BC

×

Melissa Bartholomew, MSN, BSW, RN, AGPCNP-BC

Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

The current nursing shortage is projected to worsen with many leaving the profession as a result of stressful and dangerous environments, worsening violence aimed at healthcare workers, burnout, and retirement. Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing (OEHN) affords the opportunity to keep nurses in the workforce with more flexible work arrangements and work environments that are less physically and mentally taxing. Commonly, nurses transition into the occupational and environmental health nursing specialty as a second or third career or specialty, often leading them to advance their education, training, and development. Funds are available through scholarships and grants to support nurses making this transition or advancing their specialty knowledge within the field, however they often go unused. Supporting their success in applying for and securing these scholarships and grants will not only support their personal goals, but also sustain a healthy workforce within the specialty of OEHN. This session will instill confidence, share the basics and best practices, and highlight opportunities for OHNs to navigate the scholarship and grant application process.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Leslie Cadet, MD, MPH

According to the US Census Bureau, there were 41.1 million people in the US living with a disability in 2019 (noninstitutionalized). Injuries and illnesses can render a patient unable to work either temporarily or permanently, leading them to ask their primary care physician to complete disability paperwork on their behalf. In this session, you will learn when it is appropriate to complete disability paperwork for a patient and when it is not. When it is appropriate, you will learn how to correctly complete the paperwork in a way that supports the patient’s recovery without iatrogenically disabling them.

Leslie Cadet, MD, MPH

×

Leslie Cadet, MD, MPH

Dethra Giles, MBA, MSCM

Do you have an entrepreneurial mindset? Are you the CEO of your career? Do you have the career that you want? Join AAOHN Keynote Dethra U. Giles for a lively and energetic presentation on leadership development, strategic career planning and integrating an entrepreneurial mindset into meeting your goals. This session is interactive and some role playing will be explored with networking and leadership opportunities.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Dethra Giles, MBA, MSCM

×

Dethra Giles, MBA, MSCM

Jennylynn Balmer, MPA, BSN, RN, CSP, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Jennylynn Balmer, MPA, BSN, RN, CSP, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Laurie Housel, MSN, FNP-C; Jennifer Ritschl, DNP, FNP-C
Exposures to vaccine preventable disease occurs in a wide variety of occupations, most notably healthcare workers, public safety, and emergency response personnel. Provision of successful vaccine programs is relevant at all levels of nursing practice from front-line vaccinators to nurse practitioners and program directors. Immunization competence requires specialized knowledge in immunology and specialized training in a complex and unique class of medications. We will present a select review of the underlying principles of immunization per the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice and the most encountered vaccines in occupational health. Topics include indications, timing and spacing, evidence of immunity, assessment of serology, care of special populations, adverse event prevention & evaluation and VAERS reporting relevant to occupational health settings.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.5

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Laurie Housel, MSN, FNP-C

×

Laurie Housel, MSN, FNP-C

Jennifer Ritschl, DNP, FNP-C

×

Jennifer Ritschl, DNP, FNP-C

Shanna S. Dunbar BSN RN COHN-S, BS Kinesiology

The first presentation, 206a, in the best practices for program management session explores the intersection of two workplace concepts- psychological safety and total worker health. Team psychological safety is the shared belief held by team members allowing them to take risks, to express their ideas and concerns, to speak up with questions, and to admit mistakes — all without fear of negative consequences. NIOSH Total Worker Health© Total Worker Health® (TWH) policies, programs, and practices integrate protection from work-related safety and health hazards, yet there continues to be a lack of understanding of how to best implement Total Worker Health (TWH) strategy. Demonstrating key concepts of both TWH and psychological safety can bring about needed change in the workplace culture. The OHN is well positioned to be a catalyst for this kind of change.

In session 206b, Streamlined Pre-Employment Medical Clearance, join presenter, Cynthia Skeens for a discussion on the impact healthcare systems clinically and operationally still face as a result of COVID 19. Across the country, employers in the healthcare space have been hit especially hard by “the great resignation,” and a record number of people are voluntarily leaving their jobs. 

At HCA Healthcare, staffing shortages compelled a re-design of pre-hire workflows to support higher candidate volumes and reduce time to hire. In this presentation, Cynthia Skeens, clinical director of workforce health and safety, describes how re-designing the medical evaluation process and using health information technology removed non-value-added steps, improved appointment capacity and duration and shortened time required to hire. 

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.5

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Cynthia Skeens MS, RN, COHN-S

×

Cynthia Skeens MS, RN, COHN-S

Shanna S. Dunbar BSN RN COHN-S, BS Kinesiology

×

Shanna S. Dunbar BSN RN COHN-S, BS Kinesiology

Cheryl Rook, COHN-C, COHN-S, CRSP, DOHS; Kevin Hedges, COH, CIH, BSc (chemistry), DipEd, MAppSc. Ph.D.; Ryan Rodrigues, BA

In Ontario, worker’s compensation claims have been allowed for lead exposure albeit based on blood lead and personal exposure to inhalable lead. Blood lead only accounts for recent exposure not chronic or cumulative exposure. X-ray fluorescence scanning allows this kind of assessment. In this session, the health effects from the AIOH (Australia institute of Occupational Hygienists) and other resources will be reviewed to provide OHNs with current updates. A booklet for lead in pipe sealant will be reviewed with attendees for the environmental and community implications.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Cheryl Rook, COHN-C, COHN-S, CRSP, DOHS

×

Cheryl Rook, COHN-C, COHN-S, CRSP, DOHS

Kevin Hedges, COH, CIH, BSc (chemistry), DipEd, MAppSc. Ph.D.

×

Kevin Hedges, COH, CIH, BSc (chemistry), DipEd, MAppSc. Ph.D.

Ryan Rodrigues, BA

×

Ryan Rodrigues, BA

Jessica Volz, DNP, CRNP, FNE A/P, FNP-BC, NE-BC, AFN-C, SANE-A, SANE-P, DM-AFN

The presentation explains the foundational Forensic Nursing Theoretical Framework for Science (3 Pillars) and Core Competencies for forensic nursing practice. The application of forensic nursing's fundamental practices to complement and enhance occupational health nursing practice is examined.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Jessica Volz, DNP, CRNP, FNE A/P, FNP-BC, NE-BC, AFN-C, SANE-A, SANE-P, DM-AFN

×

Jessica Volz, DNP, CRNP, FNE A/P, FNP-BC, NE-BC, AFN-C, SANE-A, SANE-P, DM-AFN

Stephanie Hammond, DNP, CRNP, COHN-S

×

Stephanie Hammond, DNP, CRNP, COHN-S

Karen Heaton, PhD, FNP-BC, COHN-S, FAAN, FAAOHN

×

Karen Heaton, PhD, FNP-BC, COHN-S, FAAN, FAAOHN

Patricia Speck DNSc, CRNP, FNP‐BC, AFN‐C, DF‐IAFN, DF‐AFN, FAAFS, FAAN

×

Patricia Speck DNSc, CRNP, FNP‐BC, AFN‐C, DF‐IAFN, DF‐AFN, FAAFS, FAAN

Join President-Elect, Jennylynn Balmer to close out the 2024 Virtual Annual Conference and preview 2025 in Pittsburgh.

Jennylynn Balmer, MPA, BSN, RN, CSP, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Jennylynn Balmer, MPA, BSN, RN, CSP, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Join President Yolanda Lang for an opening address and the recognition of the 2024 AAOHN Award recipients to kick off the 2024 Virtual Annual Conference.

Yolanda Lang, PhD, MSN, CRNP, COHN, FAAOHN

×

Yolanda Lang, PhD, MSN, CRNP, COHN, FAAOHN

Diane Olejar, ANP-BC, MSN; Margaret Finucane, RN, COHN-S/CM

101(a) The first presentation, Navigating the Benefits and the Pitfalls as a New Case Manager explores Case Management benefits to the employee including rapid access to medical care, earlier return to work, and more positive outcomes, however, there can also be pressures on the nurse case manager from the employer, the injured worker’s attorney and the employee’s fellow workers that can influence the nurse case manager, in positive and negative ways.

101b: Case Management: Managing Worker’s Compensation Injuries

Elizabeth A. Thomas, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

The second presentation will explore worker compensation terminology, best practices, communication practices, tips for client/patient advocacy, and tips for building a network of providers. OHNs and OHNPs will increase their knowledge in the management of occupational health and worker's compensation cases.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.5

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Diane Olejar, ANP-BC, MSN

×

Diane Olejar, ANP-BC, MSN

Margaret Finucane, RN, COHN-S/CM

×

Margaret Finucane, RN, COHN-S/CM

Elizabeth A. Thomas, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Elizabeth A. Thomas, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD

Neurodiversity is about accepting variations in brain functions and behaviors as part of normal variations of human beings. Uncovering the strengths of neurodiverse individuals empowers them to increase innovation and productivity, resulting in favorable outcomes for them and the entire community. In this presentation, Dr. Fung will describe the Strengths-Based Model of Neurodiversity in developing neurodiverse individuals in learning and work environments. He will explain how the model is implemented in the Stanford Neurodiversity Project in the medical and employment settings at Stanford University and other organizations.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD

×

Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD

Yolanda Lang, PhD, MSN, CRNP, COHN, FAAOHN

×

Yolanda Lang, PhD, MSN, CRNP, COHN, FAAOHN

Elizabeth (Betsy) Czmowski, RN, COHN/CM, COHC

In the first presentation, Advancing Worker Well-being through Applying Total Worker Health Principles in Medical Surveillance, Occupational Health Nurses will learn to effectively apply Total Worker Health in medical surveillance so that worker well-being can be advanced at both individual and population levels. Nurses will gain further knowledge of social determinants and how the Occupational Health Nurse plays a critical role in health equity through evidence-based medical surveillance programs. Through current research and case study review, nurses will further their understanding of how to apply knowledge of the chemical hazard to create a focused program aimed at advancing worker well-being.

Johanna Garibaldi, BSN, RN, EMT-P

The second session,Firefighter Medical Surveillance: Best Practices in Firefighter Screening, demonstrate the increased risk for Firefighters of cancer and other occupationally related adverse health conditions. The presenter will treview the state of science regarding health-related firefighter research and discuss current screening guidelines, gaps in care, and evidence-based best practices for use in medical surveillance of firefighters.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.5

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Czmowski, RN, COHN/CM, COHC

×

Elizabeth (Betsy) Czmowski, RN, COHN/CM, COHC

Johanna Garibaldi, BSN, RN, EMT-P

×

Johanna Garibaldi, BSN, RN, EMT-P

Join the Foundation and presenter, Amanda Chase, MA, NBC-HWC, LPC, for a guided holistic and wellbeing session aimed at teaching the occupational health nurse self-care practices and techniques to combat stressors and sedentary work.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: .75

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Amanda Chase, MA, NBC-HWC, LPC

×

Amanda Chase, MA, NBC-HWC, LPC

Lara Spalding, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, COHN-S

×

Lara Spalding, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, COHN-S

Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Janice Hartgens MPH, BSBA, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN; Claire Stroer Bryant ,MPH, CHES

Naloxone temporarily stops many life-threatening effects of opioid overdose. Educational campaigns for use improve access and show value to reduce the number of deaths in the workplace related to unintentional overdose when naloxone is included in first aid supplies and employees taught to recognize the signs and symptoms of an overdose. Join our presenters for this AAOHN General Session to better understand data trends and program initiatives for naloxone training and medication in the workplace.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Janice Hartgens MPH, BSBA, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Janice Hartgens MPH, BSBA, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Claire Stroer Bryant ,MPH, CHES

×

Claire Stroer Bryant ,MPH, CHES

Lisa Bultman, RN

×

Lisa Bultman, RN

Elizabeth A. Thomas, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

In this session, best practices of case management for OHNs and OHNPs will look at the business side and the legal aspects of occupational case management and worker's compensation.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Elizabeth A. Thomas, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

×

Elizabeth A. Thomas, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Betty Sanisidro,  DNP, MSN, COHN-S, APHN-BC

Join ABOHN’s Executive Director for this presentation highlighting the importance of OHNs investing in themselves and their teams through increased awareness, promotion, and support of specialty OH certification.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Betty Sanisidro,  DNP, MSN, COHN-S, APHN-BC

×

Betty Sanisidro,  DNP, MSN, COHN-S, APHN-BC

Kyla Haggith BSN, RN, PCCN-K; Valicia Linn, BSN, RN

In this session, attendees will learn about a nursing led Exposure Team linkage between Infection Prevention and Control and Employee Health Services to investigate and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Kyla Haggith BSN, RN, PCCN-K

×

Kyla Haggith BSN, RN, PCCN-K

Valicia Linn, BSN, RN

×

Valicia Linn, BSN, RN

Matthew Lowe, MDiv, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, ONC, CMSRN

Myalgic Encephalitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) has often been dismissed as an actual medical diagnosis. Over the last 40 years, it has been categorized as a psychiatric or psychological condition, a psychosomatic issue, low metabolism, or even patient aversion to work. Significant progress has been made in the context of diagnosing and treating ME/CFS over the last two decades. Post-COVID increased cases of ME/CFS have caused us to re-examine the links between immune system insult and viral connections. At the end of the education, the OHN should be able to discuss the basis for diagnosis and the available treatment options in developing a plan of care for patients with Myalgic Encephalitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Accreditation statement:  The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Contact hours: 1.0

Successful completion: To be awarded contact hours, complete the evaluation after the session.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies exist for anyone in a position to control content of this session, including planners, planning committee members, presenters, and content reviewers.

Matthew Lowe, MDiv, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, ONC, CMSRN

×

Matthew Lowe, MDiv, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, ONC, CMSRN

Join the AAOHN Foundation to honor the 2024 Scholarship & Grant Award Recipients.

Laura Wilhoite, RN, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN

×

Laura Wilhoite, RN, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN

Stephanie Weinsier

×

Stephanie Weinsier

Catherine Pepler

×

Catherine Pepler