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|  | For Immediate Release | CONTACT: | Bruce Lloyd
AAOHN
(770) 455-7757 ext. 105
Bruce@aaohn.org | May 1, 2006 | NEW AAOHN RESEARCH TAPS CORPORATE MINDSET ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NURSING PROFESSION Findings Reveal Obstacles and Influences for Hiring Occupational and Environmental Health Nurses ATLANTA, GA (May 3, 2006) – The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) has released new research findings, which reveal common obstacles influencing the hiring of occupational and environmental health nurses (OHN) nationwide. Among the key findings of the study, which surveyed employers who do not currently have an OHN on staff, companies find it essential to see a cost/benefit analysis and successful business case studies when considering hiring an OHN. "This research provides our profession with a rare perspective on the obstacles that still face occupational and environmental health nurses today," said Susan A. Randolph, president of AAOHN. "By understanding what does and does not foster corporate leadership’s understanding of the value of the OHN’s contribution as a business partner, we can make strides toward cultivating, improving and advancing the profession of occupational and environmental health nursing." Approximately 1,000 pre-qualified non-OHN employers responded to a survey distributed in February of 2006. More than 83 percent of respondents have never employed an OHN primarily based on the belief that their budgets could not afford the position. Nearly 70 percent of respondents require a true cost/benefit analysis to justify the hiring of an OHN – while 60 percent of companies similarly request case studies to prove the OHN position’s value. ADDITIONAL KEY FINDINGS - The HR professional influences the hiring of an OHN:
- 57 percent of HR staff identified as the person in charge of hiring an OHN
- 27 percent of HR staff have employee health and safety responsibilities
- Most companies have safety, medical and EH&S on staff:
- 57 percent of companies have a safety director, but they are not a key decision maker in the hiring of an OHN
- 27 percent of medical directors can influence the hiring of an OHN
- The functions and duties of the OHN are not properly understood:
- 46 percent of non-OHN employers stated that not understanding the role of an OHN is the main reason preventing the hiring of an OHN
- Only 17 percent of target companies previously employed an OHN
Results of the research will help AAOHN focus its efforts to communicate the value of OHNs to companies without an OHN on staff. About AAOHN
Established in 1942, AAOHN is a 9,000-member national professional association dedicated to advancing the health, safety and productivity of domestic and global workforces by providing education, research, public policy and practice resources for occupational and environmental health nurses. These professionals are the largest group of health care providers serving the worksite. # # # | |
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