AAOHN ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING WEEK

ATLANTA — The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) today announced plans for a national week to recognize and celebrate members of the occupational and environmental health nursing profession. The first ever National Occupational Health Nursing Week is scheduled for April 19-25, 2004.

"Our goal in establishing an official week for occupational and environmental health nurses (OHNs) is to help employees, employers and the general public understand the roles and responsibilities of OHNs in furthering the health and safety of the millions of people in our nation’s workforce," said AAOHN President Susan A. Randolph."

The April dates commemorate the inception of the first professional association for occupational and environmental health nurses on April 19, 1942, when 300 nurses from 16 states founded the American Association of Industrial Nurses (AAIN), the predecessor to AAOHN.

"Although most of us understand the function of a nurse in a clinical setting, not everyone is aware that there are also nurses who work in business environments," Randolph said. "Through case management, counseling, health promotion and wellness activities, legal and regulatory compliance, and workplace hazard detection, OHNs improve the health of employees to contribute to a healthy bottom line for business."

To promote participation in National Occupational Health Nursing Week activities, AAOHN is holding a contest for its members to submit an essay describing some of the creative ways in which they are working to keep their employee clients healthy and safe. For information on the contest and the other promotional materials available for National OHN Week, visit the AAOHN Web site at www.aaohn.org.

Established in 1942, AAOHN is a 10,000 member 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.

# # #