ATLANTA, GA (February 28, 2006) – The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) celebrates National Occupational Health Nursing Week April 17-21, 2006. This third annual national observance recognizes and applauds the contributions of the occupational and environmental health nursing profession. "Occupational Health Nurses: Leaders in Workplace and Community Health and Safety" is the theme of this year’s National Occupational Health Nursing Week.
"Our goal in observing an official week for occupational and environmental health nurses (OHNs) is to help employees, employers and the general public better understand the roles and responsibilities of OHNs in furthering the health and safety of the millions of people in our nation’s workforce," said Susan A. Randolph, president of AAOHN.
"Most people understand the function of a nurse in a hospital, but not everyone is aware that there are also nurses who work in business environments," Ms. 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 and help contribute to a positive bottom line for business."
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.
"Today, as occupational and environmental health nurses, we remain committed to the promotion, prevention, and restoration of health of workers and worker populations within the context of a safe and healthful environment," Ms. Randolph said. "We demonstrate our value through the provision of programs and services that are appropriate and strategic."
To learn more about occupational health nursing, AAOHN or National Occupational Health Nursing Week, visit www.aaohn.org/about/ohn_week.
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.
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