Purpose: To recognize leaders who are AAOHN members in the field of occupational and environmental health nursing (OEHN), who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments through significant contributions in the areas of clinical practice, education, research, management or policy. As AAOHN members, Fellows comprise a group of leaders who provide vision to advance skills, knowledge and abilities of occupational and environmental health nurses, influence formation of policy, contribute to research and exemplify highly effective management and clinical practices.

Eligibility: Must be an active member of AAOHN.

Award Selection: Members of the AAOHN Awards/Recognition Review Panel will judge entries. The recipient will receive a crystal award and recognition at the AAOHN National Conference.

Procedure

• Candidate must submit $50 application fee. Once payment is received and confirmed, the candidate will receive the application link and submission instructions.
• Candidate must be nominated by two sponsors: the primary sponsor (must be an Active member of AAOHN) and a secondary sponsor (must be a professional in the field of OEHN, but is not required to be an AAOHN member). Self-nominations will not be accepted.
  • If candidate is in need of a sponsor, review the AAOHN Fellows list and contact a current Fellow to request assistance with sponsorship.
• Candidate must submit a narrative statement that speaks to each point provided in the selection criteria. There is no page limit on the candidate narrative but it is suggested to not exceed ten pages.
• A candidate headshot (JPEG or PNG format) is also required for complete application submission.
• AAOHN will notify all applicants of results via email prior to the AAOHN National Conference. Applicants selected for induction as AAOHN Fellows are required to register for and attend the AAOHN National Conference. If the selected applicant is unable to attend the upcoming AAOHN National Conference, they may defer induction for one year.

Selection Criteria

1. Candidates must show evidence of outstanding contributions with significant impact to OEHN; including but not limited to the following:

• Creative activities that have contributed to the field of OEHN in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice, education, research, management, policy or authorship areas
• Research or projects that have contributed to improvement in the field of OEHN
• Authorship of books, articles or other communication media
• Leadership - Active participation in AAOHN and other organizations at the local, state, national or international level
• Representation of AAOHN or the field of OEHN’s in other professional organizations
• Promotion of or expansion of professional development for OEHN’s
• Significant influence of legislative policy
• Professional development activities that have expanded expertise and/or career direction

2. Candidates must provide evidence of potential to continue contributions to OEHN and AAOHN as evaluated by narrative responses, including:

• Professional and personal development activities that expand expertise and professional direction.
• Activities that reflect a broadening perspective of OEHN
• Contributions that address the goals and vision of AAOHN

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be judged based on a 150-point system. Each section indicates the maximum number of points that the candidate can earn based upon the content submitted.

Nominating Sponsor Instructions and Forms

• Nominating sponsors (primary and secondary) can nominate only one candidate per year.
• The primary sponsor must be an active member of AAOHN. The secondary sponsor must be a professional in the field of OEHN, but is not required to be an AAOHN member.
• Sponsor statements should not exceed two (2) 8 ½ x 11”, typewritten, double-spaced, single-sided pages with 1” margins using 12 point font.
• Using the selection criteria, please cite specific evidence of the significance of the candidate’s contributions, the scope of influence of their work and the sustainment of their commitment to OEHN.
• For all acronyms, provide full name of organization or program upon first use.

Complete sponsor forms should be submitted with application AND emailed to info@aaohn.org by November 11, 2025 with the Subject Line: AAOHN Fellowship Primary Sponsor Nomination for [Candidate Name] OR AAOHN Fellowship Secondary Sponsor Nomination for [Candidate Name]. Incomplete applications without both the Primary and Secondary Sponsor will be disqualified. 

Download the Fellows Sponsorship Form

Candidate Instructions and Forms

• Submit $50 application fee to receive application form.
• Complete application form below, submitting all requested materials.
• Email a copy of all application materials to info@aaohn.org.
• All applications must be received by December 31, 2025.