December 2022 NEWSLETTER

A Message From the Board

Dear AAOHN Member,

It is hard to believe that we have reached the final month of 2022. At the end of the year, I like to take time to reflect. We are still feeling the effects of the pandemic which did impact an in-person conference, but had a successful virtual conference, and launched our new website. We also released the Core Curriculum, and launched the COHN Review Course...not to mention offered countless continuing education opportunities, as well as shared resources.

As we look to a new year, I will provide you with a brief “to do” list for 2023 as you begin to organize your calendar:

1. Continue to provide feedback on the website...including what works, what doesn’t work, and improvements you'd like to see.
2. Apply for an AAOHN Award…showcase your work or your organization’s work. Applications are open until December 31, 2022.
3. Support the AAOHN Foundation…We make it easy by including an option to donate when you renew your membership. The Foundation provides scholarship opportunities to our members.
4. Speaking of membership renewal…give the gift of AAOHN Membership! Renew your status, or encourage your employer to become a corporate member to expand your member benefits and continuing education opportunities. You can renew now at AAOHN.org
5. Looking to volunteer and share your expertise? Let your AAOHN Board members know that you are interested…we are looking for members to assist with committee work, educational offerings, mentoring, and more.
6. The AAOHN Board is revisiting important board governance areas…we are excited to roll out a new AAOHN Mission statement. “AAOHN elevates all occupational and environmental health professionals to advance accessible, person-centered, and equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities through evidence-based practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership across a variety of point of care delivery settings.” More to come as we continue to evaluate and work towards new governance goals.
7. March 2023: We'll be back in San Antonio for 2023 National Conference!

As the holidays near, take time to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with family and friends. We continue to see so much compassion fatigue, and fatigue in general. Let me leave you with a final thought for 2022:

"Here's to the bright New Year
And a fond farewell to the old;
Here's to the things that are yet to come
And to the memories that we hold."
- Anonymous

Wishing for a happy and safe holiday season for you and your family. See you next year in San Antonio!

Kim Olszewski DNP, CRNP, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN, FAAN

AAOHN, President

From the AAOHN Foundation

Holiday Greetings AAOHN Members,

It's not too late to apply for the AAOHN Foundation's 2023 Scholarship and Academic Awards. To qualify, members must: meet a strict set of criteria, demonstrate a commitment to professional development, exhibit enthusiasm for making future contributions to the field of occupational and environmental health nursing, and undergo a competitive review process by experts within the field.

The funds for these scholarships and grants are made possible through the generosity of our AAOHN chapters, AAOHN members and partner sponsors. To learn more about the AAOHN Foundation and opportunities for support, visit the website.

The Foundation will be holding an awesome in person event at the 2023 AAOHN Conference on March 14 at the Alamo in San Antonio. Please add this event to your conference registration. We have also had a sneak peak at the 2023 conference pin and you will want to have it for your collection. 

Stay safe and be well. We look forward to seeing all of you in San Antonio in March 2023!

Douglas Hoffman MSN, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN
AAOHN Foundation Trustee 

Episode 6

Cannabinoids, Opiates, and Fentanyl - Oh My! What's New in Workplace Drug Testing

In the latest episode of the AAOHN podcast, host Jennylynn Balmer, MPA, BSN, RN, CSP, COHN-S, FAAOHN sits down with Dr. David Kuntz, PhD, F-ABFT, Executive Director of Analytical Toxicology at the Clinical Reference Laboratory for a deep dive into the history of laboratory drug testing and workplace drug testing processes.

Dr. Kuntz will explain that while drug testing regulations vary per state, overall the testing is standardized to involve a two-step process: screening and lab confirmation. Finally, gain insight on new designer drugs and the steps taken to develop testing to detect their presence.

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