Grow Your Career. Build Meaningful Connections. Shape the Future of Occupational Health Nursing.
The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) Scholars Mentorship Program is a year-long, structured mentorship experience designed to support and elevate emerging occupational and environmental health nurses (OEHNs) through personalized guidance, professional development, and meaningful connection with experienced leaders in the field.
Launching in 2026, this program pairs novice OEHNs with seasoned AAOHN mentors to foster career growth, knowledge exchange, and leadership development—while strengthening the future of the profession. Log into your AAOHN profile before completing the mentor or mentee application.
Program Purpose
The Scholars Mentorship Program exists to inspire, empower, and develop the next generation of OEHN leaders. Through reciprocal mentoring relationships, participants gain clarity, confidence, and community while advancing their professional goals and contributing to the long-term strength of AAOHN.
Program Overview
The Scholars Mentorship Program is a 12-month commitment (July–June) that provides structured, one-on-one mentorship alongside cohort-based engagement opportunities. The AAOHN Scholars Mentorship Program Class of 2027 will run from July 2026 through June 2027.
Participants receive:
- Personalized mentor matching with an experienced OEHN
- Monthly one-on-one mentor meetings (virtual or in person)
- A comprehensive Scholars Mentorship Program Guidebook outlining expectations, milestones, and suggested discussion topics
- Access to a dedicated Scholars Mentorship Practice Exchange
- Complimentary access to AAOHN tools and resources for new OHNs
- 25% off registration for the AAOHN 2027 National Conference
- 20% off the COHN/COHN-S Online Review Course
- Opportunity to develop and present a conference poster at the AAOHN National Conference
- Eligibility to submit an article to the Workplace Health & Safety Journal
Why Participate?
For Mentees
- Gain confidence navigating your OEHN career path
- Receive ongoing guidance, feedback, and professional insight
- Expand your professional network within AAOHN
- Develop leadership, problem-solving, and presentation skills
- Reduce stress and uncertainty during career transitions
For Mentors
- Re-energize your passion for occupational health nursing
- Refine leadership, coaching, and communication skills
- Gain fresh perspectives from emerging professionals
- Give back by shaping the next generation of OEHNs
- Strengthen AAOHN’s professional community
Program roles, expectations, and benefits are detailed in the official mentor and mentee guidebooks.
Who Can Apply
Mentees:
AAOHN members in good standing with at least 3 years of nursing experience, 5 years or less in OEHN practice, and a demonstrated commitment to professional development through enrollment in or recent completion (within the past year) of an accredited BSN, BSN-to-MSN, master’s, or doctoral program (including ERC-supported programs).
Mentors:
AAOHN members in good standing who are actively practicing OEHNs and either AAOHN Fellows (FAAOHN) or professionals with 16+ years of OEHN experience.