Members and Colleagues:
This email serves to inform our membership that the proposed name change to the Association of Nurses for Worker Health did not receive the necessary two-thirds affirmative vote required in our bylaws to officially change the name of our organization.
It is the AAOHN Board of Directors’ responsibility to monitor industry trends and consider strategic changes in an effort to continue moving the profession forward. It was this sense of responsibility that led the Board’s discussions around the shifting role of OHNs today and ultimately the recommendation to the membership for the organization’s potential name change and accompanying tagline.
I would like to thank the AAOHN Board members for their efforts and commitment to ensuring the relevancy of our profession – both today and in the future.
Likewise, I thank the many members who provided their thoughts and feedback, both during the Board’s deliberation about the name change as well as when the proposed name change was announced. The passion within those responses is an inspiring testimonial to the ardent professionals AAOHN has the honor to serve.
Next Steps Though the name change did not receive the necessary votes by the membership, the same fundamental questions remain:
- How is the role of the OHN shifting in today’s healthcare landscape? How will it continue to shift?
- How do we differentiate the role and value of the OHN from other healthcare professionals, including occupational health therapists?
- How do we leverage AAOHN’s ongoing partnership strategy with other organizations to increase the relevance of OHNs and AAOHN within the healthcare space and, therefore, advance and grow our profession?
Deliberation about these questions and others must continue. And, while the Board will continue to discuss these pressing matters, we want and need your help. In the coming months, you will see continued efforts from AAOHN leadership to gather your insights and perspective. Additionally, we would welcome and encourage your engagement in a volunteer position with AAOHN; you can expect more information on volunteer opportunities in January. Together, let’s harness our collective passion and create an ever-stronger future for our profession. With deepest gratitude,
Jeannie Tomlinson, MSN, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN
AAOHN President
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