January 2012 AOHP Backwards and Forward
January was named for the Roman mythological god, Janus. The god of the doorway, Janus was represented by a face looking both backwards and forwards. With this picture in mind, the New Year is a good time to look backwards, as well as look forward. Through reflection we can gain great benefit by engaging our members, meeting our goals, developing a deeper awareness, and rejuvenating ourselves. Author and educator Sherry Swain sums up the benefits of reflections when she states, “reflection enables us to evaluate experience, learn from mistakes, repeat successes, revise, and plan.” With that thought in mind let us reflect on AOHP’s progress in 2011, as well as look ahead to what AOHP anticipates in the year to come.
AOHP’s progress in 2011:
AOHP membership has grown to over 1,000 members.
Partnerships continued with OSHA, CDC, and NIOSH including resigning the AOHP/NIOSH Alliance in November.
AOHP is an active member of The Joint Commission’s Nursing Advisory Committee.
Jointly with the National Healthcare Safety Network, AOHP has drafted tools for occupational health professionals in healthcare.
Chapter strengthening has occurred through holding quarterly conference calls for chapter presidents in addition to the annual Congress of Presidents’ meeting, automatic notification of new members to chapter leadership, scholarship opportunities were made available for chapter officers, as well as developing tools to help AOHP Regional Directors support their chapters.
AOHP offered its first Webinar with one of our partners, the Mountain and Plains Education and Research Center.
Communication on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter was augmented.
An Influenza Vaccination Position Statement was developed and distributed.
AOHP released its fourth Public Policy statement.
Five press releases were circulated in 2011 to highlight the association’s work. They included the 2011-2013 Public Policy Statement, AOHP Releases Influenza Vaccine Position Statement, AOHP Joins ASSE, OSHA to Promote Safety & Health, AOHP 2011 Business Awards Press Release , and the 2011 AOHP election results.
Continued communication with members’ chief executive officers, along with a poster to celebrate the work that AOHP members do, in an effort to gain recognition for you.
The Journal continues to interview the national Board of Directors to help you get to know the AOHP leaders better and there was a series of interviews with AOHP partners to inform you about the work they do.
AOHP communicates frequently with members through e-Bytes, the e-Newsletter and Journal.
Membership surveys have been used to assist in establishing AOHP policy and are used as a first step in developing practice standards.
Research is featured at the AOHP annual conference, in the AOHP Journal, and research scholarships are available.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) application and self study was completed so that AOHP can become an accredited provider of ANCC accredited continuing education (CE).
A search function was added to the AOHP web page.
Talks were initiated with a member from Japan promoting the profession and the Getting Started program and manual.
So what might be anticipated for AOHP in 2012? Below is the forecast:
AOHP completed the interview with ANCC in January in our continued quest to be an accredited ANCC CE provider. We are hopeful that AOHP will be approved.
Completion of the agreement with a member from Japan to promote the profession and the Getting Started program and manual.
Chapters who need assistance will be provided with ongoing support, guidance and human resources, including the development of chapter leadership eTools.
Increased marketing of AOHP within the profession through national and chapter efforts.
Continued partnerships with OSHA, CDC, NIOSH, and The Joint Commission’s Nursing Advisory Committee, as well as other organizations when opportunities arise.
Develop a web educational series for members to take online continuing education courses.
Development of Web site guidelines and a social networking policy.
Improvement of the Chapter Event page on the AOHP Web site.
Continue to publish AOHP press releases to improve AOHP visibility and promote the profession.
AOHP executive board will undertake strategic planning in September which will help to align the association for growth.
Continue to develop practice guidelines, as needs are identified.
Continue to feature research at the national conference, in the Journal and electronic communications and increase occupational health in healthcare research.
Prepare for an outstanding 2012 National Conference October 3-6 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Let us use this New Year as a time to reflect on the past as we move AOHP into the future. May this reflection be an exercise to develop a deeper awareness, while at the same time rejuvenate ourselves for the task ahead as AOHP launches into 2012!
