Occupational and environmental health nurses (OHNs) have a combined knowledge of health and business that they blend with healthcare expertise to balance the requirement for a safe and healthful work environment with a "Healthy" bottom line. Board certification demonstrates knowledge, proficiency and excellence in the field of occupational health. Click on the individual arrows below for more information on the roles of the OHN and download some information found on our Employer Flyer.
In 2020, ABOHN conducted a survey of our credential holders in Active status. The purpose of which was to identify the benefits of certification in occupational health nursing and the cost avoided/ROI of OHN services.. The Cost Avoided/ROI outcome highlights significant cost savings to corporate bottom lines.The full survey results can be found by clicking on the chart below.
A follow-up survey was sent to 106 employers in November 2021 on the role of OHNs during the COVID pandemic. 30 employers responded.
Key finding include:
- 97% of the employers report contact the OHN often to frequently regarding COVID-19 questions and OHNs directly assisted an average of 62% of the workers.
- Employers rated the OHN's as very involved with interpreting and implementing regulations and standards related to COVID-19.
- Employers listed significant contributions by OHNs as assisting with CDC/OSHA guidelines, advising leadership, managing sick calls, illness case management, return to work coordination, leading education/well-being, and COVD testing, contact tracing and vaccinations.
- 80% of the employers report an increase in the return on investment for the services provided by OHNs.
The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) conducted a national poll of 2,200 adults in 2020 to investigate the importance of specialty board nursing certifications
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- Results found that 75% of adults think it is important for all nurses to have a specialty board certification in a relevant field
- The poll results show support of requiring certification for employment
After learning that board certified specialty nurses are committed to life-long learning and maintaining their certification, 74% of the adults polled were more likely to seek medical care from a certified specialty nurse
Testimonial: Our certified Occupational Health Nurses are valuable members of the ExxonMobil Medicine and Occupational Health team. Not only do they bring a strong OH foundation and skillset to our organization, they are also our trusted thought leaders and mentors.
Susan Craig, MD, Assistant US Occupational Health Manager, Beaumont, Billings, GCGV, Joliet, Mexico, ExxonMobil Corporation