Expanding International Collaboration for Occupational Health Nursing

Introduction
In May 2010 the AAOHN International Committee was established. This committee develops partnerships with other OH Nursing organizations, expands international membership, understands occupational health practice worldwide, and fosters discussion about global trends in occupational health nursing.

Methods
The AAOHN Board of Directors set goals for this committee, including:
- Identifying global health and safety trends
- Developing global nursing products for members with international responsibilities
- Developing products, tools and education to build international skills
- Developing an international membership.

The AAOHN International Committee set goals:
- Short Term Goal: Develop a Resource Listing for South Africa, Western Europe, Asia Pacific and South America
- Long Term Goal: Develop International Membership Recommendations

Results
In May 2011, the International Committee announced the first international tool available on the website outlining the following:
- Basic nursing education by country
- Training offered beyond graduation
- Country-specific OHN training
- Country-specific OHN certification

This listing is not an exhaustive list of countries but contains information for key countries in South America, Western Europe and Asia Pacific. The tool will be updated annually.

The Committee finalized a proposal for AAOHN International Membership. AAOHN Board will review the proposal in 2011. Main objectives of International Membership are to:
- Encourage international membership growth
- Offer a cost effective alternative to full AAOHN membership to those outside the U.S.

The Committee structured the proposal around the following guidelines:
- Reviewing the AAOHN By-Laws to determine proper placement of this category
- Determining benefits of this new membership category to the subscriber
- Proposing a fee structure
- Defining "International".

Discussion
The International Committee participated in the Inaugural Global Summit in May 2011 at the annual conference of AAOHN. Future collaborative initiatives will be explored during ICOH with the meeting attendees and in other venues.