Occupational Health Nursing Pulse: AAOHN Podcast

In this episode, we’ll dive into the unique patient-provider relationship between adults with autism and the OHNs caring for them in worksites. Autistic individuals bring unique perspectives and talents to their working environments, but often benefit from accommodations or additional support from their supervisors and OHNs. Our host is joined by Jake Hansen, M.S., BCBA, as they discuss behavioral differences in neurodiverse individuals, the medical history of autism, and the struggle for inclusivity, visibility, and acceptance.

To learn more about Hansen and the work he does at Roots Autism Solutions, visit https://www.rootsautismsolutions.com/. For more information, to submit questions to our host or guests, or to suggest a topic or guest for a future AAOHN Pulse episode, please contact [email protected].

Dr. Yang Li, PhD, RN, shares her research on the effect of trauma and her observations regarding the integration of trauma-informed care into medical practice on this episode of the AAOHN Pulse. She identifies a critical need for medical professionals to account for what patients have experienced, as well as for caregivers to acknowledge their own struggles. Host Stephanie Weinsier and Dr. Li discuss creating a safe space for patients, practices to treat physical and mental disruptions caused by trauma, as well as the way trauma specifically impacts high risk communities, such as the field of nursing, as seen in Dr. Li’s research.

                To learn more about trauma-informed care and to access the rest of Dr. Li’s work, click here. Check out Dr. Li’s University of Austin page for her contact information. For further reading, visit the AAOHN Journal (free access for members!). For more information, to submit questions to our host or guests, or to suggest a topic or guest for a future Pulse episode, please contact [email protected].

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal ideation, dial 988 for the nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For more information, click here.

Dr. Louise O’Keefe, Ph.D., MSN, BSN, ADN, CNE, FNP, CRNP, RN, joins this week’s AAOHN Pulse to discuss her research on Post-Acute COVID 19 Syndrome – otherwise known as Long COVID. Post-2020, OHNs, RNs, and patients alike were – and still are – burnt out. It can be difficult to discern if the mental and physical symptoms patients exhibit – fatigue, “brain fog,” issues with sleep, shortness of breath, etc. – are caused by Long COVID or a rise in mental health conditions. Dr. O’Keefe and our host Stephanie T. Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN, dive into how to manage Long COVID symptoms and self-care recommendations for OHNs and RNs. They also discuss how the manifestation of symptoms in patients often associated with Long COVID can stem from larger, systemic issues exacerbated by the pandemic, but that Long COVID can simultaneously be the cause.

                To learn more about Post-Acute COVID 19 and access the rest of Dr. O’Keefe’s work, click here. Check out Dr. O’Keefe’s page on the University of Alabama in Huntsville website here. For further reading, visit the AAOHN Journal (free access for members!). For more information, to submit questions to our host or guests, or to suggest a topic or guest for a future Pulse episode, please contact [email protected].

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, MD, MBA from the Women's Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic joins AAOHN to discuss menopause for women in the workplace. Menopause is a universal experience impacting most women from physical symptoms to cognitive or mental health issues affecting both working life and personal life.  While menopause typically happens at the mean age of 52, nearly 8% of women under the age of 45 will enter menopause with a long working life yet ahead of them. Join this conversation to learn so much more from our expert, and increase your ability to have those culturally competent and sensitive conversations.

Occupational stress is not unique to any industry segment or worker demographic, and certain professions certainly deal with repetitive toxic stress in their work environment. Stress has been proven to change the brain with negative outcomes to both personal and professional lives. Join us for an inspiring and educational discussion regarding the research into practice looking at the causes and contributing factors with mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, suicidal issues that are faced by farmers and other rural workers. Join AAOHN with Paul Norrod, DrPH, M.Div., MA-C, RN from the University of Kentucky to learn more about occupational stress.

Robin Rone has been working with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for years. Listen in for her conversation with host Stephanie Weinsier to learn how you can improve DEI in your workplace, and in your life. 

Helpful Links from Robin:

What is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? (definition)

What Are Personal Pronouns and Why Do They Matter?  (website/article)

So You Want To Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo (book)

Host Stephanie Weinsier sits down with Ann Marie Loiseau, DNP, RN, CSN, CCM, and Andrea Mantione, NP, to discuss the extensive research the two have been busy conducting on health literacy. 

Listen in to hear an in-depth dive into health informatics and how it pertains to the occupational health nurse. Our host, Stephanie Weinsier, sits down to talk with Anil Adisesh, an expert on the topic. 

Ageism can permeate nearly every aspect of our day-to-day life. Listen to learn how you, as an Occupational Health Nurse, can play a unique and vital role in minimizing ageism for your workers and in your everyday life. 

Host: Stephanie Weinsier, DNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN

Guest: Tracey Gendron, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor Department of Gerontology, Virginia Commonwealth University

On Occupational Health Nursing Pulse, Jennylynn sits down with Athena Ramos, PhD, MBA, MS, CPM, Associate Professor, Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Department of Health Promotion, to discuss the behind-the-scenes of the workers who are responsible for the food that comes to our tables, and how we can keep them safe.