From the President

NEW PRESIDENT MESSAGE

Welcome members and I hope you have been enjoying your summer. It sure seems to be flying by!

 I am excited to take on the challenge of serving as your President for the next 3 years. I have been a member of MAAOHN since 1993 and have served on the BOD, as Chapter Secretary and most recently as President-elect. I have been a COHN-S since 1994 and am also certified by the Maryland Board of Nursing as an RN/WCCM.

 For those of you who are not familiar with my background, I earned a BSN from Rhode Island College in 1978 and have been employed at Johns Hopkins Hospital since graduation. I spent 6 years in the Department of Medical Nursing in staff and supervisory positions and in May of 1984, I transferred to Workers’ Compensation Department. I managed our Occupational Injury Clinic until May 2000 at which time I took a newly created position as a full time Medical Case Manager. I have been Senior Medical Case Manager in the Workers’ Compensation Department since 2012.   Workers’ Compensation is not for everyone, but after more than 30 years, I still enjoy handling these cases, some of which can be quite challenging, and there is always something new or unusual that will cross my desk.  For me, it’s not just a job, it’s an adventure!!

 It is hard to believe 2015 Marks the 63rd anniversary of our chapter.  New membership continues to be a challenge for us as well as other chapters. Without new membership and retention of current members, it is becoming increasingly difficult to remain a viable organization.  Please share with your colleagues the benefits of joining AAOHN/MAAOHN such as friendship, networking and educational opportunities at the local and national levels.

 Last year’s educational meetings brought us great topics and exceptional speakers, and I hope this year will also be as success. Some of the topics suggested for the upcoming year are Adult Immunizations, Travel Medicine and Immunizations, FML/ADA/WC, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, maybe even getting a Workers’ Compensation Commissioner to speak to our group. Please let us know if there are any other topics of interest or speakers you would like at our educational meetings.

 Kudos Korner!   To recap our 2014-2015 accolades, we were a recipient of the AAOHN Award for “Best One Day Program” along with Metropolitan Washington, Northern Virginia, and Seneca Valley Chapters for the ROHC held in October, 2014. ROHC takes a year of hard work and dedication to plan such a program. This was an excellent conference, well attended, and we are very proud of this national achievement.  Denise Null accepted this award on our behalf at AOHC in Boston.

 Deborah Redmon, Occupational Health Nurse at JHU Homewood Occupational Health Services, was the recipient of the AAOHN Foundation 2015 Liberty Leadership Award of $1500. This award is given to an OHN who demonstrates a commitment to occupational and environmental health and safety.  Debbie was able to attend AOHC in Boston with the assistance of the award.

 Since 2012, we have awarded an annual scholarship of $1000.00 to a member to attend the national conference, AOHC, which will be held in Jacksonville, Florida next April.  Congratulations to Denise Null who is the winner for the 2016 scholarship!  Since there was some confusion at our May 2015 dinner meeting when names were drawn, I just wanted to clarify eligibility.  You must be a current member of AAOHN/MAAOHN or join the association prior to the final meeting, and you must have attended 3 dinner meetings.  Anyone is welcomed to attend our meetings for the networking and educational opportunities, and hopefully join our association. The drawing for the following year’s conference is held at the final dinner meeting.

 Just a reminder that Board meetings are open to any members that would like to become more involved in the Chapter. It is a great stepping stone for running for BOD or office.  I got my start on the Board many years ago by attending and participating in meetings, and eventually gaining the confidence to run for a BOD position with the encouragement of other Board members.

 I look forward to the opportunity of working with all of you over the next three years!!

 Warmest regards,

 Jill  Barry

 President, MAAOHN