One Nurse’s Journey in Occupational Health

How many people can say they had the best career ever? How many people can say they worked in their dream job during their career? How many people can say their job is not a job, but a mission? There may be many people who can give positive answers to these questions. I am one of those people.

Being a nurse is the only career I’ve ever wanted. As a young teenager, when I saw my aunt walk into our house with her crisp, white, 3/4-sleeved nursing uniform, white cap, white panty hose, and shiny white clinic nursing shoes (I’m dating myself), I was instantly hooked! I smiled and remembered thinking, “THAT’S what I want to be”.  As I look back on that day, that moment, I believe it was something about the uniform – the clean, white, pristine uniform, and what it stood for – that hooked me. I might add, my inherent nature of helping others put the bow on this box.

The nursing profession has been good to me. I have had the opportunity to work in many areas of this fascinating, ever-evolving profession. From my perspective, there has been unlimited learning, growth, and development, and simply the pleasure of meeting and helping so many people in so many different ways. From others’ perspectives, it is my hope someone can say I have helped them feel better, get better, live better.

As life happens and priorities change, there came a time when I needed to transition from the shift work we nurses know intimately to work hours more conducive to the needs of my family. I was very fortunate to then move into my current role in occupational health nursing. Of course, it remained a nursing position. I would still be helping others in the healthcare setting, and impacting patient care. Instead of taking care of the patient at the bedside, I was now helping the workers who took care of the patients. This facet of nursing was new and different for me, but it was exciting because I am a lifelong learner; we all are.

My new leader introduced me to AOHP, letting me know this organization would be an excellent resource. She suggested I attend the National Conference the second year I was in the department. That conference was held in St. Louis, MO, and I’ve only missed one conference since. This speaks volumes to the quality speakers, pertinent information, and wonderful colleagues and friends I have had the pleasure to meet and interact with over the years. Once I became involved in the organization, there was no turning back. Knowing one could make an impact locally, regionally, and nationally – yes nationally – was like a shot of adrenalin! Again, I was hooked.

I cannot begin to tell you everything AOHP has meant to me and my career, but what I can tell you is this organization is worth every moment of my time. Yes, attending conferences, being a part of committees, contributing to the listserv, or whatever the involvement, is a wonderful way to volunteer by investing a little extra time and effort. We all volunteer in different ways, and being an involved member of AOHP will yield many rewards, big and small. If you haven’t been involved, start small – attend a meeting, participate on a call, answer an email.

We all have something to offer. Whether you think it or not, you really do. Even a smile can make a difference in someone’s day. What we do for AOHP as volunteers will further our cause and mission to the occupational health industry. Think of what we can accomplish if 1,000 members commit to one – only one – thing. We could change the occupational health world!

Although I don’t wear a white uniform, cap, panty hose, or shiny clinic shoes anymore, the nursing fervor still rages strong and remains vibrant in me. And although we’re all doing more with less in our daily jobs, I still find some time to consistently volunteer with AOHP. So can you. We are counting on you to support us with your intellect, wisdom, and camaraderie. We need you, and we all need each other. Thank you so much for considering how you can make a greater difference in the field of occupational health through AOHP. You are awesome!

by Lydia Crutchfield, MA, BSN, RN