american board of occupational health nurses guidelines for accreditation

8/2/2019 American board of occupational health nurses guidelines for accreditation

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American Board forAmerican Board forOccupational Health Nurses, Inc.Occupational Health Nurses, Inc.

COHN-S

Examination

201 East Ogden, Suite 114

Hinsdale, Illinois 60521-3652

630-789-5799 Fax 630-789-8901

www.abohn.org

CANDIDATEH

ANDBO

OK

COHN-S

Examination


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COHN-S Examination

CANDIDATE HANDBOOK American Board forOccupational Health Nurses, Inc. 1

ABOUT ABOHN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

About COHN-S Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ABOUT ABOHNS TESTING AGENCY, AMP . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

THE CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Examination Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

EXAMINATION CONTENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

COHN-S Examination Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Core Content Areas for the COHN-S Examination . . . . . . . 7

EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . 9Examination Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

APPLICATION COMPLETION GUIDELINES . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Document Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

General Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Guide to Code Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Work Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Application Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT . . . . . 12

Examination Appointment Changes/Failure to Report

or to Schedule an Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Examination Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Telecommunication for the Deaf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Fee Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Application Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Examination Fee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Examination Authorization Extension Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Declined Credit Cards, Returned Checks, andHandling Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

No Refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . .

Passing Candidates Examination Preparation . . . . . . . . . . 1

Certification Self-Assessment Test (CSAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your Examination Preparation Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

ON THE DAY OF YOUR EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Practice Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Timed Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inclement Weather or Emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Rules for Examination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

TAKING THE EXAMINATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Experimental Questions and Guessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Sample Examination Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FOLLOWING THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If You Pass the Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

If You Do Not Pass the Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Duplicate Score Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scores Canceled by ABOHN or AMP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appeals Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RETAINING CERTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ABOHN COHN-S EXAMINATION APPLICATION . . . . . . . 2

REQUEST FOR SPECIAL EXAMINATIONACCOMMODATIONS FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS . . .

Copyright 2008 by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. All rights reserved. Any duplication or reproduction of all or any portiof these materials without the express written permission of the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. is prohibited.

Printed date: 7/

TABLEOF CONTENTS


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ABOUT ABOHNThe American Board for Occupational Health Nurses,Inc. (ABOHN) was established as an independent nursingspecialty certification board in 1972. ABOHN was formed to

develop and conduct a program of certification for qualifiedoccupational health nurses. ABOHN is a charter memberof the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS), anational approval body for nursing specialty certificationprograms. ABOHNs Certified Occupational Health Nurse(COHN), Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist(COHN-S) and Case Management (CM) programs areaccredited by ABNS. ABOHN is also an active memberof the National Organization for Competency Assurance(NOCA) and ABOHNs examinations that are listed aboveare accredited by NOCAs National Commission forCertifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification is a process by which a non-governmentalagency or association validates, based on predeterminedstandards of nursing practice, an individual registerednurses qualifications, knowledge and practice in adefined functional or clinical area of nursing. ABOHNscertifications are voluntary programs designed to informand protect consumers by identifying those nurses whohave demonstrated mastery in occupational health nursingthrough education, experience and knowledge. ABOHNdoes not offer an entry level certification.

ABOHN is governed by a Board of Directors composedof one public member and certified OHNs selected to be

representative of the community of certified OHNs. Theresponsibilities of the Board include establishing criteriafor certification and setting policies to maintain a validcertification program.

About COHN-S CertificationAfter the eligibility requirements have been met, thecandidate for Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S) is required to achieve a satisfactoryscore on the national written examination. Upon successfulcompletion of the examination, a certificate is issued thatstates that the candidate has met the standards for board

certification as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist and the COHN-S credential is awarded. Onlythose nurses who have met all of the criteria (have beensuccessful on the examination and are in Active Status withABOHN) are entitled to use this credential.

To maintain the COHN-S certification, certificants mustcontinue to meet the eligibility requirements, recertifyevery five years, and pay the associated fees. Part of theexamination fee covers the cost of the successful candidatesfirst year of certification maintenance. COHN-Ss are billedfor the certification maintenance fee for the remainingfour years of their five-year certification period at the time

they pass the examination. All certified nurses are listed the ABOHN website Directory of Certified OccupationHealth Nurses.

STATEMENTOFNONDISCRIMINATIONABOHN does not discriminate among candidates on tbasis of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origdisability or marital status.

ABOUT THIS HANDBOOKThis handbook provides information needed to apply aprepare for the Certified Occupational Health NursSpecialist (COHN-S) Examination. It includes eligibilrequirements, the examination policies, an examinatio

content outline, an examination application, sampquestions and study references. Please retain this handboafter registering for the examination; it may be needed atlater date.

ABOUT ABOHNS TESTINGAGENCY, AMP

ABOHN has established a contract with Applied Measurment Professionals, Inc. (AMP) to assist in the develoment, administration, scoring and analysis of its COHNexamination. AMP services also include the preparation

the examination score reports that ABOHN distributes candidates who take the examination.

THE CERTIFICATIONEXAMINATION

Examination ConstructionABOHNs contract with Applied Measurement Professioals, Inc. (AMP) includes provision of the technical assistanneeded to construct and validate the written examinatioThe ABOHN Board of Directors periodically conducts occupational health nursing (OHN) practice analysis. T

study surveys certified and non-certified OHNs to detemine the significance of specified tasks to OHN practiand the percent of time that the OHNs spend doing thotasks. The current occupational health nursing practianalysis information is used to identify OHN roles, develthe COHN-S Examination Content Outline, and to detemine the percent distribution of the questions for each roTherefore, the subject matter and the relative importanof each topic on the examination reflect the data validatby this periodic study. Thus, the ABOHN examinatioare firmly grounded in the knowledge, skills, and abilitiessential for the delivery of effective, proficient occuptional health and safety practice.


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ABOHN selects Certified Occupational Health Nurseswho represent the diversity of occupational health nursingpractice and employment to serve on its Board of Directorsand its Examination Committees. These Committees draft

the examinations multiple choice questions, which are thenedited and validated by AMP and approved by the ABOHNBoard for inclusion on the examination.

The ABOHN Board of Directors and AMP review allexamination items or questions for subject matter, validity,difficulty level, relevance, and importance for currentpractice. All questions are evaluated, classified, and revisedby the COHN-S Examination Committee and AMP forconformance to psychometric principles.

Examples of the question format Sample ExaminationQuestions can be found on page 18. The sample questions

do not reflect the full range of content or scope of difficultylevels of the questions on the examination.

EXAMINATION CONTENTThe COHN-S examination is composed of 150 multipchoice questions and is based upon two factors. First, tfive (5) OHN roles identified by the most recent practi

analysis are used as the examinations five (5) majcategories: clinician, manager, educator, consultant, acase manager. Secondly, ABOHN uses the premise thOHN incorporates the four nursing process steps:

Assessment,

Planning,

Implementation, and

Evaluation.

The weight/percentage of questions from each major roand the number of questions from each nursing process stis shown in the COHN-S Examination Specifications ch

that follows. The following activity statements for each stwere validated by ABOHNs 2004 Practice Analysis.

I. Clinician Role (24%) 6 11 12 7 36

A. Assessment (4%)

1. Identify physical requirements to fulfill essential job functions2. Obtain an occupational and environmental health history3. Conduct health surveillance of individuals/groups for specific hazards (e.g., hearing

conservation, respiratory protection, laser safety)4. Assess health needs of workers and worker populations (i.e., health risk assessment,

changing demographics)5. Assess employees with work restrictions or limitations6. Monitor laws and regulations affecting practice (e.g., licensure, practice acts)7. Participate in post offer pre-placement health assessments

B. Planning (7%)

1. Interpret results of screening tests2. Recommend hierarchy of controls for specific hazards3. Recommend changes in job/work to accommodate workers health status

C. Implementation (8%)1. Provide treatment of work related injuries or illnesses2. Provide direct care for non work related illnesses and injuries for workers3. Enhance competency through continuing professional and self-development4. Use screening test results to make referrals5. Perform technical tasks (e.g., spirometry, audiometry, EKG)6. Perform pulmonary function testing7. Perform audiometry8. Recognize and respond to ethical issues in practice9. Provide individual counseling services for workers

10. Refer employees to an employee assistance program11. Coordinate crisis intervention strategies

Assessment

Planning

Implementation

Evaluation

Total

COHN-S Examination Specifications


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12. Provide health promotion, disease prevention, screening tests (e.g., cancer screening,blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol)

13. Participate on multidisciplinary teams14. Perform vision testing15. Comply with regulatory requirements to maintain confidentiality of personal health

information16. Comply with established codes of ethics17. Implement policies and procedures for maintenance of confidentiality18. Maintain OSHA-required logs and documents19. Use and maintain an employee health record keeping system20. Use computer software applications for employee health information management

(i.e., informatics)21. Provide testimony during legal proceedings22. Serve on professional and community boards

D. Evaluation (5%)

1. Evaluate workers health status as it relates to the ability to perform a job2. Evaluate the quality of care provided by occupational health services

II. Manager Role (28%) 8 12 15 7 42

A. Assessment (5%)1. Assess organizational culture2. Monitor new developments related to emerging health care issues3. Analyze injury, illness, and accident data4. Identify staffing requirements

B. Planning (8%)1. Use knowledge of the organizations fiscal status to plan/implement programs and

interventions2. Establish goals and objectives for an occupational health and safety program3. Incorporate knowledge of production processes and associated hazards into program

design and evaluation4. Apply regulatory standards and guidelines5. Design/develop the budget for occupational health and safety6. Develop occupational health and safety policies and procedures7. Apply principles of epidemiology to design and evaluate occupational health and/or

safety programs8. Develop nursing protocols9. Interpret needs assessment results for program planning

10. Prepare for legal proceedings (e.g., workers compensation, dismissal, EEOC)11. Apply management systems principles to health and safety programs12. Collaborate with other disciplines to protect and promote worker health and safety13. Collaborate to develop nuclear, biological, and chemical response plans14. Collaborate to develop and implement emergency preparedness plans15. Establish and monitor compliance with infection control guidelines16. Develop workplace substance abuse programs17. Establish guidelines related to workplace violence

C. Implementation (10%)

1. Coordinate health promotion and disease prevention strategies and programs2. Educate management at all levels about occupational health and safety programs3. Implement a risk management program4. Coordinate surveillance programs

Assessment

Planning

Im

plementation

Evaluation

Total



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5. Incorporate computer technology into management practices6. Implement plan to remediate identified hazards7. Develop job descriptions for occupational health and safety staff8. Participate in audits (e.g., health, safety, environmental, organizational)9. Select vendors/suppliers

10. Participate in administrative proceedings related to occupational health11. Manage the first responder program12. Prepare business reports for management13. Coordinate/serve on interdisciplinary committees14. Conduct informal research (e.g., examining data to identify trends or other data)15. Select (hire) staff

16. Incorporate research findings into practice17. Implement workplace substance abuse programs

D. Evaluation (5%)

1. Analyze individual and aggregate case information for research, trend analysis, andcontinuous quality improvement

2. Evaluate staff performance3. Conduct cost/benefit analysis of occupational health and safety programs4. Demonstrate the value of services provided (e.g., case management, occupational

health services)5. Evaluate community health related services/providers for referral services6. Conduct quality management/improvement program(s) for occupational health and

safety (e.g., benchmarking, best practices)7. Evaluate/monitor the outcomes, quality, and cost effectiveness of services

III. Educator Role (14%) 3 6 8 5 22

A. Assessment (2%)

1. Conduct educational and training needs assessment

B. Planning (4%)

1. Develop learner objectives for educational and training programs2. Select teaching methods and content based on the characteristics of learners (e.g.,

apply adult learning principles, cultural differences)3. Develop teaching strategies to effectively communicate risk to workers4. Develop education and training programs to meet regulatory requirements5. Plan/implement new employee occupational health and safety orientation programs6. Develop program objectives for educational and training programs7. Incorporate knowledge of cultural beliefs/practices in implementing programs and

services8. Obtain management support for educational programs


1. Deliver education and training programs to groups of workers2. Educate and train workers about basic health and wellness (e.g., self-care,

complementary/alternative medicine, stress management)3. Train employees on proper use of personal protective equipment4. Communicate the results and outcomes of educational and training programs5. Educate and train occupational health and safety staff6. Serve as preceptor and mentoring for students/health care professionals7. Participate in the legislative and regulatory process related to nursing practice, workers,

work sites, and environment

Assessment

Planning

Im

plementation

Evaluation

Total



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D. Evaluation (3%)

1. Evaluate outcomes of worker educational and training programs2. Evaluate delivery and content of worker educational and training programs

IV. Consultant Role (14%) 4 6 8 3 21

A. Assessment (3%)

1. Conduct an assessment of the companys health and safety needs2. Conduct job analyses3. Assess and report on organizations regulatory compliance with applicable standards

(e.g., OSHA)4. Conduct work site walk through surveys/assessments to identify hazards

5. Participate in the investigation of environmental health issues (e.g., indoor air quality,mold)

B. Planning (4%)

1. Design plan to remediate identified hazards2. Evaluate aggregate worker and environmental data to design occupational health and

safety programs3. Evaluate the need for ergonomic controls4. Apply principles of ergonomics to worksite design5. Review material safety data sheets and make appropriate recommendations6. Recommend control measures for exposures/hazards


1. Provide resources and information to meet the health and safety needs of the company2. Recommend appropriate personal protective equipment

3. Perform ergonomic evaluationD. Evaluation (2%)

1. Evaluate controls by analyzing feasibility, effectiveness, reliability, and cost2. Evaluate facilities and processes by applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to

assess risk3. Interpret job analyses4. Interpret the data obtained during a work site walk through survey assessment

V. Case Manager Role (20%) 6 7 10 6 29

A. Assessment (4%)

1. Analyze workers compensation data2. Identify work-related cases that are appropriate for case management3. Identify non work related cases that are appropriate for case management

4. Identify legal, labor, and regulatory implications related to case managementB. Planning (5%)

1. Develop a network of resources for case management2. Develop a multidisciplinary plan of care in collaboration with the employee and his/her

support systems3. Develop case management plans for individuals


1. Manage workers compensation cases2. Manage short term disability cases3. Manage long term disability cases4. Refer disabled employees for rehabilitation5. Integrate disability management strategies (i.e., STD, LTD, FMLA, workers

compensation, ADA)

Assessment

Planning

Im

plementation

Evaluation

Total



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6. Make appropriate job placement recommendations (i.e., fitness for duty)7. Coordinate administration of case management with vendors and community resources8. Administer a workers compensation program9. Administer other disability programs

D. Evaluation (4%)

1. Evaluate health care delivery to employees provided externally2. Monitor progress of workers in work conditioning programs3. Monitor outcomes of care in keeping with the treatment plan

TOTALS 27 42 53 28 15

Assessment

Planning

Im

plementation

Evaluation

Total


Core Content Areas for theCOHN-S Examination

The Core Content outline is a compilation of subject areasthat are important to the practice of occupational healthnursing. Many of these areas could reasonably be expectedto be represented on the COHN-S certification examination.In combination with the Examination Blueprint areas, theCore Content list can serve as an excellent means to organizestudy and preparation for the COHN-S examination. TheCore Content outline appears on the following pages.

CHEMICAL HAZARDS solvents (e.g., benzene) asbestos, silica, cotton dust heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, nickel, mercury) carbon monoxide, methane cyanide, hydrogen sulfide chlorine, toluene isocyanates (i.e., sensitizing agents) ethylene oxide pesticides (e.g., organophosphates) reproductive hazards carcinogens latex allergy toxicology terms (e.g., acute/chronic/dose/PEL) exposure routes (inhalation/absorption/ingestion/

injection) target organs (e.g., neurotoxins/hepatotoxins) medical surveillance enzymes other chemical hazards

BIOLOGIC HAZARDS tuberculosis shigella/salmonella

immunizations/tetanus food and water borne pathogens

bloodborne pathogens (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B) travel medicine

animal hazards other communicable hazards

bioterrorism

PHYSICAL HAZARDS/ERGONOMICS noise vibration/hearing loss

radiation (e.g., ionizing/lasers/infrared/microwaves) heat/cold stress

electrical upper extremity disorders

low back disorders workstation design (e.g., VDTs)

job task analysis control measures other ergonomic hazards

PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGIC/STRESS violence (e.g., critical incident stress debriefing CISD) shift work fitness for duty/job placement (e.g., transitional work/

return to work)

stress/time management employee assistance programs (e.g., drug abuse/

alcoholism)

drug screening/chain of custody travel related issues/time changes

aging workers


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SAFETY AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE ISSUES safety walkthroughs/inspections

emergency response

routes of exposure

sampling (area/personal) indoor air quality/radon

personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators/gloves/clothing/hearing protection)

engineering controls (e.g., automation/substitution/isolation/distancing)

administrative controls (e.g., rotation/shift adjustment/training)

personal safety

hierarchy of controls

behavioral safety programs

other safety hazards

STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS hazard communication

MSDSs

DOT

confined space

lock out/tag out

OSHA standards

ADA (e.g., job placement)

FMLA

EPA

NIOSH FDA

HIPAA

other regulatory issues

EMERGENCY RESPONSE general, disaster planning

burn care

eye injuries

cardiovascular emergencies/AEDs

strains and sprains

crush injuries/amputation/bleeding head injuries

DISEASE MANAGEMENT dermatitis

occupational asthma/acute respiratory distress

case management

diabetes

asthma

cholesterol

hypertension

wound care

pain management

CLINICAL PRACTICE screening tests

pre-placement evaluation

absenteeism programs

clinical assessments

counseling

return to work strategies

HEALTH EDUCATION/PROMOTION smoking cessation

counseling/health promotion (e.g., Healthy People 200objectives)

confidentiality

measurement of educational outcomes AIDS education

counseling process

teaching learning principles

levels of prevention

literacy/language issues

behavioral theories health risk appraisals

MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES/LEADERSHIP legal/ethical budget development and management

communication/performance management

program design

project management

leadership skills

benchmarking

outcomes management

principles of evaluation

program evaluation

quality control/quality assurance

precepting

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT/RECORDKEEPING confidentiality

workers compensation

policy and procedures/protocols

information management

recordkeeping

research principles

risk communication


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EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITYREQUIREMENTS

The COHN-S examination is offered to those occupationalhealth nurses whose practices involve clinician, manager,

educator, consultant, and case manager roles.

Eligibility requirements for the COHN-S examinationinclude:

Active licensure as a registered nurse (RN), or aninternational equivalent;

Bachelors degree or higher (it does not have to be anursing degree); and

In the past 5 years:

3,000 hours of experience in occupational healthnursing; or

the completion of a certificate program in occupationalhealth nursing for academic credit; or

the completion of a graduate degree level of educationwith a concentration in occupational health.

Documentation (copies of diploma(s) or final transcript(s))that shows that a baccalaureate, certificate program foracademic credit and/or higher degrees were earned; and

A completed application.

Examination ApplicationTo apply for the COHN-S examination, send your completedapplication and application fee payment (personal check,business check, cashiers check, or money order) madepayable to the American Board for Occupational HealthNurses, Inc., or completed credit card (American Express,Discover, VISA, MasterCard) form. Those interested mayobtain a copy of the application by downloading a copyfrom either www.abohn.org or www.goAMP.com websites,or dialing 630-789-5799 to request one from the ABOHNoffice. To file an online application, access ABOHNswebsite, www.abohn.org.

An application is considered complete only when a quali-fied applicant has provided all requested information;that information is legible and accurate; the application isaccompanied with all the necessary supporting documen-tation; and the application includes the appropriate appli-cation fee payment.

APPLICATION COMPLETIONGUIDELINES

Document Copies

Before you begin to complete your application, copy tfollowing documents:

Registered Nursing License If your state prohibits yfrom copying your license, a written verification from yostate board of nursing or information about availability a free-of-charge telephone or Internet verification systewould be an acceptable alternative. Your license mushow your current name, expiration date, and the namethe agency that issued the license. Licensure from othcountries will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Educational Degree(s) A baccalaureate or higher degris required for eligibility to write the COHN-S examinatio

Submit copies of either your final transcript, or diplomthat shows your earned degree.

Job Description(s), if applicable;

A minimum of 3,000 hours of occupational heanursing work experience earned during the five yeaprior to the application. Work experience means activeengaged in occupational health nursing for compensatioor

Documentation of the completion of a certificaprogram in occupational health nursing for academcredit within the past five years; or

Documentation of the completion of a graduate degrlevel of education with a concentration in occupationhealth nursing within the past five years.

If your current name is different than the one that appeaon your license or degree(s), you must provide proof olegal name change. Please write your current name in tupper right hand corner of each document.

Keep Your Original Documents! All documents submittwith your application become the property of ABOHInc. and cannot be returned.

General InstructionsThe application form may be printed, typed, compute

generated or submitted online at www.abohn.oRegardless of the submission method that you use, pleamake sure that all information is clearly legible.

Computer-generated forms must include each item that is the printed application form. If you are using the compuversion of the application and paying by credit card, ymay submit your application online. Applicants who fionline still need to mail hard copies of their license, jdescriptions, and any other needed documentation to tABOHN office.


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If you are submitting your hard copy application, pleasedo not staple documentation to your application form andplease refrain from binding your completed application.Instead, please secure the document with a large clip orrubber band.

Make a copy of your completed application for yourrecords.

Guide to Code NumbersPlease use the following codes to complete your applica-tion.

Job Title Codes

Instead of selecting your official company title, plea

select the title that most closely matches your primary jo

responsibility, or the one which represents the majority

your work time. If your job description does not match aof the options listed, enter code number 11 and write o

your job title/description on the application. The followi

printed descriptions are derived from the AAOHN Co

Curriculum for Occupational Health Nursing (2006) a

AAOHN Developing Occupational Health Job Descriptio

(2005).

Education Codes

Please enter all the Education Codes that correspond toyour educational preparation.

1. Associate Degree2. Diploma3. Baccalaureate in Nursing4. Other Baccalaureate5. Masters in Nursing6. Masters in Public Health7. Other Masters8. Doctorate

Business Codes

Select the number that most closely describes the businein which you are employed.

1. Agriculture/Forestry/Fisheries2. Mining3. Construction4. Transportation5. Communications6. Utility Services7. Wholesale & Retail Trade8. Finance9. Insurance & Real Estate

CODE TITLE DESCRIPTION

1 OHN Clinician Provides direct client care within the scope of the applicable states nurse practice act

2 Case Manager Coordinates health care services for workers from the onset of an injury or illnessto a safe return to work or an optimal alternative.

3 Occupational Health Assesses the health and safety needs of a worker population and the health andServices Coordinator safety of the worksite.

4 Health Promotion Specialist Manages a multilevel, wide-ranging health promotion program that supports thecorporate business objectives.

5 Manager/Administrator Directs, administers, and evaluates occupational health services that are consistentwith the organizations goals and objectives.

6 Nurse Practitioner Assesses the health status of workers through health histories, physical assessments,and diagnostic tests.

7 Corporate Director Serves as a corporate manager and policy maker within an organization.

8 Consultant Serves as an advisor for evaluating and developing occupational health and safety

services. 9 Educator Develops, implements and evaluates curricula and clinical experiences appropriate

for the professional educational development of occupational health nurses.

10 Researcher Develops, implements and analyzes research related to the health and safety ofworking populations.

11 Other (Specify Title) Job duties not covered by above. Please list on application.

12 Safety Manager Plans, organizes, implements and evaluates hazard control activities that meetorganizational safety objectives and reduces risks to people, property and theenvironment.


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10. Federal Government11. State Government12. Local Government13. Hospital/Medical Centers14. College/Universities15. Textile Mill Products16. Lumber/Wood Products17. Paper/Allied Products18. Chemicals/Allied Products19. Rubber/Misc. Plastic/Leather Products20. Primary Metal/Fabricated Metal Products21. Professional/Scientific/Control Instruments22. Machine, Non-Electrical23. Aerospace24. Electrical Machinery25. Food/Kindred Products

26. Apparel/Finished Products27. Oil Refining/Related Industries28. Stone/Clay/Glass/Concrete Products29. Amusement/Recreational Services30. Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries31. Miscellaneous Services32. Non-classifiable Establishments33. Self-employed

EmploymentEmployment must meet AAOHNs definition of occupat-ional health nursing and must result in paid compensation.

However, for the purpose of examination eligibility, other-wise eligible full-time students who are pursuing an occupa-tional health related degree are considered to be in currentemployment. Volunteer work activities and other educa-tional programs clinical experiences that fail to providefinancial compensation are notconsidered employment.

Copies of your current or most recent job descriptionsmust be submitted with your application if you are usingthe employment as your occupational health nursingexperience.

Work ExperienceFor the five-year period prior to your application, youmust demonstrate that as a registered nurse, you earnedpaid compensation for 3,000 hours of occupational healthnursing work experience that meets AAOHNs definition ofoccupational health nursing. No more than 40 hours perweek may be submitted for consideration and full-timeemployment is considered to be equal to 2,080 hours peryear.

Occupational health nursing experience should bedocumented for each occupational health nursing positionthat you have held during the preceding five-year period. If

you have held more than one position during the previofive years and you are using the hardcopy applicatioduplicate the work experience page. Begin with yocurrent or most recent position, label it #1 and enter tinformation. Number any previous positions that you ha

held during the previous five years, label the duplicatpages to correspond to each positions assigned numband enter each positions information. If you are onlicontinue to use the provided spaces to enter information each additional position.

For each listed position, please provide the name, titand telephone number of the person who can confiryour employment. ABOHN uses the information to vera percentage of applicants employment and to clarinformation when questions arise.

Your submitted written description of your job duties shou

enable the reviewer to determine whether your job conformto AAOHNs definition of occupational health nursinPlease review the definition prior to submitting your jdescription(s) and/or writing your explanation/descriptifor job titles for which you have entered the Job Title conumber, 11, Other.

Time spent in a the completion of a certificate prograin occupational health nursing for academic credit, the completion of a Masters level of education graduaprogram related to occupational health may be used for toccupational health nursing work experience requiremeHowever, to be eligible for work experience consideratio

the certificate or degree must have been completed withthe five-year period prior to application. Time spent degree-granting programs prior to the time that you becama registered nurse will not be accepted for occupationhealth nursing work experience credit.

The maximum number of hours of occupational heanursing work experience credit that may be requested is:

750 hours for a baccalaureate completion program, onon-occupational health related masters degree; and/o

2,000 hours for an occupational health related graduadegree from a National Institute for Occupational Safeand Health (NIOSH) funded Education and ResearCenter (ERC) program.

Application ChecklistPrior to submitting your written or online applicatioplease review the following checklist.

Have you answered all the questions?

Have you included copies of your current nursing licenits written verification, or information about how to obtaits free of charge verbal verification?

Have you included copies of your current or most recejob descriptions?


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Have you included copies of any certificate program inoccupational health for academic credit, a BachelorsDegree, or Masters Degree level with a concentration inoccupational health nursing?

Have you made a complete copy of your application andits supporting documentation for your files?

If you are submitting a written application, have yourefrained from stapling or binding your completed appli-cation? If not, please remove the staples or binding.

Mail your completed written application and all supportingdocuments or submit your online application and mail yoursupporting documentation to:

American Board forOccupational Health Nurses, Inc.

201 E. Ogden, Suite 114

Hinsdale, IL 60521-3652Phone: 630-789-5799

If your application is found to have deficiencies, you will becontacted by telephone or e-mail. If your application meetsthe eligibility criteria, you will receive notification and aninvoice for the examination fee.

SCHEDULINGAN EXAMINATIONAPPOINTMENT

Application fees are good for 90 days from the date ofapproval by the ABOHN office. The Examination fee must

be paid within 90 days of the date of the invoice fromthe ABOHN office and is good for 120 days. If you failto schedule an appointment and sit for your examinationbefore the expiration date, your examination authoriza-tion will be voided and you will have to reapply. You mayschedule an examination appointment with AMP by oneof the following methods. Be prepared to confirm a dateand location for testing.

1. Schedule online. Visit AMPs website at www.goAMP.com and select Candidates to schedule an examinationappointment.

OR

2. Call AMP at 888-519-9901 to schedule an examinationappointment.

The examinations are delivered by computer at over 150AMP Assessment Centers nationwide. The examinations arescheduled by appointment only, Monday through Saturdayat 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Individuals are scheduled on afirst-come, first-served basis. Refer to the chart below.

If you call AMP by 3:00 Your examination may bep.m. Central Time on.. . scheduled beginning...

Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday or Saturday

Thursday Monday

Friday Tuesday

After the appointment is made, you will be given a time report to the Assessment Center. Please make a note of it sinan admission letter will not be sent. You will only be allowto take the examination for which the appointment has bemade. No changes in examination type will be made at tAssessment Center. UNSCHEDULED CANDIDATES (WALINS) WILL NOT BE ADMITTED to the Assessment Center.

Note: Examinations will not be offered on the followiholidays:

New Years DayMartin Luther King DayPresidents DayGood FridayMemorial DayIndependence Day (July 4)Labor DayColumbus DayVeterans DayThanksgiving Day (and the following Friday)

Christmas Eve DayChristmas DayNew Years Eve Day

Examination AppointmentChanges/Failure to Report orto Schedule an Examination

1. A candidate may reschedule an examination appointmeonce at no charge by calling AMP at 888-519-9901 at leatwo business days prior to the scheduled testing session

AMP must be contacted by3:00 p.m. Central Time to

If the examination reschedule the examinationis scheduled for... by the previous...

Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday

Wednesday Friday

Thursday Monday

Friday Tuesday


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2. A candidate who wishes to reschedule his/her examinationappointment, but fails to contact AMP and the ABOHNoffice at least TWO business days prior to the scheduledtesting session will forfeit the examination fee and berequired to reapply and submit required fees to reschedulethe examination.

Examination AccommodationsABOHN and AMP comply with the Americans withDisabilities Act (ADA) and are interested in ensuringthat individuals with disabilities are not deprived of theopportunity to take the examination solely by reason ofa disability, as required and defined by the relevant pro-visions of the law. Special testing arrangements may bemade for these individuals, provided that an appropri-ate request for accommodation is received by ABOHNat least 45 days before the desired examination date andthe request is approved. To make a request for a specialexamination accommodation, please complete the Requestfor Special Examination Accommodations form included inthis handbook, obtain an appropriate health professionalssignature, and submit the completed form with theexamination application.

Telecommunication for the DeafAMP is equipped with Telecommunication Devices for theDeaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impaired candidates.TDD calling is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central

time) Monday-Friday at 913-895-4637. This TDD phoneoption is for individuals equipped with compatible TDDmachinery.

FEESA current fee schedule may be found on ABOHNs website(www.abohn.org).

Fee PaymentsFee payments may be made by business checks, personalchecks, cashiers checks, or money orders made payableto ABOHN, or by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American

Express and Discover). Cash is not an acceptable paymentmethod.

Application Fee

The application fee payment must accompany eachcompleted application.

Examination Fee

To become an examination candidate, an approved appli-cants examination fee must be RECEIVED in the ABOHNoffice by the deadline.

Examination AuthorizationExtension Fee

A 60-day, one time examination authorization extensimay be purchased for an additional cost. Please see http

www.abohn.org/fees.htm for details.

Declined Credit Cards, ReturnedChecks, and Handling Fees

When a credit card transaction is declined, or a checkreturned for non-sufficient funds, ABOHN charges a $handling fee. When re-submitting your payment, you msend a certified check or money order for the amount duwhich should include the $25 handling fee.

No RefundsCandidates failing to arrive at the Assessment Center o

the date and time that they are scheduled for examinatiwill forfeit their examination fees and must reregisby contacting ABOHN; examination fees may NOT transferred to another appointment.

Candidates arriving more than 15 minutes late for appointment will not be admitted, will forfeit their examintion fee, and must contact ABOHN.

HOWTO PREPAREFORTHEEXAMINATION

Passing Candidates ExaminationPreparation

Since 1997, ABOHN has been collecting information abocandidates study patterns. Because respondents give thnames along with their study history, ABOHN is able compile a profile of the successful certification examinaticandidate. Passing candidates used a variety of stutechniques including independent and group study, whiincluded review courses and computer programs. You mfind the information that follows to be helpful.

Recent passing COHN-S candidates reported the folloing:

Avera Average weeks of study prior to the examination 6 Average hours of study per week 10 Average total hours of study 99 Average number of independent study hours 171

The most frequently used textbooks reported by COHNexamination passers:

AAOHN Core Curriculum Study Guide, AAOHN

Occupational Health Nursing, Bonnie Rogers AAOHN Core Curriculum for Occupational Health

Nursing, Mary K. Salazar, Editor*


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* Please note: Although the AAOHN Core Curriculum pro-vides an excellent overview of the aspects of occupationalhealth nursing practice, it is not intended as an exclusivesource of information for the examination.

The most frequently used journals reported by COHN-Spassers include:

AAOHN Journal Compliance Magazine American Journal of Nursing (AJN)

Certification Self-AssessmentTest (CSAT)

The COHN-S Certification Self-Assessment Test (CSAT)contains thorough descriptions of the ABOHN examinationand helpful suggestions for preparation. It provides 50 ques-

tions that use the same format as actual examination ques-tions and are representative of the knowledge areas andactivities that form the examinations blueprint or exami-nation specifications. For more information about how topurchase a CSAT, please go to our website at www.abohn.org or call the ABOHN office (630-789-5799).

Your Examination Preparation PlanSince occupational health nursing practice is so varied andthe certification examination is designed to represent a broadreflection of practice, no two professionals will prepare for theexamination in exactly the same way. In this handbook, wehave gathered several resources that may help you toprepare to take the examination. The following are included:COHN-S Examination Specifications, core content outline,study references and sample examination questions.

To help you to determine your own study plans, thefollowing steps are recommended:

1. Perform an occupational health knowledge self-assess-ment. ABOHN recommends using the examinationspecification outline and core content list.

2. Classify activities and core topic areas for intense study,

and identify those areas where a simple review wouldbe sufficient.

3. Establish a realistic weekly study schedule. First, scheduletopics that will need intense study. Save review onlytopics for later in your study schedule.

4. Gather resources with which to study. The includedStudy References represent a partial listing of books,

journals and other materials that have been used towrite examination questions. This list can help you toidentify resources that may be used to address identifiedlearning needs, but it is not intended to be a mandatory,

exclusive reading list.

5. Consider forming a study group, or selecting a stupartner. Working with study partners that have varioccupational health nursing backgrounds can especially helpful.

6. Many certification candidates have found that reviecourses can be helpful to prepare for the examinatioReview courses may be used to identify weaknessthat direct initial study, or as a final review prior to texamination.

ABOHN compiles a list of occupational health relatcourses and continuing education resources and usesto create the Education Resource Guide that it providto candidates. ABOHN neither offers, nor recommenspecific courses, or the use of specific study materials prepare for the examination.

ONTHE DAYOF YOUREXAMINATION

On the day of your examination appointment, report the Assessment Center no later than your schedultesting time. Once you enter the H&R Block office, lofor the signs indicating AMP Assessment Center ChecIn. IF YOU ARRIVE MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTTHE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME YOU WILL NOT ADMITTED.

To gain admission to the Assessment Center, you mpresent two forms of identification, one with a currephotograph. Both forms of identification must be curreand include your current name and signature. You will abe required to sign a roster for verification of identity.

Acceptable forms of primary identification include current:

1. drivers license with photograph2. state identification card with photograph3. passport with photograph4. military identification card with photograph

Employment ID cards, student ID cards and any tyof temporary identification are NOT acceptable primary identification, but may be used as secondaidentification.

Candidates are prohibited from misrepresenting thidentities or falsifying information to obtain admission the Assessment Center.

YOU MUST HAVE PROPER IDENTIFICATION TO GAIADMISSION TO THE ASSESSMENT CENTER.

After your identity has been confirmed, you will

directed to a testing carrel. You will be instructed on-scre


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to enter your identification number. You will digitally takeyour picture and it will remain on-screen throughout yourtesting session. This photograph will also print on yourscore report.

SecurityABOHN and AMP maintain examination administrationand security standards that are designed to assure thatall candidates are provided the same opportunity todemonstrate their abilities. The Assessment Center iscontinuously monitored by audio and video surveillanceequipment for security purposes.

Practice ExaminationPrior to attempting the timed examination, you will begiven the opportunity to practice taking an examination

on the computer. The time that you use for this practiceexamination is NOT counted as part of your examinationtime. When you are comfortable with the computer testingprocess, you may quit the practice session and begin thetimed examination.

Timed ExaminationFollowing the practice examination, you will begin theactual examination. Instructions for taking the examinationare accessible on-screen once you begin the examination.The examination contains 150 questions plus 10 pre-test questions. Three hours are allotted to complete

the examination. The following is a sample of what thecomputer screen will look like when candidates are takingthe examination.

Which of the following terms describes a concept that emphasizes thecomprehensive management of patient care of a specific disease type?

vertically integrated patient care

co-operative care

point of care

patient focused careD.

C.

B.

A.*

Cover Help A >

Candidates

Picture

Here

The computer monitors the time you spend on theexamination. The examination will terminate if you exceedthe time limit. You may click on the Time button in thelower right portion of the screen or select the TIME key

to monitor your time. A digital clock indicates the timremaining for you to complete the examination. The timfeature may also be turned off during the examination.

Only one question is presented at a time. The questio

number appears in the lower right portion of the screeThe entire question appears on-screen (i.e., stem and fooptions labeled A, B, C and D). Indicate your choiby either entering the letter of the option you think correct (A, B, C or D) or clicking on the option usithe mouse. Your answer appears in the window in tlower left portion of the screen. To change your answeenter a different option by pressing the A, B, C or D kor by clicking on the option using the mouse. During texamination time limit, you may change your answer many times as necessary.

To move to the next question, click on the forward arro

(>) in the lower right portion of the screen or select tNEXT key. This action will move you forward through texamination question by question. If you wish to revieany question or questions, click the backward arrow (or use the left arrow key to move backward through texamination.

You may leave a question unanswered and return to later. You may also bookmark questions for later revieby clicking in the blank square to the right of the Timbutton. Clicking on the hand icon or selecting the NEXkey advances to the next unanswered or bookmarkquestion on the examination. To identify all unanswere

and bookmarked questions, repeatedly click on the haicon or press the NEXT key. When you have completethe examination, the number of questions you answeredreported. If you have not answered all questions and yohave time remaining, return to the examination and answthose questions. Be sure to answer each question befoending the examination. There is no penalty for guessin

You may provide online comments for any question bclicking on the button displaying an exclamation point to the left of the Time button. This opens a dialogue bowhere you may enter your comments.

Inclement Weather or EmergencyIn the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emergencion the day of an examination, ABOHN and AMP wdetermine whether circumstances warrant the cancellatioand subsequent rescheduling, of an examination. Texamination will usually not be rescheduled if the AssessmeCenter personnel are able to open the Assessment Cente

You may contact AMPs Weather Hotline at 800-380-541(24 hours/day) prior to the examination to determine AMP has been advised that any Assessment Centers aclosed. Every attempt is made to administer examinatio


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as scheduled. However, should an Assessment Centerexamination be canceled, you will receive notificationregarding a rescheduled examination date or reapplicationprocedures.

Rules for Examination1. Report to your designated Assessment Center location

on the day of the examination at the time you wereinstructed when your appointment was scheduled. Ifyou arrive more than 15 minutes late you will notbe admitted, will forfeit your examination fee, andmust reregister for the examination by contactingABOHN.

2. No books, papers, dictionaries, other reference mate-rials or personal items (purses, briefcases, coats, etc.)may be taken into the Assessment Center; you must

leave all personal items in your automobile. AMPwill not be responsible for loss or damage to personalitems.

3. Calculators are not required to complete theexamination and will not be allowed in the testingroom.

4. You will be provided with scratch paper to use duringthe examination. The scratch paper must be returnedto the supervisor at the completion of testing or youwill not receive a score report. No documents or notesof any kind may be removed from the examinationroom. All computer screens, questions, paper and

written materials are the property of ABOHN andAMP and may not be reproduced in any form.

5. Reference materials are not allowed.

6. No questions concerning the content of the examina-tion may be asked during the examination.

7. You may provide online comments on any questionDURING the examination by clicking on the buttondisplaying an exclamation point (!). This opens adialog box where you may enter your comments.

8. Eating, drinking or smoking will not be permitted inthe Assessment Center.

9. You may take a break whenever you wish, but youwill not be allowed additional time to make up fortime lost during breaks.

10. The proctor may dismiss a candidate from the exami-nation for any of the following reasons:

the candidate has a cell phone;

the candidates admission to the examination isunauthorized;

the candidate creates a disturbance, is abusive, orotherwise uncooperative;

the candidate gives or receives help or is suspected

of doing so;

the candidate attempts to record examinationquestions or make notes;

the candidate attempts to take the examination forsomeone else; or

the candidate is observed with notes.

11. No electronic devices are permitted in the AssessmeCenter, including cellular phones or signaling devicsuch as pagers and alarms. In addition, personal digtal assistants (PDAs) and other hand-held computeare prohibited.

The examination will be timed; you will have three (3) houof actual examination time. The computer will indicate ttime remaining on the screen. If you find it distracting, ttime feature may be turned off during the examination. Ttime limit is intended to allow candidates to complete t

entire examination by working quickly and efficiently.

Violation of any of the above provisions results in dismissfrom the examination session. The candidates score othe examination is voided and examination fees are nrefunded. Evidence of misconduct is reviewed to determiwhether the candidate will be allowed to reapply for examnation. If re-examination is granted, a complete applicatiand fee are required to reapply.

If a re-examination privilege is granted, the candidate mneed to submit a new application. However, all grantere-examination privileges will be subject to an additionapplication fee and examination fee.

REFERENCESThe American Board for Occupational Health NurseInc. has prepared the following list of references that aexamples of resources that may be used to prepare for tcertification examination. This is not an all-inclusive libut one that represents the types of materials that may habeen used as references for the examination items. Appcants are advised to identify the areas of content in whicthey feel less knowledgeable and to focus their study o

those areas, as well as a general overview of the contedescribed in the Examination Content Outline. Useful reerences may be obtained from professional organizationand public and university libraries. ABOHN neither selnor lends references. ABOHN cannot recommend any spcific course(s) or other resources that may prepare you fthe examination.

GENERAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH andOCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSINGAmerican Association of Occupational Health Nurse

(1995). Guidelines for an occupational health & safe

service. Atlanta, GA: AAOHN Publications.


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American Association of Occupational Health Nurses(2001). AAOHN Core curriculum study guide. Atlanta,GA: AAOHN Publications.

Balge, M. and Krieger, G. (Eds.) (2000). Occupational health

and safety (3rd

Ed.). Itasca, IL: National Safety CouncilPress.

DiBenedetto, D., et. al. (1998). Occupational health andsafety manual. Beverly Frams, MA: OEM Press.

Levy, B., and Wegman, D. H. (2006). Occupational health:Recognizing and preventing work related diseases(4th Ed.). Boston, MA: Little, Brown, and Co.

Rogers, B. (2003). Occupational health nursing: Conceptsand practice (2nd Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: W. B.Saunders.

Salazar, M.K. (Ed.) (2006). AAOHN Core curriculum foroccupational health nursing (3rdEd.). Philadelphia, PA:

W.B. Saunders.Weeks, James L, Levy, B., Wagner, Gregory R. (2006).

Preventing Occupational Disease and Injury (2nd Ed.).Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.

Zenz, C., Dickerson, O.B. & Horvath, E.P. (1994).Occupational medicine (3rd Ed.). St. Louis, MO: C.V.Mosby.

DISEASE MANAGEMENT/EMERGENCY CARE

Adams, R. (1999). Occupational skin disease (3rd Ed.).Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders.

Bates, B. (1999). A guide to physical examination (7th Ed.).Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott.

Herrington, T and Morse, L. (1995). Occupational injuries:Evaluation, management, and prevention. St. Louis,MO: Mosby Year Book, Inc.

Ravel, R. (1995). Clinical laboratory medicine: Applicationof laboratory data. St. Louis, MO: C.V. Mosby.

Rogers, B., Randolph, S.A., & Mastroianni, K. (2003).Occupational health nursing guidelines for primaryclinical conditions (3rdEd.). Beverly, MA: OEM Press.

TOXICOLOGY, EPIDEMIOLOGY, and INDUSTRIAL

HYGIENEKlaassen, C., Amdur, M., & Doull, J. (1996). Casarett andDoulls toxicology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Lewis, R. (2004). Saxs dangerous properties of industrialmaterials (4th Ed.). New York, NY: Van NostrandReinhold.

Loomis, T. (1996). Loomiss essentials of toxicology. SanDiego, CA: Academic Press.

NIOSH (1997). Pocket guide to chemical hazards. DHHS(NIOSH) Publication No. 97-140.

Scott, R. (1995). Introduction to industrial hygiene. BocaRaton, FL: Lewis Publishers.

Valanis, B. (1999). Epidemiology in health care. StamfoCT: Appleton & Lange.

SAFETY/ERGONOMICSErdil, M. and Dickerson, B. (1996). Cumulative traum

disorders: Prevention, evaluation, and treatment. NeYork, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

DiNardi, S. R. (2003). The Occupational Environment: Evaluation, Control, and Management. Fairfax, VAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association.

Krause, T.R. (1997). The behavior-based safety proceManaging involvement for an injury free culture. NeYork, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

National Safety Council (2006). Accident prevention business and industry: Engineering and technolo(12th Ed.). Itasca, IL: National Safety Council Press.

Ranney, D. (1997). Chronic musculoskeletal injuries in tworkplace. Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders.

Wilkinson, Carol and Corinne Peek-Asa (2003). Clinics Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Violenin the Workplace. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders.

CASE MANAGEMENTCox, R., Edwards, F., and McCallum, R. (1995). Fitness

work: The medical aspects. Oxford, New York: OxfoUniversity Press.

DiBenedetto, D.V. & Haag, A.B. (2000). Principles workers compensation and disability case manageme

Yonkers, NY: DVD & Associates.Powell, S.K. (2000). Advanced case management: Outcom

and beyond. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott.

Reed, P. (2006). The Medical Disability Advisor: Workplaguidelines for disability duration. Boulder, CO: ReGroup, Ltd.

Shrey, D.E., & Lacerte, M. (1997). Principles and Practicof Disability Management in Industry. Boca Raton, FCRC Press.

MISCELLANEOUSCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (200

Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventabdiseases. Washington, DC: US DHHS.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1999). Heainformation for international travel. Atlanta, GA:UDHHS, USPHS, National Center for Infectious DiseaseDivision of Quarantine.

Galbraith, M.W. (1998). Adult learning methods. MalabFL: Kreiger Publishing Co.

Glanz, K., Lewis, F.M., and Rimer, B.K. (2003). Heabehavior and health education: Theory, research, apractice (2ndEd.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.


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Moser, R. (1999). Effective management of occupationaland environmental health and safety programs (2ndEd.).Beverly Farms, MA: OEM Press.

REGULATORY RESOURCES

Alcohol and drugs: DOT compliance manual. (1998). J.J.Keller & Associates.

NIOSH reports and publications.OSHA guidelines, alerts, and publications.

JOURNALS AND PERIODICALSAAOHN Journal

American Journal of Health PromotionAmerican Journal of Nursing

Bureau of National Affairs, Occupational Health and SafetyReporter

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morbidity and

Mortality Weekly ReportEmployee Health and FitnessHospital Employee Health Journal

Journal of Nursing AdministrationJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Nursing ResearchOccupational and Environmental Medicine Report

Occupational Health and Safety

WEB SITESAIHA Standards: www.aiha.org/committee/anzindex.html

ATSDR: www.atsdr.cdc.gov

CDC/Travel Health: www.cdc.gov and www.cdc.gov/travel

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) on line: www.access.gop.gov/nara/cfr/index.html

Department of Transportation (DOT): www.dot.gov/general/orders.html

DHHS Health People: www.health.gov/healthypeople/

Hearing Conservation: www.caohc.orgHealth Promotion: www.health.gov/healthypeople/

MMWR: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/National Library of Medicine: www.nlm.nih.gov

NIOSH: www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html

OSHA Standards: www.osha.govTravel health: www.who.intTuberculosis: www.cdc.gov/nchstp/tb/default.htm

TAKINGTHE EXAMINATION

Experimental Questionsand Guessing

Several questions on the examination are experimental orpretest items. They are considered experimental becausethey have not been used on a previous examination, nor

has their performance been evaluated. Therefore, unthose evaluations can be conducted, the items will not bused for scoring your examination. Since these items acombined with the other questions and are not marked experimental questions, you will be unable to determiwhich items are experimental. Therefore, you shouanswer all questions to the best of your ability. No penais applied for guessing incorrectly. Therefore, if you aunsure about an answer, you should make an educatguess.

Sample Examination QuestionsEach item has four responses, only one of which is correcThe examination is changed with each administratioThe sample questions that follow are examples of typicquestions and the format used.

1. A young female employee informs the OHN that she five months pregnant. Because of her limited financiaresources, the employee has NOT had prenatal care.Which of these actions should the nurse take first?

A. Make an appointment for the employee at a publprenatal clinic.

B. Collect additional data related to the employeessituation.

C. Refer the employee to a local self-help group.D. Identify the employees social support networks.

2. A nurse is responsible for periodically evaluating theperformance of departmental employees. The purposof the performance appraisal is to

A. determine progress toward meeting objectives.B. assure continuous productivity.C. review benefit status in relation to peers in

comparable positions.D. establish job codes.

3. A nurse is evaluating the results of a cholesterolawareness program for a company. Which of these

findings about those who participated in the programwould most clearly indicate that the program was asuccess?

A. Higher low-density lipoprotein levels in severalemployees.

B. A number of requests from employees for low-fatfoods in the cafeteria.

C. A decrease in absenteeism among employees.D. Fewer visits made by employees to the

occupational health unit.


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4. When planning the budget for an employee healthservice, which of these items should the nurse list as acapital expenditure?

A. office supplies

B. exercise tapesC. examining tablesD. intravenous fluids

Answers to sample questions

1: B2: A3: B4: C

FOLLOWINGTHE EXAMINATIONAfter you finish the examination, you are asked to completea short evaluation of your testing experience. Then, you areinstructed to report to the examination proctor to receiveyour score report. Scores are reported in written form only,in person or by U.S. mail. Scores are NOT reported overthe telephone, by electronic mail or by facsimile.

Your score report will indicate a pass or fail. Additionaldetail is provided in the form of raw scores by majorcontent category. A raw score is the number of questionsyou answered correctly. Your pass/fail status is determinedby your raw score. Even though the examination consists

of 160 questions, your score is based on 150 questions.Ten questions are pretest questions. This score report is apreliminary, unofficial report. Approximately 6 weeks afteryour examination, your official report will be sent by mailfrom ABOHN.

To ensure fairness to all candidates, a process of statisticalequating is used. This involves selecting an appropriate mixof individual questions for each version of the examinationthat meet the content distribution requirements of theexamination content blueprint. Because each questionhas been pretested, a difficulty level can be assigned. The

process then considers the difficulty level of each questionselected for each version of the examination, attemptingto match the difficulty level of each version as closely aspossible. To assure fairness, slight variations in difficultylevel are addressed by adjusting the passing score up ordown, depending on the overall difficulty level statistics forthe group of scored questions that appear on a particularversion of the examination.

In rare instances, the preliminary report that you receive atthe testing center might be revised as a result of additionalstatistical evaluations. Therefore, please refrain from usingthe preliminary score report as your official score report.

If You Pass the ExaminationOnce scores have been validated, ABOHN sends officnotices to candidates who have achieved passing scoron the ABOHN COHN-S examinations and sends invoic

to them for the fee to maintain their COHN-S credentiauntil their first, 5-year recertifications are due. Certificanwho pay that invoice receive their COHN-S wall certificaand COHN-S wallet card to show that they have earnethe right to use the COHN-S designation after their nameAdditionally, their names and credentials are published the ABOHN on-line Directory of Certified OccupationHealth Nurses.

If You Do Not Pass the ExaminationIf you do not achieve a passing score on the COHNexamination, you may contact ABOHN to re-apply to ta

the examination. Although ABOHN imposes no limit upothe number of times that an individual may apply or tathe COHN-S examination, ABOHN requires unsuccessfcandidates to wait at least 90 days before they may retathe examination. If your previous application is 6 montold or less, you may be allowed to re-apply to take texamination by submitting your letter of intention to retathe examination and paying another application fee anexamination fee. If your previous application is mothan 6 months old, you will be required to submit a neapplication, pay another application fee, and if approvepay another examination fee to become eligible to retake texamiantion. If you have any questions about reapplying take the examination, please contact the ABOHN office.

ConfidentialityUnder no circumstances are individual examinatioscores reported to anyone but the individual who tothe examination. Aggregate scores without personaidentifiable markers will be used by the respectiexamination committees in collaboration with the testiconsultants to set the passing points for the examinatioand to analyze performance of individual questions.

All information provided to ABOHN, including jo

descriptions, may be used for a variety of analyses to stucertified occupational health nurses and their practicHowever, information sharing will be limited to dareports that are in aggregate form, or documents that lapersonally identifiable information.

Upon written or telephone request for verification certification, an authorized ABOHN representative wprovide the following information:

Our records indicate that ________________ is currencertified.

Or


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COHN-S Examination


Our records do not indicate that anyone with the namespelled the way that you have provided, is currentlycertified.

Unless authorized in writing by the individual whose

certification status is being questioned, at no time shall anydemographic information, pass/fail information, memberdata, or other identifying information be given to the callingor requesting party.

Duplicate Score ReportCandidates may purchase additional copies of scorereports at a cost of $25 per copy. Written requests must besubmitted to AMP within 12 months of the examination.The request must include the candidates name, uniqueidentifier assigned by ABOHN, mailing address, telephonenumber, examination date, the name of the examination

taken and the required fee payable to AMP. Duplicate scorereports are mailed within two weeks after receipt of therequest and fee payment.

Scores Canceled by ABOHN or AMPABOHN and AMP are responsible for the integrity of thescores they report. Misconduct by a candidate may causea score to be suspect. ABOHN is committed to recertifyingsuch discrepancies as expeditiously as possible. If, afterinvestigation, ABOHN discovers that its regulations havebeen violated, ABOHN may void the violators examinationresults.

REVOCATIONOF CERTIFICATIONThe American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc.may revoke a certificate for substantial misrepresentation onthe application, fraud in the examination, or failure to meetthe criteria for certification or recertification. The certificateholder will be notified of the reasons judged adequate forrevocation and will be entitled to be heard by the Board.

Appeals ProcessThe review and appeals process is available to individualsseeking a reconsideration of a decision regarding revocation

of ABOHN certification. Failure on the examination is nota circumstance for review or appeal. All appeals must bemade in writing. Contact the ABOHN office for furtherinformation about the appeals process.

Although all aspects of ABOHNs credentialing programare based on standards that are managed through timplementation of thoughtfully developed policies anprocedures, each formal request for an appeal to deviafrom an established standard will be considered on

individual basis. The application for an appeal is availabonline at www.abohn.org, or upon request from the ABOHoffice. Individuals requesting an appeal will be notified ofdecision on the request within 30 days.

RETAINING CERTIFICATIONPart of the examination fee covers the cost of tsuccessful candidates first year of credential maintenancCOHN-Ss are billed for the credential maintenance ffor the remaining four years of their five-year certificatioperiod at the time they pass the examination.

To maintain Active COHN-S status, recertification required every five years. Recertification eligibility critermay include:

1. Current registered nursing licensure, or its internationequivalent;

2. 3,000 hours of occupational health nursing experien(being actively engaged in occupational health nuing for compensation). You do not have to be currenemployed at the time you apply for recertification.

Alternative credit for occupational health nursiemployment may include:

a. 2,000 hours of experience credit that may be grantfor occupational health graduate study completein a National Institute for Occupational Safety anHealth (NIOSH) funded Education and ResearCenter (ERC).

b. 750 hours of experience credit may be granted ftime spent for the completion of a baccalaureate onon-occupational health masters degree.

Course work associated with attaining a degree cbe used to meet either the continuing educatiorequirement or the experience requirement, but nfor both.

3. 50 hours of documented continuing nursing eduction (CNE) contact hours related to occupational heaearned within the five-year period preceding the recerfication deadline.


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ABOHN COHN-S Handbook, page

AMERICAN BOARD FOR OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH NURSES, INC.201 East Ogden, Suite 114, Hinsdale, IL 60521

www.abohn.org

APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION / DO NOT FAX

All information provided on this application will be treated with strict confidence.

ABOHNs policy is that no individual shall be excluded from the opportunity to participate in the ABOHN credentialing program on thebasis of race, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability.

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT YOUR APPLICATION! Each item on this form must have a response. If none or no is applicable, so

state. Incomplete responses will result in delay and possible disqualification. Applications must include the application fee. Please consultthe examination handbook for application completion instructions.

1. WHICH EXAMINATION DO YOU WISH TO TAKE? COHN COHN-S

2. HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR AN EXAM WITH ABOHN BEFORE? YES NO

3. HAVE YOU TAKEN AN EXAM WITH ABOHN BEFORE? YES NO

4. NAME:First ________________________________________________________________________________________

Middle ______________________________________________________________________________________

Last ________________________________________________________________________________________

Maiden Name_________________________________________________________________________________

Other Last Names Used _________________________________________________________________________

5. YEAR OF BIRTH __________________________________________________________________________

6. E-MAIL PREFERRED (mandatory) ___________________________________________________ WorkHome

ALTERNATE E-MAIL (non-mandatory) _______________________________________________ Work

Home

7. HOME ADDRESS Street ______________________________________________ Apt/Unit _________

City __________________________________________________________State __________ Zip ____________

Country _____________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone ( )_______________________________________________________________________________

8. CURRENT EMPLOYER ___________________________________________________________________

Street _______________________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________________________________State __________ Zip ____________

Country _____________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone ( ) _________________________________ FAX ( ) __________________________________


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ABOHN COHN-S Handbook, page 22

9. SALARY (for group analysis use only) Part-time: hours per week _____________________ Hourly Rate $ _____________________

Full Time: Annual Salary $ _____________________________________________________

10. BUSINESS CATEGORY OF EMPLOYMENT (See Guide to Code Numbers) ____________________

11. JOB TITLE (Use the Guide to code number to select the appropriate title, enter actual title and the appropriate code number)

Title ______________________________________________Code_____________________________________

12. TELEPHONE PREFERENCE FOR LISTING IN ABOHNS ON-LINE DIRECTORY

HOME BUSINESS NEITHER

13. RN LICENSURE (Please attach a copy of your RN License to this application)State/Country _________________ License Number ___________________ Expiration Date _______________

14. EDUCATION (Check ALL education you have completed.)

1. ASSOCIATE DEGREE

2. DIPLOMA

3. BACCALAUREATE IN NURSING

4. OTHER BACCALAUREATE

5. MASTERS IN NURSING

6. MASTERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH

7. OTHER MASTERS

8. DOCTORATE

15. EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATION YES NOABOHN makes a good faith effort to provide any reasonable examination accommodation.Consideration of a candidates request for a disability accommodation is based upon the informationreceived on the application and Special Examination Accommodation Form. Unless ABOHN believesthat such an accommodation would create an undue hardship or is contrary to ABOHNs commitmentto diversity and inclusiveness, ABOHN grants such requests.

16. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Check those professional organizations in which you hold membership.

AAOHN (American Assoc. of Occupational Health Nurses)

ANA (American Nurses Assoc.)

AOHP (Assoc. of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare)

CNA (Canadian Nurses Assoc.)

CMSA (Case Management Society of America)

17. OTHER CERTIFICATIONS HELD Check those professional certifications you currently hold.

CSP (Certified Safety Professional)

COHN (c) (Certified Occupational Health Nurse - Canada)

NP (Nurse Practitioner)


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18. EXPERIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING

During the 5-year period prior to application, you must have earned 3,000 hours of work (occupational healthnursing) experience. Full time employment for one year equals 2,080 hours. Refer to your Candidate Handbookfor alternatives to work experience. Begin with your most recent or current position. Reproduce this page if youhave held more than one job during the five-year time period. List occupational health nursing work experience

in the past 5 years only. If none or no is applicable, so state.

POSITION #

DATES EMPLOYED from to

TOTAL SERVICE Years MonthsTotalhours

POSITION TITLEBriefly describe job responsibilities in this position and the target population to which you provide occupationalhealth nursing care or ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT JOB DESCRIPTION.

DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES AND TARGET POPULATION

NAME OF EMPLOYER

Address

Major Product/Service

PERSON WHO CAN VERIFY YOUR EMPLOYMENT

Name

Title

Telephone #

E-mail address


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ABOHN COHN-S Handbook, page 24

19. PROFESSIONAL NURSING EDUCATION

In order to meet the examinations educational requirements, you must provide proof that a baccalaureate degreehas been earned before the application is submitted in order to be eligible to take the COHN-S examination. Thedegree may be any Bachelors Degree. It does not have to be a nursing degree.

PLEASE ATTACH COPIES OF DEGREES or FINAL TRANSCRIPTS TO THIS APPLICATION

The completion of Baccalaureate Degree or higher for the COHN-S examination is required.

Institutions Name

City, State

Year of Graduation

Degree Earned

The following education is required if you do not have experience/work hours inOccupational Health Nursing

Other education completed for COHN or COHN-S Certificate Program in Occupational Health Nursing

for Academic Credit (within the past 5 years).

Institutions Name

City, State

Year of completion(Must be within the past 5 years)

Degree Earned

Masters Degree of education with a concentration in Occupational Health Nursing for the COHN-S

examination (within the past 5 years).

Institutions Name

City, State

Year of Graduation(Must be within the past 5 years)

Degree Earned


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20. WHERE DID YOU INITIALLY LEARN ABOUT ABOHN CERTIFICATON? (Check one only)

DIRECT MAILING FROM THE ABOHN OFFICE

EMPLOYER

AAOHN PUBLICATION

AAOHN Symposium and Exposition

AOHP (Association of Occupational Health Professionals)

CMSA Conference (Case Management Society of America)

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PUBLICATION

Other _________________________________________________________________________________

21. Name of certified Occupational Health Nurse who referred you to sit for the certification

examination: ______________________________________________________________________

22. AUTHORIZATION TO ABOHN

I authorize the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN) to request informationconcerning me from any of the persons or organizations referred to in this application for Board certification.

I hereby attest that all of the information contained in this application, including any attachments that I havesubmitted, is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I acknowledge that the ABOHN certificationprogram is entirely voluntary and agree to be bound by ABOHNs policies and procedures, as they now exist oras they may be amended in the future. I understand that any falsification in this application