UC College of Nursing program director and researcher selected as Fellow for American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
Carolyn Smith, PhD, UC College of Nursing associate dean for research, associate professor and director of the PhD and occupational health nursing programs, has been selected for the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses’ (AAOHN) 2024 class of Fellows. AAOHN fellows comprise a distinguished group of leaders who provide vision to advance skills, knowledge and abilities of occupational and environmental health nurses, influence formation of policy, contribute to research and exemplify highly effective management and clinical practices.
Smith led the transition of the college’s Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing (OEHN) program from a master’s to a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and has mentored or taught tens of graduate students. She collaborated with colleagues at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, in co-developing a Total Worker Health course for nursing students and associated occupational health programs, including engineering, industrial hygiene and medicine.
Carolyn Smith, PhD, RN, CNE
Through her involvement with the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health’s (NIOSH) Healthcare and Social Assistance Sector Council, Smith has helped inform policy and advocated for workplace violence exposure, worker mental health and wellbeing, and awareness of low-wage worker needs. In addition to being an active member of several professional organizations, she has served in the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) for multiple years and has been recently selected of MNRS’ Leadership Academy.
Most of Smith’s research focuses on workplace violence including bullying and incivility experienced by health care workers. Her current research focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of those employed in long-term care facilities, which has attracted a high level of interest.
Smith will be inducted into the 2024 class of Fellows during the AAOHN Virtual National Conference on June 5– 6.
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