Tips for Occupational Health Nurses on How to Ace Your Scholarship or Grant Application.

Abstract

Background: The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) prioritizes research and professional development in occupational and environmental health nursing (OEHN) as part of its mission to promote workplace and community health and safety. The AAOHN Foundation plays a critical role in advancing this mission by administering grants and scholarships that empower occupational health nurses (OHNs) to pursue education, research, leadership roles, and professional development within the specialty. These opportunities help keep nurses in the workforce by offering a flexible career path through OEHN. This supports long-term careers and work-life balance, contributing to the stability and growth of the profession. Many resources and financial opportunities remain underutilized due to common barriers, such as lack of awareness about available grants, endowments and scholarships, uncertainty about the application process, and lack of confidence in navigating the process.

Methods: This article addresses these challenges by providing OHNs with practical tools and best practices, including updates on available funding opportunities, grant-writing tips, approaches to build self-assurance, and strategies to navigate applications successfully.

Conclusions/application to practice: By fostering awareness of these resources and utilization of the AAOHN Foundation funding opportunities, OHNs can enhance workplace safety, promote public health, and drive innovation and growth within OEHN. Strengthening individual professional development as OHNs and healthcare providers, researchers, and leaders ultimately amplifies the collective impact of the OEHN community, ensuring its continuing evolution and meaningful contributions to the field.