Kicking off 2025, the podcast welcomes Sarah Bucic, MSN, RN, PMHCNS-BC, to discuss her impactful work with the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE). As temperatures rise, “forever chemicals” (PFAS) permeate workplaces, and the ongoing issue of access to clean drinking water persists, occupational health nurses (OHNs) are on the front lines of protecting patient and community health. Despite the challenges, there is hope. Bucic shares ANHE’s valuable, free resources for OHNs, highlights the changes ANHE has already driven, and dives into some of today’s most pressing occupational health issues.

Nicole Livanos JD, MPP, Director of State Affairs from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) joins our host in this episode to discuss public policy impacting nursing and regulation. In a fast-paced field with changing health and safety concerns, Livanos shares how important it is for nurses to get involved and stay informed on new legislation affecting OHNs and the workforce. Livanos shares her own experience working in public policy, recent NCSBN advocacy, and concurs with Stephanie Weinsier on how listeners can use resources at AAOHN to get involved.

In this episode, we’ll dive into the unique patient-provider relationship between adults with autism and the OHNs caring for them in worksites. Autistic individuals bring unique perspectives and talents to their working environments, but often benefit from accommodations or additional support from their supervisors and OHNs. Our host is joined by Jake Hansen, M.S., BCBA, as they discuss behavioral differences in neurodiverse individuals, the medical history of autism, and the struggle for inclusivity, visibility, and acceptance.

To learn more about Hansen and the work he does at Roots Autism Solutions, visit https://www.rootsautismsolutions.com/. For more information, to submit questions to our host or guests, or to suggest a topic or guest for a future AAOHN Pulse episode, please contact education@AAOHN.org.