About

The Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses (SOHN) was chartered with 47 nurses in 1976 and has grown to a membership of over 500 nurses. The membership consists of Registered Nurses (RNs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs) and RN Students.  SOHN is dynamic organization that is responsive to the needs of the membership. As the only society for ENT Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, SOHN fosters the professional growth of the ORL nurse through education, research, and networking opportunities. In fact, our organization is made is up of over 40% APRNs who regularly present at our educational events.   

Also recognized as an accredited provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation, SOHN provides many easily accessible opportunities for professional interaction, education, and growth on a regular basis.  

Vision Statement

The Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses, Inc., will advance the professional growth and development of nurses dedicated to the specialty of otorhinolaryngology and head-neck nursing.

Mission Statement

The Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses, Inc., will promote innovation in practice, education, research, and health policy, sustaining a dynamic organization responsive to the needs of its members.

2026–2030 Strategic Plan

SOHN Strategic Objectives: 2026–2030


PILLAR 1: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LIFELONG LEARNING
  1. Increase Congress attendance by 50% by 2030 through high-quality, relevant, and well-promoted educational programming.
  2. Strengthen the value and accessibility of SOHN educational programs by ensuring content reflects current practice, diverse ORL subspecialties, and the evolving educational needs of members across all career stages.
  3. Expand access to on-demand educational offerings by growing the SOHN Academy Online Learning Center by 500% by 2030.

PILLAR 2: RESEARCH, EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND INNOVATION
  1. Increase member participation, competency, and scholarly contributions in quality improvement (QI), evidence-based practice (EBP), and research by expanding educational opportunities, mentorship, collaboration, and access to practical tools and resources.
  2. Strengthen dissemination of research, practice resources, and clinical practice guidelines to enhance member practice and expand SOHN’s national influence in evidence-based otolaryngology care, including sustained and expanded member involvement in guideline development, scholarly work, and innovation projects.

PILLAR 3: MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT
  1. Increase total SOHN membership and strengthen engagement across all career stages by improving recruitment, retention, and member value.
  2. Expand outreach and visibility to position SOHN as the professional home for ORL clinicians, including nurse practitioners, physician associates, registered nurses, and allied health professionals.
  3. Grow student and international membership to strengthen the future workforce and global engagement through targeted outreach, partnerships, and accessible membership pathways.

PILLAR 4: HEALTH ADVOCACY AND POLICY
  1. Strengthen member knowledge, engagement, and participation in health policy and advocacy by increasing policy literacy, providing educational resources, and creating meaningful opportunities for advocacy involvement.
  2. Enhance communication, dissemination, and organizational engagement in health policy issues to keep members informed of legislative and regulatory developments and to strengthen SOHN’s voice in professional and patient advocacy.

PILLAR 5: FINANCIAL STABILITY AND GROWTH
  1. Diversify revenue streams to reduce reliance on membership dues and single-event income by expanding educational offerings, partnerships, and new program opportunities.
  2. Strengthen sustainable partnerships and sponsorships to support educational initiatives and organizational growth while maintaining ethical and professional standards.
  3. Increase membership value and retention to support long-term financial health through enhanced benefits, flexible membership options, and institutional engagement.
  4. Ensure transparent, consistent financial oversight and reporting to support responsible stewardship and informed Board decision-making.

PILLAR 6: SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND VISIBILITY
  1. Increase SOHN’s digital visibility, reach, and engagement by expanding social media presence, strengthening brand integration across platforms, and delivering consistent, high-quality content.
  2. Improve access to information and organizational visibility through the SOHN website by increasing traffic, enhancing user experience, and optimizing search performance.