Occupational health nursing in Thailand. Insight into international occupational health.

1. As a country that is both agricultural by nature, and moving toward new industrialization, Thailand is increasingly facing work related health problems. Major occupational illnesses are pesticide poisoning, silicosis, byssinosis, lead poisoning, and occupational injuries. 2. Although the demand for occupational health services is high, occupational health services in Thailand are still not comprehensive. 3. Because of the lack of role perception and inadequate preparation, Thai occupational health nurses have limited functions in providing occupational health services. The services are primarily directed at curative measures rather than prevention. 4. Occupational health nursing in Thailand is currently undergoing intensive development in education, practice, research, and legislation.     

Occupational health nursing 2004 practice analysis report.

As a certifying body for occupational health nurses in the United States and Canada, the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN) must ensure its certification examinations validly reflect current occupational health nurse practice. This report presents information from the ABOHN 2004 practice analysis. The study's primary purpose was to analyze areas of knowledge, skill, and ability for occupational health nurses as reflected by the tasks they perform to guide refinement of ABOHN's certification examinations. A valid and reliable survey instrument, containing demographic and job-related questions and 172 task statements was developed. A total of 5,586 surveys (4,921 Web-based and 665 paper) were made available to occupational health nurses throughout the United States and Canada. The usable response rate was 23.5% (N = 1,223). Decision rules were used to determine which survey tasks were appropriate for inclusion in Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) and Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist (COHN-S) certification examination blueprints. The revised blueprints were used to develop new examinations. Study data also validated the existing ABOHN Case Management (CM) specialty examination blueprint, and verified occupational health nurse roles and responsibilities related to safety programs. Based on analysis of the safety-related items, ABOHN in collaboration with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, has created a safety management credential (SM) and associated examination that certified occupational health nurses may use to verify their safety role proficiency.     

Occupational health nursing in Japan. Current practice and future perspectives.

The future is filled with many challenges for occupational health nurses in Japan and around the world. In collaboration with other professionals, Japanese occupational health nurses are able to continue to evolve and expand their roles.     

Occupational health nursing practice, education, and research in Korea. An international update.

1. In Korea, occupational health nurses have been working as health managers at the workplace and as part of a hospital based group occupational health service since 1991. The role of occupational health manager, required by law, includes providing preventive and primary care, safety management, and inspection of the work environment. 2. Recently, occupational health nursing practice-based lecture has increased, and more emphasis has been placed on the process of occupational health nursing in both undergraduate and graduate programs. 3. The Korean Association of Occupational Health Nurses and the Korean Academic Society of Occupational Health Nursing have been working to develop professional competence for occupational health nurses since 1991. 4. Until the mid 1990s, occupational health nursing research focused primarily on role and job satisfaction of occupational health nurses. However, the number of research studies has dramatically increased and, gradually, survey studies have been replaced by studies with experimental design.     

Occupational health nursing practice, education, and research. Challenges for the future

The practice of occupational health nursing has expanded enormously and is influenced by company culture and forecasts as well as external factors such as population trends, technology, and the profile of the work force. Future trends include the provision of nurse managed occupational health services. Education and research in occupational health nursing must be strengthened to advance the practice of occupational health nursing. The occupational health nurse as the primary health care manager must take the lead in the development and implementation of a concept of health at the worksite.     

Occupational health nursing practice in Australia: what occupational health nurses say they do and what they actually do

This study investigated current activities of occupational health nurses (OHN) in Australia related to the applicability of and their involvement in emergent role, wellness-based practices and traditional role and illness-based practices. A questionnaire encompassing the eight Areas of Practice as articulated by the Australian College of Occupational Health Nursing (ACOHN) competency standards was used to obtain data from 93 OHNs affiliated with ACOHN. More traditional role Areas of Practice such as treatment services, health assessment and rehabilitation services were seen as more applicable to their practice and a substantial amount of time was spent on them. Managing occupational health and safety (OH&S) service' was the only emergent area that was a substantial part of the OHN's role. Less time was devoted to other emergent and pro-active areas of OHN practice, such as illness and injury prevention, health promotion, health education and research into OH&S. While less time was allocated to emergent Areas of Practice, and they were ranked more lowly they were considered to be applicable to practice. The findings of this study suggest that OHNs in Australia may not be engaging fully in all Areas of Practice that have been articulated by the ACOHN, particularly emergent role activities. Although Australian OHNs perform all the activities articulated in the ACOHN Areas of Practice, their focus is still primarily illness and injury based, and also management. While the profession is supportive of emergent role activities, there is a need to debate possibilities, undertake research into barriers and supports for emergent role activities, more clearly articulate future directions for the OHN role, and develop strategies to support OHNs as they develop their professional role.     

A century of practice. Occupational health nursing. 1988.

Occupational health nursing has grown and developed throughout the last century, from the influence of a few nurses in the late 19th century to 1988. Today's occupational health nurses have a significant impact on millions of workers across the United States and worldwide in multinational corporations. Nurses currently enjoy expanded roles, including involvement in the political arena and policy-making decisions, development of health promotion programs, research, and education, as well as providing more traditional but equally important employee health services, counseling, and teaching. The American workforce, as well as management teams, have seen the outcomes of quality occupational health nursing care and contributions throughout the years. The practice of American occupational health nursing which began in very humble surroundings and conditions in the 19th century continues to thrive in the space age of the 1980s and 1990s and to plan for the challenges of the 21st century.     

Occupational health nursing in Brazil: exploring the world through international occupational health programs.

1. Brazil's recent industrialization has led to the recognition of occupational health nursing as an important, emerging field. 2. Major occupational health concerns in Brazil include occupational illness and accidents, slavery, and child labor. 3. Legislation must be reformed to allow for the expansion of occupational health practice to include preventive measures as well as the assistance measures currently seen in Brazilian occupational health.     

Occupational health nursing in Lebanon: exploring the world through international occupational health programs.

Lebanon is undergoing rapid developments. The majority of occupations (approximately two thirds) fall under services, industry makes up one fifth, and the remaining occupations are in agriculture. Primary health care is recently gaining renewed interest, with a focus on primary preventive services. Occupational health practice lags behind, despite the presence of legislation. Data related to occupational illnesses and injuries are fragmented. There is need for comprehensive multidisciplinary national studies to identify occupational health needs. Occupational health nursing is underdeveloped in Lebanon. Nevertheless, the establishment of a National Nurses' Order is hoped to promote the educational preparation and scope of nursing practice in the field.     

Occupational health monitoring and surveillance

The design of monitoring and surveillance programs is advancing rapidly. Surveillance is a strategy to determine a group experience with a particular disease outcome, while monitoring focuses on the overall health experience of the group. Screening tests for early detection of abnormalities related to exposure are selected on the basis of sensitivity, specificity and the prevalence of the abnormality. Family physicians are increasingly involved in these programs, and must understand their rationale and legal framework.