Aaohn Journal最新文献

This article investigates how the health disparities of Appalachian coal miners and coal mining communities could be decreased through a partnership with occupational health nurses. On-site health clinics managed by occupational health nurses working in the coal mining industry are proposed as a means to improve health care outcomes. Health effects, economic considerations, environmental impacts, and U.S. coal mining legislation and regulation are examined. An epidemiological approach is presented to the unique health effects experienced by Appalachian coal miners and coal mining communities within the context of existent socioeconomic disparities. The long-standing health crisis in Appalachian coal mining communities requires a multidisciplinary approach led by occupational health nurses.

Occupational health nursing academic education is generally provided at the specialty level through master's and doctoral degree preparation. This graduate education provides preparation for administrative, occupational health specialist, practitioner, academician, and researcher roles. Guided by nursing science, this specialty education encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that requires occupational health and safety coursework, practicum experience, and interdisciplinary learning.

This pilot study assessed knowledge of blood pressure among employees in a midwestern manufacturing plant. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines were used to define blood pressure categories. The Roy Adaptation Model served as the framework. Results indicated two statistically significant relationships-one between knowledge of blood pressure and employees taking blood pressure medication, and one between employees' knowledge of blood pressure readings and increased interest in learning about lifestyle modifications impacting blood pressure. Of those correctly identifying the blood pressure ranges for prehypertension, 94.4% indicated interest in learning about lifestyle modifications to improve blood pressure. Occupational health nurses in industrial settings have a unique opportunity to influence employees' blood pressure knowledge, which can propel employees to consider lifestyle modifications or wellness programs that may favorably impact indirect and direct costs.

In 2009, nearly 17,000 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported in the United States, but many more go undiagnosed and unreported. Implications for occupational health nurses include assistance in early diagnosis of adult cases and prevention for employee families at home and abroad.

The occupational health services department for a manufacturing division of a high-technology firm was redesigned from an outsourced model, in which most services were provided by an outside clinic vendor, to an in-house service model, in which services were provided by an on-site nurse practitioner. The redesign and implementation, accomplished by a cross-functional team using Total Quality Management processes, resulted in a comprehensive occupational health services department that realized significant cost reduction, increased compliance with regulatory and company requirements, and improved employee satisfaction. Implications of this project for occupational health nurses are discussed.

A pre-shift stretching protocol to reduce employee injuries was initiated at a beverage company and a tin mill in the northeastern United States. The primary goal of this study was to determine the effects of a pre-shift stretching program on work-related musculoskeletal injuries. A secondary goal was to evaluate daily participation compliance during the 90-day program. Data on employee injuries during the stretching program were collected and compared to injury events during the same time period 1 year earlier. Comparison to injury events of the total eligible population during the study time frame was also included. Results of this pilot program in terms of injury rate reduction and participant compliance are promising. Study results may be useful for employers considering implementing similar programs and also suggest the need for further study in this area.

In this article, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health report is summarized, and opportunities for occupational health nursing are proposed.