Book Description

The only textbook on this topic, this new, up-to-date second edition of Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing: Concepts and Practice provides a comprehensive framework for occupational and environmental health nursing practice. The text presents an overview of the specialty and explores the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are needed to develop and manage occupational health services and programs. Issues that affect the health and safety of individuals in the work force are discussed, with an emphasis on contemporary strategies for improving and protecting the health of workers. Specific topics related to roles in occupational health, occupational health care, research, legal and ethical parameters, and health promotion are also presented. Provides a conceptual and practical framework for assessing, planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating occupational health services and programs. Discusses factors affecting occupational and environmental health nursing practice related to individuals and groups in all worker populations. Addresses the scope of practice and competencies in occupational health nursing to provide a foundation for the essential skills necessary for practice in this specialty. Addresses all factors that influence occupational health from an interdisciplinary perspective, including coverage of toxicology, industrial hygiene, safety, and ergonomics. A new chapter on Environmental Health (Chapter 8) highlights a significant, new direction for occupational health. A new Case Management chapter (Chapter 12) emphasizes the developing role of the case manager in occupational health. Global efforts toward occupational health are discussed in a new chapter on International Occupational Health (Chapter 18), comparing and contrasting practices in different countries. A new chapter on Professionalism in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Practice (Chapter 19) focuses on opportunities for professional growth and entrepreneurial roles. New and updated information has been incorporated throughout, including the new U.S. Public Health Service clinical guidelines. The latest government laws and regulations that affect occupational health nursing, such as the Family Medical Leave Act, are discussed. Discussions of the Healthy People 2010 objectives related to occupational health present relevant information on this federal health promotion initiative. New AAOHN research priorities outline the continual research efforts to improve health within the workplace.