Judith Ostendorf

What Makes a Successful Hearing Conservation Program

Acute influenza disease is characterized by the abrupt onset of respiratory and other general signs and symptoms such as cough, sore throat, rhinitis, fever, myalgia, headache, and malaise. Common complications include pneumonia, exacerbation of underlying health conditions such as cardiac and respiratory disease, sinusitis, and otitis media. More serious complications include myositis, myocarditis, and encephalitis. In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia has been on the rise as a complication of influenza, in both individuals with chronic health conditions and those who are otherwise healthy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2008). Early in the 20th century, influ-

Occupational health nursing education

Occupational health nursing academic education is generally provided at the specialty level through masters 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.

Hispanic employees in the workplace: higher rate of fatalities.

This article reviews the higher fatality and injury rates among the Hispanic population in the United States, whether legal immigrants, citizens, or illegal immigrants; reviews the current government and private industry regulations and safety programs; proposes additional legislation or programs; and describes the role of the occupational and environmental health nurse in reducing injuries and fatalities in this population.

Ergonomics and nursing in hospital environments.

This study describes workplace conditions, the environment, and activities that may contribute to musculoskeletal injuries among nurses, as well as identifies solutions to decrease these risks and improve work-related conditions. The study used a mixed-methods design. Participants included nurses and stakeholders from five hospitals. Several focus groups were held with nurses, walk-throughs of clinical units were conducted, and stakeholder interviews with key occupational health and safety personnel were conducted in each of the five hospitals, as well as with representatives from the American Nurses Association, Veterans Health Administration hospital, and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Several key contributing factors, including the physical environment (e.g., layout and organization of work stations), work organization and culture (e.g., heavy workload, inadequate staffing, lack of education), and work activities (e.g., manual lifting of patients, lack of assistive devices), were identified. Recommendations included the need for a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to developing a sound ergonomics program.

The Family and Medical Leave Act: implications for occupational and environmental health nursing.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was enacted in 1993 to balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of families. Balancing work and family responsibilities will affect most workers as they experience their own serious illness or care for a child or a parent. The FMLA continues to present challenges regarding medical certifications, recordkeeping, intermittent leave management, and lack of understanding by employees and employers about rights and responsibilities under the law. This article discusses the rights and responsibilities of both parties. It also discusses how the occupational and environmental health nurse can bridge the gap between meeting the needs of the employee and those of the employer by serving as educator, advocate, and liaison/collaborator, leading to measurable cost savings for the employer and immeasurable benefits for the employee.

Evaluation of an occupational health nursing program through competency achievement: On-campus and distance education, 2005 and 2008

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2005 and 2008 to evaluate self-reported competency achievement by occupational health nursing program graduates. Twelve competencies were evaluated at three levels: competent, proficient, and expert. In 2005, most graduates believed they were at the proficient level in 10 of the 12 competencies, with three competencies approaching the expert level. In 2008, all graduates rated their competency achievement at the proficient level for all 12 competencies, with nine competencies approaching the expert level. Graduates entering the program with experience had higher competency scores compared to those without experience. Distance education learners had higher competency scores compared to on-campus graduates. From 2005 to 2008, reported competency achievement increased in all areas except research, which was only marginally reduced by a 0.1 score. Based on competency findings, curriculum and course assignments related to leadership role, policy development, professional development, and research were modified.

Ergonomics: CTD management evaluation tool.

Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) occurrences peaked in number in 1994 and although decreasing in 1995, still accounted for 62% of all illness cases reported. A CTD Management Evaluation Tool was developed to assist Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Officers (CSHOs) in program evaluation and documentation of the occupational health management component and the need for an ergonomics program. Occupational and environmental health nurses may use the tool not only to reduce and prevent CTD occurrences, but also as a benchmark for program evaluation.