Page 303 - fourth year book

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

5. Health educator

Health education as one of the key prerequisites of occupational health

advancement is a fundamental part of the occupational health nurse's
role. In some countries, the nurse is required to bolster activities aimed at

adoption of healthy lifestyles within an on-going health promotion
process, and additionally take part in health and safety activities.

Occupational health nurses can carry out a needs assessment for health
promotion within the enterprise, prioritize activities in consultation with

management and laborers, develop and plan appropriate intervention,
and coordinate the delivery of health promotion strategies.

6. Counselor

In the small or medium sized enterprise, the occupational health nurse

might be the only health care professional present most often, and
consequently they can help individuals working there in managing

psychological wellness and work related stress. For some individuals the
occupational health nurse working at the enterprise level might be the

first point of contact with health care providers and these nurses can do
much to guarantee that people are referred to the appropriate agency.

7. Researcher

A specialist occupational health nurse will need to be well skilled in
undertaking a nurse-based health needs assessment at both the
individual and the organizational level. This type of assessment can be

used as the basis for individual case management or occupational health

program planning. Occupational health nurses may use research based
skills in carrying out the assessment in handling the data generated in
the assessment and in interpreting the results and advising management

acting as a member of the multidisciplinary team
.

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