Managers' Perceptions of the Current and Future Role of Occupational Health Nurses in Australia

Abstract

Occupational health nurses face competition from other professionals in the field of occupational health and safety. This study investigated managers' perceptions of Australian occupational health nurses' roles. Managers were asked to rate the importance of occupational health nurses' activities and the time they believe occupational health nurses do or should dedicate to each activity now and in the future. The questionnaire included 22 activity statements grouped into eight areas of practice that were thought to constitute the occupational health nurse role, based on the Australian College of Occupational Health Nurses standards. Data revealed that emergent roles focused on injury prevention, health promotion, management, and research were of increasing importance, with more time being needed for them in the future. Fulfilling these expectations may place occupational health nurses in competition with other occupational health and safety personnel for particular responsibilities and may require negotiation to gain support for taking on these role activities. Fulfilling these emergent role activities effectively will require appropriate professional development and advanced education.

Work Safety during Early Fatherhood

“…Mellor and St John (2007) revealed that the specific task of enhancing the health of workers and their families was ranked by Australian occupational health nurses as the second least important activity they performed currently or in the future. Mellor and St John (2009) reported that managers believed that little attention should be paid to occupational health nurses providing care to families. The work safety of fathers can therefore be viewed as a "blind spot" in occupational health and safety because fatherhood is not recognized as a workplace safety issue.…”

Development of a career and competency framework for Occupational Health Nurses working in New Zealand using participatory action research

“…The WHO (2005) reports on the risk factors of obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, high cholesterol and recommended workplaces address these social concerns. Although the burden of disease varies throughout the world, articles from the USA (Chickotas & Olszewkski, 2007;Marinescu, 2007) and Australia (Mellor & St John, 2009) identify OHNs have a role in addressing these concerns. The ageing working population has health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, chronic conditions and increased stress.…”

“…Businesses expect OHNs will have the skills and knowledge to provide a high quality OH service to protect and promote the health of the working population (WHO, 2012). Of the literature retrieved two research papers explored the perception of business management on the OHN's role (Mellor & St John, 2009;Nelson, 2001) and the activities they would like them to undertake. The data revealed businesses expected the OHN to implement health promotion programmes, promote the rehabilitation of injured workers, and management and research, to support and maintain the health of their workforce.…”

“…Articles from the USA (Roy, 2013) and the UK (Paton, 2008) concur that the expectation of international governments and businesses poses a challenge for OH in ensuring the OHNs are able to practice a range of specialized skills. OHNs need to be able to demonstrate the relevance of their skills and knowledge to businesses (Mellor & St John, 2009). This can be articulated through a competency framework.…”