The expertise of occupational health nurses in worker education can be invaluable in community settings when environmental exposures threaten the health of both workers and the community in general. This panel of OHNs, members of the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, will address the role of the OHN as public health advocate using case studies as illustrations. One panelist will present a study of determinant factors and intervention possibilities for the health status of residents in a Philadelphia community. The study's main goals were to analyze demographics, health practices, and perceptions of the population and the implementation of interventions based on these analyses. Another panelist will discuss implementing health and safety guidelines for Maryland workers exposed to pfiesteria. Reports of human health effects from these exposures prompted concern for workers in contact with fish and estuarine waters. This case will describe the risk assessment, hazard analysis, development of health and safety guidelines, selection of personal protective equipment, and training program for workers coordinated by an OHN. The third panelist will present the 1998 methyl parathion program in Chicago. This was a public health intervention project where clinical personnel including OHNs provided health evaluation and education to residents exposed through illegal use to this pesticide . The three panelists will use their cases to highlight the OHNs role as public health advocate.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify approaches OHNs use to function as public health advocates. 2. Describe similarilties between investigation of occupational and of environmental exposures
Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Public Health Nursing
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.