Occupational health nursing research. An overview from January 1990 to December 1999

Occupational health nursing research contributes to the scientific knowledge base, shapes practice guidelines, lends credibility to the profession, and ultimately benefits worker health and work settings. This descriptive study reviewed occupational health nursing research published from January 1990 through December 1999 in the AAOHN Journal. A single investigator reviewed all articles published during the 10 year period to determine if they qualified for inclusion by applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. During the 10 year period, a total of 577 articles were published in the AAOHN Journal (the official journal of the American Association for Occupational Health Nurses) with 146 (25.3%) considered to be reports of research. Cumulatively, 261 RNs were authors of the research articles. Of the 146 research articles, 88% addressed the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) priorities, 60% addressed the 1989 AAOHN priorities, and 65% addressed the 2000 AAOHN priorities. Occupational health nursing research is performed primarily by graduate and postgraduate level nurses working either alone or with nurse co-investigators. The occupational health nursing research articles addressed NORA priorities often. However, the outcomes focused priorities of AAOHN were addressed less often. Much has been accomplished in the field of occupational health nursing research and more remains to be performed to ensure a strong research base for occupational health nursing practice.