Occupational nursing service in a small manufacturing plant: interventions and outcomes

To describe the health needs presented by workers in a small industrial setting, describe the occupational health nursing (OHN) services provided, and examine the effectiveness of these services.

Data were abstracted from 491 employee records accumulated over a 7-year service period. Standardized nursing languages were used to describe employee needs and nursing interventions.

Data revealed 1,368 needs were identified and 3,193 nursing interventions were administered. Health-seeking behaviors, knowledge deficit, collaborative problems, risk of infection, and impaired tissue integrity seemed most amenable to change in the context of OHN services. Altered health maintenance was the problem that seemed least amenable to change.

Findings present a dynamic picture of OHN services provided in an OHN program and their effectiveness. Standardized nursing languages were effective and appropriate in describing the health issues managed and interventions applied.

Further use of standardized nursing languages in occupation health can establish core functions and knowledge base.