Exploring occupational health nursing in South America through Brazilian experience

Occupational health nursing is a well-established nursing specialty in many western and developed nations around the world. However, it is still considered a relatively new field in less industrialized countries, including those in South America. This article describes occupational health nursing in South America, primarily Brazil, with the goal of increasing understanding of the region and stimulating new thinking, linkages, and collaboration among occupational health nurses from different parts of the world. This article also gives an overview of the region, including population demographics, industry and economy, occupational risks, regional policies on occupational health, and training and education of occupational health and safety professionals. Occupational health nursing will continue to grow in South America. By collaborating with occupational health educators, researchers, and practitioners from developed countries, occupational health nurses in South America will advance the professional specialty.