Environmental and occupational health education: a survey of community health nurses' need for educational programs

1. Community health nurses address a wide variety of environmental issues, including problems with air and water quality, hazardous waste, and pesticide exposure. 2. Many community health nurses do not feel competent in identifying resources among health professionals and regulatory agencies to address environmental health issues. 3. Most community health nurses (79%) are interested in learning more about environmental health issues, with continuing education as the preferred format. 4. Major conceptual areas of occupational health and environmental health overlap, and qualified occupational health nurses may serve as resources in these particular areas.