AAOHN Journal : Official Journal of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses

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Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin infections have been common in prisons for more than a decade. However, CA-MRSA as a cause of pneumonia has been reported infrequently. This infection can present with flu-like symptoms and rapidly progress, possibly leading to death in a matter of days. Two cases of MRSA community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) associated with influenza-like illness in correctional officers employed in two separate prisons within the California prison system are presented...

Microscope use in the inspection phase of computer chip manufacturing is a major cause of worker discomfort and injury. A two-phase ergonomics project to reduce employee fatigue and discomfort was planned, implemented, and evaluated in a microscope user environment within a high-technology manufacturing environment. Total Quality Management methodology and tools were employed by a multidisciplinary team led by an occupational health nurse practitioner to accomplish the project goals. A multifaceted approach including equipment changes, administrative changes, and focused training for behavior changes achieved the desired reduction in reports of fatigue and discomfort among microscope users...

Indoor air problems, caused by moisture damage and limited ventilation, have been detected in Finnish hospital buildings. A recent survey found that hospital personnel experience indoor air-related symptoms more often than office workers. The aim of this study was to assess the role, capabilities, and methods of hospital occupational health professionals in handling indoor air problems. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews. Representatives of occupational health, occupational safety, and infection control were interviewed in seven central hospitals...

Contingent workers compose a large portion of the U.S. work force. Contingent workers include temporary employees, contracted employees, day laborers, and freelancers. The skill level and educational requirements for their jobs vary from basic to highly advanced. Construction, housekeeping, engineering, and nursing have such positions. U.S. contingent workers are more likely to engage in occupations associated with increased risk of injury, and a variety of factors increase their risk of work injuries, particularly those leading to death...

It has been an honor and a privilege representing American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) members on the Board of Directors for the past 3 years. A large portion of this time has necessarily been spent working with fellow Board members in a process of financial recovery. This article offers the perspective of one Board member and highlights lessons learned and strengths of AAOHN identified during a critical time in the Association's history.

Problem-based learning, which emphasizes group collaboration to solve real-world case scenarios, is an instructional approach that is well suited to occupational and environmental health nursing education. Learners actively work through case studies rather than passively receive information presented through lectures. Problem-based learning methods promote critical thinking skills and motivate learning, preparing learners for professional practice in complex, ever-changing environments. Despite these advantages, problem-based learning is under-utilized in nursing education compared to more traditional lecture methods...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

Presenteeism is defined as employees being present at work but unable to be fully engaged in the work environment. Although presenteeism is pervasive in the workplace, the effects of the condition on employee health and productivity are less well understood. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the concept of presenteeism, including research and management practices.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

Repositioning patients in bed presents an occupational hazard to direct care nursing staff. Much research has been conducted in the area of safe patient handling and movement. However, little progress has been made in reducing risks associated with patient repositioning, especially pulling patients toward the head of the bed. This laboratory study investigated risk reduction achieved by introducing the gravity assist feature into bed system design for post-acute health care. Through the application of gravity assist, the amount of work required to reposition a simulated 200-pound patient was reduced by 67%...

This article documents evidence-based pharmacologic interventions to promote successful smoking cessation among employees who smoke. The article also highlights supporting evidence for the use of pharmacologic agents to treat tobacco dependence and can guide successful, personalized, pharmacologic smoking cessation interventions in occupational clinical practice. Prescribing clinicians will also find information about the latest research and development of medications to promote smoking cessation, including recently implemented black box warnings by the U...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

Selective estrogen modulators can be used in the primary prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Hispanic and Latino farmworkers are at risk for negative occupational health and safety outcomes due to issues such as their extreme work conditions, their reliance on employer beneficence, and cultural barriers. The purpose of this article is to explain the unique characteristics of heat-related illness in the Hispanic agricultural work force and to provide an overview of the problems of poor hydration and heat exposure in this population. Culturally appropriate preventive strategies are discussed because industrial-type solutions may not work in a crop production environment where language and beliefs may interfere with adaptation...

This article discusses scope of practice issues among various levels of professional nurses within the United States. It raises awareness that all occupational and environmental health nurses must be knowledgeable about workplace activities that may be permitted or prohibited by their state practice acts.

It is often challenging finding time to carefully read research articles and determine how findings apply to clinical practice. Many occupational health nurses may be unfamiliar with or out of practice using various epidemiologic concepts and terms from clinical research. This article provides a brief overview of these concepts and terms. Understanding the basics of research is the first step toward using research findings in evidence-based practice.

Studies of the effect of shift work have identified several negative health outcomes, most notably breast cancer. Disruption of circadian rhythm by exposure to light at night has been identified as the mechanism likely responsible for this outcome. This article recommends that health care institutions work with occupational health nurses to develop and implement hazard communication and policies concerning shift work, exposure to light at night, and increased risk for negative health outcomes, particularly breast cancer...