Kathleen Buckheit, MPH, COHN-S/CM/SM Director, Continuing Education NC Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Center
Occupational Health Nursing Wide variety of Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise Type of workplace, exposures, hazards Mission and objectives of the company Role of the OHN in that company Function of type of workplace and scope of practice of the nurse Driven by employee and employer
Expand and Raise the Level of Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise Suggests different areas of health and safety that can be managed by OHNs
NC OSHERC Continuing Education Specifically for OHNs OHN: Introduction and Review of Principles and Practice Respiratory Protection for Nurses Pulmonary Function Testing Technician (NIOSH Spirometry) Certification Review Courses Certified OHN and OHN-Specialist COHN / Case Management COHN / Safety Management
OHN: Intro/Review of Principles and Practice Programs that OHNs manage Respiratory Protection for Nurses Lecture, Hands-on, Return-demonstration Anatomy and Physiology Types of Respirators When and What types to use How to Use, Store, and Maintain Respirators Fit Testing qualitative and quantitative Medical Clearance Developing a Respiratory Protection Program
Certification Review Courses Overview of Anatomy and Physiology Toxicology/Inhalation Exposures Effects of Inhalation Hazards Spirometry Testing (PFT) Understanding Pulmonary Function Testing Results Connecting Exposures and Physical Findings Types and Reasons for Using Respirators Fit testing methods Written Respiratory Protection Program Requirements (29 CFR 1910. 134)
Barriers and Challenges to Cont. Ed. Cost Management may not see this as necessary if someone else is doing this for the company Nurses may not be willing/able to pay for themselves Time away from work Nurses may not see the need themselves to learn or practice Other safety and health professionals may be territorial job security
Barriers and Challenges to Cont. Ed. Nurses must see the value in this are of expertise themselves Journal articles market the need Continuing Education Programs promote it Negotiate Continuing Education is required to maintain licensure and certifications Find programs in the area to reduce travel Have professional associations provide
Barriers and Challenges to Cont. Ed. Many different choices in respirators Does the supplier/rep provide the training on only their own respirators?
Professional Associations Encourage nurses to see the value Provide quality educational opportunities Journal Articles with CE credit National, State and Local Chapter CE Programs Position Statements Include in Return-on-Investment Promotions
C.E. for Respiratory Protection Instructor Certifications No certifications/qa/or re-training requirements currently required for training on respirators use Would raise the standard to a minimum level of knowledge and expertise Current economy and attitude toward regulations is not the best timing to initiate Certificate of training in minimum topic areas with testing National associations and boards could develop policy guidance/program development/training fit testing for standardization
Thank You Kathleen Buckheit, MPH, COHN-S/CM/SM Director, Continuing Education NC Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Center University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill buckheit@email.unc.edu 919-962-2101