Perceptions of Central Gauteng Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners of their Traditional and Expanded Roles

ABSTRACT

This paper provides an overview of the fi ndings of a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2011 that investigated the perceptions of Central Gauteng occupational health nursing practitioners of their traditional and expanded roles and role activities; using a self-administered questionnaire. In the traditional role area; high importance was given to the functions of health assessment and providing direct care of job-related emergency and minor illness episodes. The assistance of rehabilitation and relocation of disabled workers was rated low in overall importance. In the expanded role area; the highest importance was given to managing an occupational health service; while the lowest importance was given to research-related activities. The results demonstrate that occupational health nursing practitioners need to engage in research activities and conduct situational analyses of workplaces