Agricultural health nurses. Job analysis of functions and competencies.

Agricultural health nurses address the health and safety issues of farmers, agricultural workers, and farm families. This nurse role incorporates both public health and occupational health nurse specialty practice. The purpose of this study was to describe agricultural health nurse job functions and competencies used in providing services to agricultural populations. A two round modified Delphi technique was used to attain a consensus among participants related to agricultural health nurse functions and competencies. In Round I, a mailed survey assessing demographic characteristics, and job functions and competencies was sent to an identified list of 61 nurses. A second mailed survey, with categorized job function and competency responses elicited through Round I, was sent to the 32 Round I respondents to assess the importance of the job functions and competencies and the frequency of performing each job function. Twenty four Round II surveys were returned. Job functions rated highest were: Serve as a liaison for the agricultural, health and medical, and nonfarm communities. Promote agricultural health and safety issues through the media. Implement educational courses for various groups. Conduct follow up assessment of injury, illness, or disease occurring as a result of an agricultural exposure. Function as a resource for information to victims of agricultural injury and illness and their families. The competencies of greatest importance were interpersonal communication skills, knowledge of injury prevention principles and measures, ability to recognize potential hazards within the work and home environment, and demonstrate a strong sense of self. This study adds to the body of knowledge needed to define the agricultural health nurse role.

Credentialing. Concerns and issues affecting occupational health nursing.

1. Mechanisms for credentialing affecting occupational health nursing include licensure and certification of individuals and accreditation of educational and health care organizations. 2. Issues of control of entry into practice, geographic mobility, and whether licensure will be single or two tiered, national or institutional, are currently under debate. 3. The purpose of certification is to acknowledge the individual and assure the public that the individual has mastered a body of knowledge of a particular specialty. 4. The purpose of accreditation is to evaluate the performance of a service (i.e., education or health care) and to provide consumers of that service necessary information on which to base decisions on use of the services. 5. Occupational health nurses must participate actively in the process of credentialing clarification and reform to be prepared to advance the specialty and respond to the health care needs of the working population in the 21st century.