Managing occupational health information: an organizational approach.

The vital nature of health and safety information and the need for employers to collect, maintain, and use it wisely all provide excellent opportunities for occupational health nurses to demonstrate the value they bring to an organization. However, to capitalize on this opportunity, new and more efficient methods for managing expanded roles and responsibilities must be used. In some cases, this necessitates gaining new understanding and capabilities. Many resources are available to occupational health professionals who pursue the knowledge and skills to address the needs of clients and employers in the 21st century (Institute of Medicine, 2000). Occupational health nurses must assess their current abilities and seek the education and training required to develop the necessary competencies (Cox, 2001).