Work hazards for an aging nursing workforce.

AIM: To discuss selected work hazards and safety concerns for aging nurses. BACKGROUND: Greater numbers of older nurses remain in the workforce. Projections suggest that one-third of the nursing workforce will be over age 50 years by 2015. Employers will struggle to find ways to protect the health and safety of their aging workforce and prevent a massive loss of intellectual and human resources when these experienced nurses exit the workforce. EVALUATION: Review of recent relevant literature in English language journals. KEY ISSUES: Repetitive motion injuries, fatigue and slips, trips and falls are three major work hazards older nurses face. We discuss several factors for each hazard, including: the normal physiological aging effects of diminished strength, hearing and vision; workplace variables of work schedules, noise and clutter; and personal characteristics of sleep disturbances, overexertion and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Inconclusive evidence exists to guide best practices for designing safe workplace environments and shift patterns for nursing work. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: There are at least two areas administrators can reduce work hazards for older workers: (1) modification of the workplace, and (2) creating the infrastructure to support the aging workforce to encourage healthy behaviours.

The One Health Framework.

Six of every 10 infectious diseases in people are zoonotic. The One Health approach is vital to global efforts to prevent and respond to these diseases.

Work-Life Fit During A Pandemic.

Occupational health nurses can promote resilience and encourage work-life fit by understanding organizational design and offering mental health and stress management resources.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need to Know.

Much remains unknown about COVID-19. Occupational health nurses must use reliable sources to control misinformation and prevent widespread panic.

E-Cigarettes and Vaping.

Once considered a harmless alternative to smoking tobacco, e-cigarettes are now a public health threat. Occupational health nurses should recommend workers avoid using e-cigarettes and vaping unless suggested by their doctor for smoking cessation purposes.

LGBT+ Competent Care.

Over 11 million U.S. adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Occupational health nurses must understand issues specific to this population to deliver competent care.

Beryllium Standard Update.

The updated Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) beryllium standard for general industry, construction, and shipyards reduced exposure limits for this known human carcinogen and became effective in 2018. Occupational and environmental health nurses need to monitor updates recently proposed for general industry to clarify implementation of the standard.

Chlamydia Infections.

Increasing rates for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections pose a global public health issue. Untreated chlamydia infections create an economic burden on the health care system, employers, and society. Occupational and environmental health nurses can help promote health awareness about chlamydia, teach prevention strategies, and encourage routine screening to slow its spread.

Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a leading zoonotic disease for morbidity and mortality in humans globally. Occupational health nurses should teach workers and the public about leptospirosis and the importance of disrupting the infection source through rodent control, animal vaccination, and flood prevention.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious and life-threatening event. Educating workers and communities on exposure sources, symptoms, and prevention is an important role for occupational health nurses.

Medical Marijuana Update.

The majority of states now allow medical marijuana, and recent court decisions could influence workplace practice concerning its use.

Methylene Chloride.

Methylene chloride is an industrial solvent used in commercial paint strippers and degreasing agents. This chemical is widely used in consumer products, yet without appropriate protections, exposure may lead to death. Already banned in some countries, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed limiting its use in the United States.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

The tick-borne disease Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) can have deadly outcomes unless treated appropriately, yet nonspecific flu-like symptoms complicate diagnosis. Occupational health nurses must have a high index of suspicion with symptomatic workers and recognize that recent recreational or occupational activities with potential tick exposure may suggest RMSF.

Global Threats From Preventable Injuries.

Preventable injuries kill thousands of the world's population every day and injure millions each year. Road traffic crashes and opioid drug misuse are major causes of these injuries. Increased efforts are needed to promote strong policies, develop new prevention strategies, and protect workers from these global public health threats.

Clostridium difficile Infection.

Preventing Clostridium difficile, the most common cause of health care-associated infections in hospitals and infectious disease death in the United States, is a national priority. Increased rates of infection among low-risk individuals in the community call for community-based prevention efforts to halt the increasing spread of this highly contagious opportunistic infection.

Zika Virus.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infections are the latest global public health emergency. Occupational health nurses can protect society by educating workers, women of childbearing age, and others traveling in ZIKV-infected areas about prevention strategies.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.

Chronic exposure to a broad array of antigens after workers inhale aerosolized organic dust particles from mold, animal dander, bird droppings, and chemicals, especially pesticides or herbicides, increases risk for hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Several demographic characteristics of immigrant workers in farming, poultry processing, construction, and landscaping increase this worker population's risk.

Process for Mapping Global Health Competencies in Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Curricula.

Determining the extent to which existing nursing curricula prepare students to address global health issues is a critical step toward ensuring competence to practice in an increasingly globalized world. This article describes the process used by nursing faculty at a public university in the southern United States to assess the extent to which global health competencies for nurses were being addressed across nursing programs. Steps used and lessons learned throughout this process are discussed.