Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Patricia B Strasser.
Selecting the correct person for the job is crucial for occupational health nurse managers. A successful interview takes time to prepare and implement. A structured, well-planned interview using behavioral-based questioning can significantly increase the amount of information a manager has available to determine how a potential candidate may perform in the intended job.
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A comprehensive TWP is a critical element in any disability management effort. The program must be developed just as any successful worksite program is: with management support, teamwork, a coordinator, written policies and procedures, effective marketing, and communications. In addition, the program must be evaluated and continuously improved. A successful program will contribute to the location's bottom line as well as improve the health of employees.
Employers are recognizing the impact of lost productivity on total benefit costs. In a recent report based on 2002 benefit data, lost productivity represented 71% of the full cost of health/absence benefits (Integrated Benefits Institute, 2004). Occupational health nurse managers can develop FMLA leave management policies and programs to assure that leave is provided when appropriate, to help curb FMLA abuse and fraud, and to assist employers in defending adverse employment actions based on attendance. A review of employer policies and FMLA implementation also assesses compliance with the Act and provides the basis for appropriate responses in the case of legal actions and employee complaints to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Early auditing began as an effort to avoid fines or other action from governmental agencies, without being based on accepted standards. However, for EHS auditing to be accepted as credible in the business world, established standards were necessary. As companies expanded globally, the need for international EHS standards grew, international standards for quality management and environmental program management have now been universally accepted (ISO, 2002). Occupational health nurses increasingly are becoming involved in efforts to help their employers or clients develop management systems to handle EHS issues--whether ISO 9000 (or the automotive equivalent, QS-9000), ISO 14000, or other models are used as the basis for the management system. Many nurses are actively involved in ISO certification efforts. As an extension of those efforts, occupational health nurses are increasingly involved in EHS audits, whether audits are conducted by third parties, by company employees, or as part of a self audit. The next column in this series will focus on strategies to improve the management of occupational health programs so the programs will stand up to rigorous EHS audits.
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Electronic communication has come a long way in the past 30 years. It will no doubt continue to improve and remain the primary communication vehicle for businesses. Occupational health nurses, like other business professionals, must use email to their advantage to improve their practice. However, electronic mail communication must be managed in the same manner as records and documents produced in any form or media.
During times of uncertainty, nurse managers must first and foremost act like leaders. They must be visible, stay focused on the situation at hand, demonstrate congruency, convey empathy to their employees, and communicate effectively. While this discussion has dealt with some "short term" approaches to handle uncertain situations, short term may be hours, days, or weeks depending on the type of crisis or situation. The strategies are critical to managing situations during the period immediately following an unexpected event. However, these strategies do not become obsolete as managers begin to address the long term ramifications of the event. Rather, they should serve as a foundation and guide for future management activity.
It could be argued that uncertainty is currently part and parcel of most businesses. The degree of uncertainty may vary at times, but many occupational health nurse managers learn to live with a degree of insecurity in their jobs, and with the service they manage. The strategies discussed in this column can help occupational health nurses manage their departments more efficiently under the best of circumstances, and help identify strategies to use in times of increased uncertainty.