Long-term absence and the role of the OH nurse

A survey of current role, practice and competence of OH nurses

Summary:

OH nurses are increasingly involved in assessing and advising on long-term sickness absence and return to work. Sandra Glenn explains the findings of a major survey of OH nurses.

ADVISING managers about employees on long-term sickness absence, traditionally the responsibility of occupational physicians, has increasingly become a key role for occupational health (OH) nurses. It is an important part of managing health conditions in the workplace, vocational rehabilitation and reducing ill-health retirement with considerable potential for reducing sickness absence costs as well as preventing individuals progressing to disability and…

Sandra Glenn is a specialist OH nurse working as an independent practitioner, as well as a part-time OH nurse for Devon County Council. The research was carried out as part of an MSc in occupational health at Surrey University.

Author: Glenn S

Tags absence oh nursing Rehabilitation sickness absence

Occupational Health at Work February/March 2008 (vol. 04/5) pp17-22

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