Which of the following is a current challenge for occupational health nurses? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Changes in employee demographics including gender, ethnicity, and age
b. Expansion in sites offering care using new, creative approaches
c. Increased affordability of health care services
d. Increase in managed care plans with need for case managers
e. Moving from large manufacturing facilities to smaller, service-based businesses
f.
Ongoing need to demonstrate cost-effectiveness of services rendered

Answer 1

ANS: A, D, E, F
At the beginning of the twenty-first century, sweeping transformations in industry are influencing the direction of occupational health nursing. These transformations include changing workforce demographics, rising health care costs, diversity of health care systems with the integration of managed care, influence of the world economy, shift in production from goods to services, and proliferation of advanced technologies. The focus of U.S. industry is moving away from large manufacturing facilities to smaller, service-based businesses. The increasing availability of older workers, women, minorities, and immigrants will have far-reaching implications for employers and pose specific challenges for occupational health professionals. Rather than expanding, health care facilities are consolidating in the ongoing quest to give care more economically. Health care costs are rising and are not becoming more affordable.