INTERNATIONAL SURVEY ON THE EDUCATION OF OCCUPATIONAL-HEALTH NURSES

In 1990 the Scientific Committee on Occupational Health Nursing (SCOHN ) of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) carrie d out a survey on the education of occupational health nurses (OHN) in various countries, A questionnaire with 23 questions was mailed to 50 countries. Replies were received form altogether 37 countries (74%). The length of the general nursing education varies from two to five ye ars, being three years in 21 countries. In two European countries it i s less than three years, Some special training in occupational health is included in the general nursing education in 14 countries, However, the length of this training varies considerably, The special training is the longest in Denmark, Finland and Norway. According to the answe rs, special postgraduate courses are organized in 21 countries. Traini ng in occupational health is also included in the public health nursin g education of 12 countries. University level programs on occupational health nursing are available in eight countries. Joint education on o ccupational health at university level has been organized for various professionals in 13 countries. The length of this education varies gre atly from some months to several years. In four countries the length o f this joint education is one academic year, General nursing education is the basic requirement for occupational health nurses in most of th e countries surveyed. However, training in occupational health is not included in this education in most of the countries. Special postgradu ate courses in occupational health are organized in 21 countries to OH Ns who are employed in Occupational Health Services. There is an urgen t need to develop the education of OHNs in most countries surveyed.