Leah M. Klein, BSN, MSCI, MSSW, RN, LMSW, LCSW - E-mail
| Vita
Introduction:
According to OSHA estimates: Each avoided occupational fatality saves $910,000. Each prevented
injury or illness resulting in time away from work saves $28,000. Each serious injury or illness
avoided saves $7,000.
-- Source: OSHA e-compliance assistance tools
Congratulations. Achieving a Certificate in Occupational Health Nursing is a very good career
decision. Today’s employers are searching for nurses who are certified in this specialty.
Occupational health nursing is an exciting field-- and one of the most personally rewarding.
Occupational health nurses develop wellness programs that decrease worker absenteeism from
illness. They function as the first line of defense when a worker is injured on the job. With
knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations, occupational health nurses implement programs of
compliance that protect workers. Occupational health nurses also develop and implement stress
management programs. These programs are instrumental in decreasing employee dissatisfaction,
absenteeism and turnover. In other words, nurses are equal members of the occupational health
team of physicians, industrial hygienists, epidemiologists, toxicologists, ergonomists, safety
engineers and management.
Occupational Health nurses are primary health educators of industry. It’s an exciting field that
can provide you with challenges and professional growth. The occupational health nurse will take
a role of leadership within industry, and the RN must be well informed regarding toxicology,
infectious diseases and chemical hazards. S/He must also be skilled at counseling frightened and
concerned workers. S/He must know how to educate the workers and the administration, and dispel
myths and rumors. S/He will need excellent counseling skills. Today’s occupational health nurse
will manage and supervise staff. S/He will need working knowledge of business and economics, and
be able to document that maintaining programs that keep workers safe and healthy is not only
morally correct, it’s profitable to the industry.
What is the time frame for completion of this course?
You have 18 months to complete this comprehensive course. Since it is self-paced, you may
progress through the program faster should you wish to do that. After finishing a module and
examination, you may progress to the next module. There are Six (6) Modules and each module is worth 3 credits.
When may I start?
Once registered, you may start anytime after receiving your texts for the module.
What type of exam will I take?
The exams will use multiple choice as well as short essay questions. You will pass the course
if you achieve at least 70% correct answers on the exams. Exams are taken online at the Canyon
College web site. You will find the answers in your texts.
What assignments will I have?
Assignments will be in the format of case studies for each module. You will be asked a specific
question about the case study and you will be asked to write a single paragraph in response.
After you are registered for this course, more information on these assignments will be offered.
Where can I purchase textbooks?
I use texts from various disciplines of the occupational health team. You have freedom of choice.
Canyon College has an online bookstore. It is possible to buy very good used copies of texts
from Amazon.com stores. Borders and Hastings bookstores are another possibility. You are
expected to purchase books on your own.
How can I access the Internet links?
Clicking on the link when you are connected through a server can access articles and resource
sites on the Internet. The links are for information only, and neither the instructor nor Canyon
College has any monetary connection to these links, nor warrant any products or information
offered on these links.
About the Instructor
My name is Leah Meredith Klein. I graduated with a BSN from Alderson-Broaddus College in
Philippi, West Virginia. I later graduated with a Master of Curriculum and Instruction (in the
field of nursing education) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison at Madison, Wisconsin.
Later, I returned to UW-Madison to complete a Master of Science of Social Work. I have blended
the two fields in case management and rehabilitation during my thirty-year experience in the
fields. My experience has included teaching, research, case management, and private practice
psychotherapy. I am also an avid kayaker and when I’m not at my computer, I’m on the water.
Current Licenses and Certifications:
Registered Nurse—Texas
Licensed Master Social Worker—Texas
Qualified Mental Health Professional—Rehabilitation Specialist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker—Wisconsin
Disaster Mental Health Specialist: American Red Cross
(See vitae)
How can I communicate with other students?
Canyon College has provided an Online Message Board for posting news, events, and matters of
professional interest from/to students.
After registering, you will have access to the virtual classroom: Occupational Health Nursing.
You can also access the Chat Room via the classroom at the Canyon College web site. Prescheduled
chats will be scheduled and you will be notified by e-mail so that you can participate in group
discussions, Q & A and networking. More information on these communication tools will be
given after you register.
Course Objectives:
As a result of completing this course, the nurse will:
Understand the basic concepts of occupational nursing.
Understand and comply with the legislation of the workplace.
Identify and describe chemical hazards in the workplace.
Identify and describe physical hazards in the workplace.
Identify infectious agents and educate workers in prevention methods.
Utilize assessment instruments to identify worker health problems.
Use interview methods to identify worker mental health/addiction problems.
Develop wellness programs to decrease absenteeism.
Develop management skills in supervision of staff.
#1 Occupational Health: recognizing and Preventing Work-Related Disease and Injury. Levy,
B.S., et al. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. New York. 2000. ISBN: 0781719542
#2 AAOHN Core Curriculum for Occupational Heath Nursing. Salazar, M. K. W. B. Saunders.
Philadelphia. 1997. ISBN: 0721669042
#3 For students registering after May 11, 2005: Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, 2nd Edition, by Rogers, Bonnie.
Saunders / Elsevier Health (Elsevier Science), Philadelphia, PA. 2003. ISBN: 0721685110
#3 For students registered before May 11, 2005:
Occupational Health Nursing. Brown, R.N., M. L. Springer Publishing Company. 1981.
ISBN: 0826122507
Content:
Principles of Occupational Health Practice
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (PL 91-596)
National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH)
OSHA Responsibilities
Administrative law judges and challenges to OSHA citations
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Responsibilities
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1996 National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)
State Workers’ Compensation law
Legal and Ethical Issues of Occupational Health Nursing
#1 Occupational Health: recognizing and Preventing Work-Related Disease and Injury. Levy,
B. S., et al. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. New York. 2000. ISBN: 0781719542
#2 AAOHN Core Curriculum for Occupational Heath Nursing. Salazar, M. K. W. B. Saunders.
Philadelphia. 1997. ISBN: 0721669042
Content:
Recognition and Identification of Workplace Risk
Demographics: Trends
Levels of Prevention: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary
#1 Occupational Health: recognizing and Preventing Work-Related Disease and Injury. Levy,
B. S., et al. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. New York. 2000. ISBN: 0781719542
#2 2002 Pocket Book of Infectious Disease Therapy. Barlett, J. G. Lippincott Williams &
Wilkens. Philadelphia, PA. 2002. ISBN: 0781734320
#3 For students registering after May 11, 2005: Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, 2nd Edition, by Rogers, Bonnie.
Saunders / Elsevier Health (Elsevier Science), Philadelphia, PA. 2003. ISBN: 0721685110
#1 Occupational Health: recognizing and Preventing Work-Related Disease and Injury. Levy,
B. S., et al. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. New York. 2000. ISBN: 0781719542
#2 The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook. Davis, Ph.D., M. et al. 4th Edition. New
Harbinger Publications. Oakland, CA. 1995. ISBN: 18792378322
#3 For students registering after May 11, 2005: Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, 2nd Edition, by Rogers, Bonnie.
Saunders / Elsevier Health (Elsevier Science), Philadelphia, PA. 2003. ISBN: 0721685110
#3 For students registered before May 11, 2005:
Occupational Health Nursing. Brown, R.N., M. L. Springer Publishing Company. 1981.
ISBN: 0826122507
#4 Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV. APA. Washington D. C. 1999. ISBN: 0890420637
Content:
Managing Stress in the Work Place
Crisis Intervention
Worker Rage and Violence
Psychiatric Emergencies
Toxic Agents and Behavioral Change
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Domestic Violence and the Work Place
Counseling and Referral in Occupational Nursing
Chronic Mental Illness and the Americans with Disabilities Act
#1 Occupational Health: recognizing and Preventing Work-Related Disease and Injury. Levy,
B. S., et al. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. New York. 2000. ISBN: 0781719542
#2 AAOHN Core Curriculum for Occupational Heath Nursing. Salazar, M. K. W. B. Saunders.
Philadelphia. 1997. ISBN: 0721669042
#3 For students registering after May 11, 2005: Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, 2nd Edition, by Rogers, Bonnie.
Saunders / Elsevier Health (Elsevier Science), Philadelphia, PA. 2003. ISBN: 0721685110
#1 AAOHN Core Curriculum for Occupational Heath Nursing. Salazar, M. K. W. B. Saunders.
Philadelphia. 1997. ISBN: 0721669042
#2 For students registering after May 11, 2005: Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, 2nd Edition, by Rogers, Bonnie.
Saunders / Elsevier Health (Elsevier Science), Philadelphia, PA. 2003. ISBN: 0721685110
Content:
Economics: Regional and Global Effect on Both Industry and Workers
Business Issues and Trends
Managed Care: Dwindling Health Care Resources and Distribution of Services
