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Comparative Study
. 2017 Nov 25;59(6):562-571.
doi: 10.1539/joh.16-0188-OA. Epub 2017 Oct 7.

Competencies required for occupational health nurses

Keiko Kono  1 , Yuki Goto  1 , Junko Hatanaka  1 , Etsuko Yoshikawa  2
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Competencies required for occupational health nurses

Keiko Kono et al. J Occup Health. .

Abstract

Objectives: For occupational health (OH) nurses to perform activities effectively, not only skills and knowledge but also competencies proposed by Dr. McClelland are indispensable. This study aimed to identify competencies required for OH nurses and to show their structure diagram.

Methods: Qualitative descriptive research was conducted from October 2010 to August 2011. Eight high-performing OH nurses participated, and data were collected from semi-structured interviews held for each nurse. Data were qualitatively and inductively analyzed using the KJ method.

Results: Seven competencies were identified: "self-growth competency," "OH nursing essence perpetuation competency," "strategic planning and duty fulfillment competency," "coordination competency," "client growth support competency," "team empowerment competency," and "creative competency." A structure diagram of the seven competencies was clarified. As the definitions of the competencies were different, the findings of competencies for OH nursing in the United States of America (USA) could not simply be compared with the findings of our study; however, all seven competencies were compatible with those in AAOHN model 1 and AAOHN model 2 in the USA.

Conclusion: Our seven competencies are essential for OH nurses to perform activities that meet the expectations of employees and the employer.

Keywords: Competency; Occupational health nurse; Occupational health nursing.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Procedure for analysis
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Structure diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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