Adult education: helping adults begin the process of learning.

As adult educators, occupational and environmental health nurses plan, implement, and evaluate health education to meet the needs of employees. The nurse is in the unique position of understanding health principles, knowing the target population, understanding the work environment, and operationalizing adult education strategies and techniques. By using the principles of adult education as well as understanding the motivation of learners, the nurse in the workplace is more successful in helping adults obtain their health care goals.