Development of a professional qualification and associated training program in New Zealand.

Employers need to understand the level and complexity of the work of occupational health nurses. Nurses need to demonstrate competencies and convince tertiary education bodies to provide post-basic education for them. The New Zealand Occupational Health Nurses Association published standards for occupational health nursing practice based on ILO and primary health care recommendations. The document includes self evaluation to determine the education needs of the occupational health nurses. This led to development of an education program which provides a career pathway with recognition of different levels. In New Zealand, occupational health nurses are well on the way to demonstrating that occupational health nursing services are accessible, acceptable, affordable, and achievable.