Occupational health nursing education for the 21st century.

Occupational health nurses are the largest group of occupational health professionals, and are critical to the delivery of quality health care services to the nation's work force. Educational preparation of occupational health nurses has advanced in recent years, and the need for occupational health nurses with advanced degrees is expected to increase. Occupational health nurses use licensure, continuing education, certification, supervisor and peer assessment of job performance, formal education, and practice to maintain their professional competence and protect the public's health. New strategies must be developed to prepare nurses to promote a safe and healthful work force. Funding for programs to prepare occupational health nurses will be essential for meeting this demand. Continuing education programs for occupational health nurses must be developed that demonstrate effectiveness in developing occupational health nurses' skills while minimizing their time away from the workplace.