The occupational health nurse as an employee assistance program provider.

EAPs increased from approximately five in 1945 to more than 5,000 in 1980. EAPs derive their mandate to assist employees in avoiding the negative impact of personal problems on job performance. Occupational health nurses must be familiar with the treatment resources in the community and the company's benefit programs. An occupational health nurse with good diagnostic and interviewing skills may find it possible to intervene with troubled employees before their job performance is impaired.