Occupational health nursing and political action.

BACKGROUND

Occupational health and safety are central elements of work. Throughout its history as a speciality, occupational health nursing (OHN) has been expanding the development of academic competencies and the improvement of clinical skills.

SOURCES OF EVIDENCE

The literature highlights that OHN is more involved in the application of policies with a public health perspective focused on the well-being of the worker than in their design and development. REFLECTIONS FROM A SOCIO-OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSING: From this premise, the current reality contributes to establishing priorities for action, generates consensus as a discipline, induces self-criticism and favours development as a profession. The article points out the strategies that favour political participation in companies, the factors that limit public representation and some of the benefits of establishing this type of initiative in organisations.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

The OHN is a key agent of change in the design and development of health policies in the workplace. From a panoramic view of how health strategies can influence companies, and the care of the working population, political awareness and civic participation in its different aspects are part of the commitment to this nursing speciality.