Hi,
I in the main agree with what is written below, but Giuliana misses a
crucial point. She makes no reference to her competency in the field of OH.
The courts and the HSE set diown standards of what competency actually is.
For years knowledge and experience was acceptable, but given the rise in
damage claims, greater corporate liability (take the recent Directors taken
to court over the Hatfield train disaster), competency has never been more
crucial.
I have no judgements to make either way, it's not for me to do, but I would
argue that if any nurse with a RN qualification can competently work as a
sole OHA, then what was the point of others getting formal OH training? What
have we got to sell to companies seeking competent OH advice if we are
qualified as opposed to those who are not?
James
Hi, In response to the comments below and speaking as a non qualified nurse
who works in the speciality of OH I would argue against the presumption
here that by virtue of not holding the OH Masters/Degree/Diploma that I may
not be competent to work in the speciality of OH or make sound clinical
judgements! (PEQ's) I think holding a first class honors degree in
Education taught me that a degree teaches the learner HOW to research and
hopefully I have utilised that knowledge base in my present area of OH (an
area in which I have worked happily since 1996. Some of us have valid
reasons for not being able to undertake the degree at 53 years of age with
15 years in nurse education and teaching core specialist subjects such as
management, research, communications skills etc we feel that we can hold
our ground somewhat ! I personallly have also been priveleged to work with
excellent OH qualified role models who taught me most of what I know today
and who have inspired me to do our best degree or no degree!. I also do
take OH seriously and hopefully work with passion in the area as I think
many other non qualifed OH specialists do perhaps and RGN's I have also
been equally priveleged to work with. So come on give us a break from
elitism and be fair. We can, do and have to make decisions because like it
or not I believe quite a percentage of OH Practitioners are still to this
day RGN only and some of us do work unsupervised in jobs hopefully with
passion, committment and safely! Kind regards, Sue
I agree that someone with OH knowledge should review PEQs. OHAs have the
advantage not only of being aware of the problems that can lead to ill
health in the workplace, they generally have the opportunity to review the
health information and assess it in the context of the specific role and
working environment. In supervising RGNs examining PEQs, I have come across
a tendency for them to think of worst case scenarios as to why the job
can't
be done by the individual rather than looking at what can be done, with or
without reasonable adjustments. This is particularly true where the
applicant has a history of mental health problems.
Regards,
Giuliana
-----Original Message-----
From: diane romano woodward [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 09 July 2003 19:50
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Pre-employment questionnaires
Kennie and everyone-
Occupational health is a speciality in both medicine and nursing. Those of
us who have specialist training (diploma/degree/Masters) have encountered a
body of knowledge
which others will not , in the relationship in work and health- how work
may
affect health and how a persons pre-existing health problems may impact on
and be accommodated at work.
Relying on an RGN (who is not under the direct supervision an OH qualified
practitioner) makes about as much sense as expecting the same RGN to be
practising safely and competently in the speciality of cancer or children's
health or any other speciality. RGN training is a basis on which to expand
knowledge. If you rely on unsupervised RGN to make such decisions you may
get some wrong (and costly)decisions.
I would make the same assertion in using a "medical practitioner" without
an
OH qualification. As a very minimum a GP with OH diploma and that only for
the most straightforward of cases.
Am I preaching to the converted? Sorry..
Best wishes,
Diane
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kennie Adeoye" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: Pre-employment questionnaires
>We do not have an OH dept, we at the moment using an independent medical
advisor, but I do believe HR can open all PEQ and make referrals where
necessary (possibly under the guidance of a medical practitioner)and where
in doubt they refer.
>Is it necessary to refer all PEQ? Scenario: With a past medical history
of a fracture and is seeking to work as an adm. support staff, do they
require a sound judgment on their fitness for that post?. Is the advise
here
to refer everyone who complete the PEQ? I will appreciate some advice.
>
>We have two Registered nurses and although they are not Occ.health
qualified, the main issues here is are they competent to make that
decision.
>
>Kennie
>
____________________________________________________________________________
_____
>Please note that the contents of this e-mail, including any attachments
thereto, may contain information which is confidential or privileged, and
which is solely for the use of the recipient named above. If you are not
the intended recipient, please be aware that any disclosure, copying,
distribution or use of the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited.
>If you receive this e-mail by mistake, please contact the originator
immediately.
>Northampton Borough Council, The Guildhall, Northampton, United Kingdom,
NN1 1DE
>+44 (0)1604 837837
>www.northampton.gov.uk
>
____________________________________________________________________________
_____
With kind regards,
James
_________________________________________________________________
Tired of 56k? Get a FREE BT Broadband connection
http://www.msn.co.uk/specials/btbroadband
|