Thanks Chris,
Hmmmm how do I answer this?? You are by your knowledge and repute deemed to
be an 'expert' in your particular field, and yes, experiential learning can
be as comprehensive and of a higher value than that taught in seats of
learning. However, the core issue here is the situation that most OH nurses
tend to be generalists unless working they work in a specific industry for
an extended period of time.
Anyone who uses your services, or takes your advice would, I would have
thought, checked both you and your 'track record' and satisfied themselves
as to your credentials...that is their choice. Employees being advised by
an OH nurse do not have this luxury, although to some degree employers do,
therefore the NMC decided (rightly) that a professional register of OH
qualified practitioners was needed to satisfy a demonstrable level of
competence. Nursing is after all a regulated profession..........
The problem is that without an auditable system of formal teaching and
guidance ensuring competence, it would be all too easy for a nurse working
in OH to make a decision that is erroneous because either that was the way
she had been taught (unqualified teacher), or they had been given false
information (especially in relation to applying legislation), or was being
pressured by the employer and didn't know anything different, with far
reaching consequences for the nurse, the employer or the employee.
One of the main messages communicated from a formal OH course is "now we
have given you the basics, go away and read more.......learn, and know where
your limitations are in regard to a particular topic BEFORE trying to apply
it in the workplace". Nurses that have not done an OH course may not
necessarily do this.
Therefore, without a formal and required training as required out by the
NMC, and an appropriate registration structure, how can anyone legally prove
that they have met a given standard?
How to ensure a level of demonstrable competence to prevent occurrences by
OH nurses such as the one you cited regarding using barrier creams for
Hydroflouric acid (shudder) is what I think this discussion is really
about.!!
Regards, Bob
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Chris Packham
Sent: 28 September 2006 11:28
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [OCC-HEALTH] NMC
Bob
I have followed this exchange with increasing interest.
Now I am not an occupational health nurse, nor do I claim any "professional"
or "medical" qualifications. However, I do work in what might be considered
an occupational health related field, in that my particular specialism lies
in the prevention of damage to health from workplace skin exposure. In this
I believe I can rightfully claim that I am regarded as something of a
specialist. Even the HSE has recently engaged me to provide courses on "skin
management" for some of their inspectors.
So where does this leave me in terms of my "professionalism"? Some time ago
a group of us arranged training on courtroom skills with a well known
training establishment. When I discussed my "lack of qualifications" with
the lawyers who were running the course, their response was that this was
not something that would particularly worry them. They would be happy to
regard me as an "expert" on the basis of the work I have done, papers
published etc. In fact, one of them stated that membership of a professional
body (they were not referring to nurses here, but to safety practitioners)
would not automatically confirm their professionalism.
Of course, I am not decrying the need for and benefits of registration with
a professional body. However, having recently had a member of one of the
professional bodies recommend a barrier cream as adequate protection against
hydrofluoric acid, I take the view that it is what the person has done (i.e.
their track record) that is more important for the employer. I frequently
encounter professional health and safety people who have made decisions in
my particular area of expertise that have actually increased the risk,
simply because, as generalists, they have not had sufficient knowledge of
this specific aspect.
Regards
Chris
EnviroDerm Services
2 Amery Lodge Farm, North Littleton, Evesham, WR11 8QY, U.K.
Tel: 0044 1386 832 311
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For more information about our support, services and technical aids, visit
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FORTHCOMING CONFERENCES AND EVENTS:
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For Occupational Health jobs, go to http://OHJobs.drmaze.net
Find out about Occupational Health Nursing Education in UK at
http://home.wlv.ac.uk/~in6232/aohne/
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