Abstract
M.Cur.
There is need for role clarification of occupational health nurses by industrial managers
in industries for the benefit of the employees. Misperceptions negatively affect
occupational health nurses’ ability to be effective in their occupational health areas of
practice. Role clarification within the areas of occupational health practice is vital to
raise awareness to industrial managers and employees on the value added by
occupational health nurses in industry. This awareness will create an conducive
environment that will benefit employees and occupational health nurses.
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the industrial managers’
perceptions of the role of occupational health nurses at industries in the East Rand
region in Gauteng, in order to describe recommendations on findings. The industrial
managers with immediate supervisory authority over occupational health nurses formed
the population. A quantitative, exploratory, descriptive perceptual survey was used. One
hundred and nineteen (119) participants were selected by using a simple random
sampling method. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire developed from
literature covering the eight areas of practice of the occupational health nurses. Data
was analysed by a statistician using descriptive statistical methods. Measure to ensure
validity and reliability were described. Ethical considerations were described.
The results for Section A of the questionnaire explored the demographic data of the
participants, which addressed gender, age group and ethnic distribution.
The results of Section B of the questionnaire, which contained the eight areas of
practice broken down into 22 activity statements, demonstrated that the majority of
participants responded positively to all the questions in the eight practice areas. In
Practice Area 1: Managing an Occupational Health Service Clinic, the results reflected a
highest positive value of 95.8% and a negative lowest of 4.2%. The histogram of this
practice area reflected an N of 119, a mean of 3.31 and a standard deviation of 0.668.
The results in Practice Area 2: Assessing the Work Environment showed a highest
positive value of 96.7% and a lowest negative value of 3.3%. The histogram reflected
an N of 119, a mean of 3.18 and a standard deviation of 0.827...