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Monday, April 28, 2008
Pre-Symposium

401 - Safety Management Certificate Program - Level 1: Day 3
Sarah R. Budde, MAED, RN, COHN-S, CSP
Peggy E. Ross, RN, BS, CSP, COHN-S/CM/SM
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 401
Track: SAF
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

This three-day certificate program is intended for those seeking knowledge of the broader aspects of safety practice. Accepted principles and practice of safety and risk management will be addressed. Specific topics to be covered are: OSHA and EPA regulatory requirements, including common OSHA standards, insurance basics, fire prevention, industrial hygiene, electricity, ergonomics, emergency planning and safety training. 

Objectives:

1. Recognize important environmental and hazardous materials regulations and their application;
2. Identify common ergonomic hazards, ways to assess risk and simple methods for control;
3. Discuss worker's compensation terminology, premium calculation and methods for reducing costs;
4. Identify fire control technology and classifications;
5. List components of an emergency management plan and discuss ideas for training;
6. Identify normal distribution and statistical data commonly used in safety;
7. Identify software programs and application to safety data; and
8. Locate resources for day-to-day safety practice and discuss future issues and trends.
   

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402 - Physical Assessment Certificate Program: Putting It All Together Day 3
Joan E. Rigdon, MN, RN, FNP-C, OHNP, COHN-S
Susan S. Harada, MN, RN, CFNP, COHN-S
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 402
Track: CLN
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

This three-day program will provide a comprehensive update for nurses who have some experience in physical examination. The basic conceptual framework of physical examinations will be covered with core applications and specific relevance to occupational health nursing. The first day will focus on examinations of the head/ENT and upper extremity. Day 2 will consist of specific assessment of the neck, heart, lung, abdomen and the lower extremities. Day 3 will cover neurology, dermatology, ankle, back assessments. Participants will experience return demonstrations each day. 

Objectives:

1. Perform step-by-step neurology and dermatology assessments;
2. Verbalize each examination step and relate clinical findings;
3. Identify specific tests to perform as part of a musculoskeletal physical exam;
4. Perform a musculoskeletal exam and an assessment of the ankle and back; and
5. Identify the sequence of conducting a musculoskeletal exam and clinical pearls related to specific findings.

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403 - Depression Do and Don'ts: Proven Strategies for Managing Behavioral Health Disability
Mark Raderstorf, MA, LP, CCM, CRC
Denise E. Mayrer, BSN, RN
Darlene Arroyo, RN, COHN-S
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 403
Track: CLN
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

Behavioral health conditions, and depression in particular, have emerged as the second leading cause of disability in the US and can lead to uncontrolled costs for an employer in terms of lost productivity, unfocused treatment, and excessive disability durations. This seminar will offer tangible tools to managing behavioral health disability issues in the workplace. The presenters will offer complimentary perspectives from: 1) an internal occupational health nurse who has successfully managed behavioral health cases for a large corporation 2) a rehabilitation psychologist who will give practical clinical suggestions in managing an employee and his/her treatment providers and 3) an experienced nurse who has navigated the administrative aspects of benefit determination and policy language of a third-party administrator. An interactive case study will be used to highlight relevant points and enhance skill development. 

Objectives:

1. Identify concrete steps in assessing and managing behavioral health claims in the early stages;
2. Understand company policy and procedure in effectively managing claims; and
3. Understand when to use internal/external resources on cases for cohesive team approach.

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404 - Overview of Respiratory Protection
Roy T. McKay, PhD
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 404
Track: WWE
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

The OSHA respirator standard enables the occupational health nurse to assume an increasing role in the day-to-day activities and administration of a corporate respirator program. This course will provide a practical overview of respirators and respiratory program requirements. Topics include clarification of respirator terminology, OSHA program requirements and discussion on the types, use, and basic methods for selecting respirators. Respirator program requirements, applicable government standards, and other regulations will be summarized. The basic requirements for respirator medical clearance and respirator fit testing will be provided as an opportunity to obtain clarification from a speaker with extensive practical experience in respiratory protection issues. The primary emphasis will be on air purifying respirators. 

Objectives:

1. Describe OSHA respiratory protection program requirements;
2. Describe the different types of air purifying, negative pressure respirators used in an occupational setting;
3. Identify the differences between respirator filters and cartridges and recognize the terminology used by OSHA to distinguish their differences;
4. Identify the types of fit tests allowed by OSHA and general procedures; and
5. Identify OSHA respirator medical clearance requirements.

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405 - Total Health Management = ROI
Diane B. Hettinger, RN, MPH, COHN-S
Keith Winick, MA
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 405
Track: MBL
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

How can occupational health nurses persuade employees to live healthier, decrease overall health care cost, reduce absenteeism and improve morale in the workforce? Well-designed health risk management interventions are achieving a return on investment between $3 and $4 for every $1 spent. These ROI results demonstrate that individual risk reduction counseling combined with comprehensive wellness programs are highly successful in improving quality of life and, thereby, worker productivity. This session will discuss the development of workplace health risk management programs that integrate occupational health services into innovative health management strategies, including leveraging HRA's, healthcare data analysis and health coaching. Learn how to assess an employee's readiness to engage and create personal goals, as well as develop action plans to reduce health risk. Glean cutting edge ideas to increase your value and focus on guiding at-risk employees to adopt healthier lifestyles! 

Objectives:

1. Identify key components of a corporate wellness program;
2. Describe methods to persuade senior management with a business case;
3. Describe marketing wellness programs in occupational health;
4. Explain rationale for health coaching in an occupational health setting;
5. Define the Stages of Change model.

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406 - Diagnostic and Medical Surveillance Tools: What the OHN Needs to Know
Kathleen D. Pagana, PhD, RN
Kimberly A. Olszewski, RN, MSN, CRNP, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Course Number: 406
Track: CLN
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Although knowledge of diagnostic and laboratory testing was once in the category of "nice to know" material, it is now "need to know" information for occupational health professionals. This presentation provides a comprehensive update and gives clinical implications to help occupational health professionals remain up-to-date in this rapidly changing field. The latest in medical surveillance procedures will be described, as well as a detailed outline of required government regulated testing, which includes OSHA, DOT, FAA, and NRC. In addition, the impact of 21st century medical and biological threats will be discussed with current CDC recommendations. 

Objectives:

1. Interpret the results and clinical significance of different diagnostic studies available to the occupational health professional;
2. Discuss the current trends in wellness and preventative medicine screenings;
3. Discuss the various surveillance and diagnostic testing requirements for government regulated agencies; and
4. Describe the 21st century medical and biological threats facing communities and worker populations.

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407 - Nursing Outside the Box: Developing a Full-Scope Occupational Health Clinic
Luann Miller, MSN, RN, CS, FNP, COHN-S
Dana Doza, LPN, COHC
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 -11:00 a.m.

Course Number: 407
Track: MBL
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Frequently, occupational health nurses find themselves pigeon-holed into a narrow category and lose the opportunity to view the diversity and excitement of occupational health nursing. Utilizing the experience of developing a diverse, comprehensive, hospital-based APRN and nurse-directed rural occupational health/hospital employee health clinic, this program will offer the experienced and inexperienced occupational health nurse the opportunity to share the information gained from the development of this small clinic. A portion of the program will discuss how regulatory agencies impact the development of the clinic and the clinicians. Workers' compensation and the relationship with the workers' compensation carriers will be addressed. The development of drug free work force programs, as well as third party administration, are important in the diverse mix of clinic services offered. Designing and marketing safety consulting services, wellness programs, and ergonomic evaluations are included. While the program has been successful financially, there have been some missteps which need to be shared as well. The program will provide information to add to existing programs and offer start-up suggestions and guidelines for new programs. Feel the excitement of Occupational Health Nursing - Diversify!

Objectives:

1. Differentiate among the numerous regulatory agencies that impact the occupational health nurse and the practice location;
2. Use community assessment to analyze the occupational health needs of the area surrounding the practice location;
3. Utilize the community assessment data to develop new programs; and
4. Identify the importance of drug and alcohol testing in the occupational health clinic and describe the development of a small third party administration program to support the smaller industries.

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408 - Injury Assessment Tips for the Occupational Health Professional
Arlene Guzik, MSN, ARNP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 -11:00 a.m.

Course Number: 408
Track: CLN
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

This workshop will present assessment techniques for the evaluation of common occupational injuries and illnesses. Differential diagnoses and treatment plans will be discussed. The session will review techniques and terminology used in medical documentation that will assist in both the clinical and case management process. Participants will gain an understanding of major contributing cause, work-relatedness causation and the medical decision making process that will add value to the clinical and administrative management of workers' compensation claims.

Objectives:

1. Conduct a physical assessment of common occupational injuries;
2. Discuss the treatment protocols of common occupational conditions;
3. Explain work-relatedness of specific injuries; and
4. Include the use of medical decision-making in everyday practice.

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409 - Stroke: A Risk Assessment and Prevention Campaign for the Workplace
Bonnie R. Nevels, BScN, RN
B.J. Nevels, MS, CRC, CVE
Mary Pinzon, MEd, RN
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 -11:00 a.m.

Course Number: 409
Track: HPDP
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Each year in the United States there are more than 700,000 strokes. Stroke is the #1 cause of adult disability, the third leading cause of death and is responsible for more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease. Nearly 25% of strokes occur in people under the age of 65 and the risk of stroke more than doubles each decade after the age of 55. Blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. Identifying and controlling risk factors significantly decreases risk for stroke for employees, thereby reducing employer costs.

Objectives:

1. Assess the need for a stroke awareness and risk assessment campaign;
2. Organize and implement a workplace campaign;
3. Utilize and maintain screening information; and
4. Replicate the screening through hands-on exercises.

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410 - Assessing and Prioritizing Safety Risks in the Workplace
Deborah R. Roy, MPH, RN, COHN-S, CET, CSP, FAAOHN
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 8:00 -11:00 a.m.

Course Number: 410
Track: SAF
Level: Advance practice nurses/nurse practitioners or experience/education required 

Abstract:

Are you able to identify risks in a workplace? If so, can you prioritize them based on a risk score? Risk assessments identify, analyze and categorize possible severity or damage that could result from an incident and estimate the probability of those incidents occurring. Risks can be ranked based on significance and then prioritized. This session is intended for those who already are familiar with identifying hazards. It will introduce the concept of risk assessment techniques, identify how to prioritize risk using common decision matrices, and discuss influencing key decision makers to make changes based on their risk tolerance beliefs. 

Objectives:

1. Define the concept of risk;
2. Identify three risk assessment techniques commonly used by safety and health professionals;
3. Describe how to prioritize risk using a sample risk matrix; and
4. Discuss how to influence key decision makers to mitigate risk.

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411 - Lunch & Learn: Is Big Brother Invading Occupational Health?
Yolanda C. Lang, MSN, CRNP, MEd., COHN, DrPH, FAAOHN
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 pm

Course Number: 411
Track: MBL
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

In the past non-work related screening was performed by occupational health (OH). As OH moved into the evidence-based age, most screening was discontinued. If there was a work related need, the screening was performed. Now in 2007-2008, as employers place emphasis on healthy lifestyles and health screening, OH is being encouraged by management to complete non-work related screenings. Some of the issues include: utilization of results, accuracy of results, what screening will be accomplished and legal problems surrounding potential employees who have been denied employment. Join us to
find the answers to these and other questions/concerns that will be addressed in this presentation. 

Objectives:

1. Identify and explain proper health screening tests for adult clients;
2. Explain necessary counseling/education for the employee regarding testing and results; and
3. Identify potential problems/issues with occupational health assuming the role of health screening as well as possible solutions.
   

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412 - Lunch & Learn: The Moral and Ethical Issues of Pandemic Preparedness: Have We Factored in the Human Component?
Luann Miller, MSN, RN, CS, FNP, COHN-S
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 pm

Course Number: 412
Track: REL
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Occupational health nurses have been actively involved in the planning stages of pandemic preparedness throughout the world, in the local community, within health care systems and in industry. We have developed command post protocols, treatment center policies, and differentiated who should handle what health-related tasks. In the midst of all this planning, however, some moral and ethical concerns remain unaddressed in overall planning and personally as an individual. Topics discussed will include moral and ethical issues addressed with Katrina Response and topics specific to a pandemic. To appropriately respond to a pandemic, we must identify our own barriers to moral and ethical issues and become comfortable with our personal choices. This is an opportunity to verbalize these concerns and internalize our decisions as the right decision for our communities, ourselves and our families.

Objectives:

1. Identify the moral and ethical implications of vaccine availability during a pandemic and discuss personal responses to these issues;
2. Discuss methods of determining which employees and health care providers will be required to work and barriers faced in making these decisions; and
3. Assist employers/community in determining the need for continued operation.

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413 - Lunch & Learn: When "Just Do It" Doesn't Work: Enhancing Safe Patient Handling Compliance Through Education
Linda Wheadon, BS, RN, MS
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 pm

Course Number: 413
Track: HMC
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Nurses who provide patient care have some of the highest rates of back injuries among all workers. To reduce these rates many health care facilities are implementing safe patient handling programs and the use of mechanical lift and transfer devices. These programs cannot succeed, however, unless the nursing staff accept and use the equipment. This workshop will examine the multiple factors that affect the barriers and facilitators of equipment use. Participants will explore methods of enhancing compliance of safety programs and equipment. The emphasis will be on learning theories that can be applied to health and safety promotion in general. 

Objectives:

1. Discuss the barriers and facilitators frequently faced by nurses when using safe patient handling equipment;
2. Identify learning theories that apply to health and safety promotion such as adult learning theory, precaution adoption process model and motivational interviewing; and
3. Discuss examples of how learning theories are used to integrate safety equipment into workplace practices.

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414 - Lunch & Learn: My Chest Hurts
Mary Ellen Wilson, RN, MS, CEN, FNP
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 pm

Course Number: 414
Track: CLN
Level:  General Audience

Abstract:

In 2004 it was estimated that over 79 million Americans had one or more forms of cardiovascular disease. Many of these may be our employees who present to the occupational health clinic. But is all chest pain cardiac related? Throughout this guided discussion each participant will formulate a nursing assessment and initial intervention for various chest pain symptomatology. Lecture and discussion of case studies and considerations will be presented allowing attendees to differentiate among various chest pain presentations that arrive at the occupational health clinic door. 

Objectives:

1. Describe nursing assessment and initial intervention for five cardiac symptomatologies;
2. Discuss nursing assessment and initial interventions for four respiratory diseases; and
3. Describe nursing assessment of three chest traumas.

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415 - Lunch & Learn: Building a Culture of Health: Chronic Disease Prevention in the Workplace
Jason E. Lang, MS, MPH
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 pm

Course Number: 415
Track: HPDP
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

The workplace is an important platform for interventions designed to prevent disease and improve health. Public health interventions targeting lifestyle factors can help transform corporate cultures and encourage individual employees to take responsibility for their own health. Workplace health programs have the potential to improve employee health status, reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and lower health care costs. Creating a culture of health, where health promotion is a valued part of the normal work day environment, will address employers' health concerns for their employees and enhance their competitiveness by engaging employees and presenting the company as an attractive place to work

Objectives:

1. Describe the evidence base for chronic disease lifestyle interventions available to employers;
2. Differentiate between individual level interventions and organizational change interventions; and
3. Identify key data sources to assess an employee population and create an employee health profile for an employer.

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416 - Is It Fact or Fiction? Meeting the Clinical Challenge
Donna C. Ferreira, ANP, MS, COHN-S
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 1:30 -4:30 pm

Course Number: 416
Track: CLN
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Can you tell when an employee/patient is not telling you the truth? What motivates an employee to behave like this at work? Even good employees, when desperate, can be driven to withhold information or misrepresent the truth to the occupational health nurse. This workshop will investigate the many motivations employees may have to be deceptive or evasive about their health, injury or workplace incidences. Attendees will learn the signs to watch for to distinguish fact from fiction. Discover the clinical "tricks" to identify objective characteristics of an employee that is not telling the truth. Learn how to document these cases and, most importantly, what to do or not do with your suspicions!

Objectives:

1. Identify three reasons an employee might misrepresent the truth or provide misleading information to the occupational health nurse;
2. Distinguish characteristics and signs that someone is being deceitful or dishonest in their response;
3. List two pitfalls in assuming an employee is providing false information; and
4. Explain actions the occupational health nurse can take if suspicion is determined.

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417 - Genetic Surveillance and Screening of Workers: Ethical, Legal and Social Implications
Linda A. McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAOHN
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 1:30 -4:30 pm

Course Number: 417
Track: REL
Level: Advance practice nurses/nurse practitioners or experience/education required 

Abstract:

Objectives:

1. Describe genetic advances in the last decade that have increased the ability to identify individual susceptibility to occupational and environmental exposures;
2. Discuss the most common occupational injuries and illnesses that appear to have a strong genetic susceptibility component and attempts to conduct surveillance for these genetic traits; and
3. Explain the major ethical concerns regarding the use of genetic screening in the workplace and how this knowledge will effect risk communication.

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418 - It's a Short Trip from Metabolic Syndrome to Diabetes and Heart Disease
Margaret A. Manuszak, MS, RN, COHN-S/CM
Joyce L. Ross, MSN, RNC, CRNP, CCS
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 1:30 -4:30 pm

Course Number: 418
Track: CLN
Level: Intermediate

Abstract:

While the last several decades witnessed progress in understanding the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD), studies also demonstrated that half of all heart attacks strike people with low to normal cholesterol. This indicates that other factors must contribute to CHD risk. Identifying these other factors led to the recent developments in understanding the "metabolic syndrome." Factors associated with an increased risk of developing CHD that tend to cluster in individuals include age, high blood pressure, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high triglyceride levels, high plasma glucose concentrations, and obesity. Metabolic syndrome exists when any three out of five factors co-exist. In the past, this syndrome was referred to as syndrome X, or insulin resistance syndrome. 

Objectives:

1. Discuss the cluster of clinical components of metabolic syndrome contributing to cardiovascular events;
2. Describe the role of combined low-HDL-C and hypertriglyceridemia in metabolic syndrome; and
3. Explain the importance of therapeutic lifestyle changes and aggressive lipid-lowering therapy in the management of metabolic syndrome.

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419 - Writing for Publication: From Pen to Press
Pamela V. Moore, EdD, MPH, RN, FAAOHN
Deborah R. Roy, MPH, RN, COHN-S, CET, CSP, FAAOHN
Date: Monday, April 28, 2008
Time: 1:30 -4:30 pm

Course Number: 419
Track: PROF
Level: General Audience

Abstract:

Do you have an idea you'd like to share with other occupational health nurses? Or, have you implemented an idea other nurses could use to improve employee health or affect the bottom line? This program outlines the process of publishing, including developing the idea, researching content, organizing the article, writing with clarity, editing by self and peers, submitting the article, responding to criticism and celebrating the published article. Bring your ideas and a sample of your writing to share or just come to listen and network. The editor of the AAOHN Journal will be available to offer insights into publishing in the association's journal.

Objectives:<