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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services obtains information about S. registered nurses through the periodic National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRNrn). Occupational health nurses comprise less than 1% of the S. nursing population and published NSSRNrn reports usually include only estimates of the total occupational health nurse population and minimal information about occupational health nurses' characteristics. The objectives of this study were to develop a knowledge base of occupational health nurses' characteristics; examine characteristics that may influence entry and retention in occupational health nursing practice; and explore indications of demand for occupational health nurses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in a secondary analysis of data from recent (1992 to 2004) NSSRNrn. The findings are reported in two parts. This article, Part I, provides descriptive data about occupational health nurses based on responses to the 1992 through 2004 NSSRNrn questionnaires. Part II will provide findings from analysis of 2004 responses indicative of occupational health nurses' entry, retention, and demand characteristics.
Occupational health nurses are "the largest group of health care providers serving the worksite" (American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. [AAOHN], 2008), yet published information about the occupational health nurse population is scarce. Published occupational health nurse data are most often based on surveys of AAOHN members, occupational health nurses certified by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN), or occupational health nurse students and alumni of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Research Centers (ERC) and other academic programs. These studies have provided valuable information about occupational health nurses and occupational health nurse practice. AAOHN, ABOHN, and academic program data provide information about demographics, educational preparation, academic degrees, and specialty certification of their occupational health nurse communities. However, membership populations may vary and member or cohort characteristics may not represent the occupational health nurse population.
Information about the U.S. occupational health nurse population is obtained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Health Professions, through the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN). The NSSRN is a periodic survey of registered nurses that provides information about the U.S. registered nurse population. According to HRSA, "(t)he NSSRN is the Nation's most extensive and comprehensive...