The goals of this rotation are for the student to be exposed to the workplace, work exposures, and relevant statutes, such as workers’ compensation. The goal is to return the injured worker back to work while maximizing the patient’s functional recovery. In addition, the student will learn to identify workplace and environmental hazards to reduce the risk of future injury or illness to the patient.

Objectives

Gain exposure to complete patient histories, with an emphasis on occupation and exposure
Gain exposure to the selection of appropriate diagnostic studies in relation to the occupational injury or exposure
Review relevant occupational IT, databases, guidelines or other resources when providing a summary to the clinical preceptor
Gain exposure to legal and regulatory authority relating to protection and promotion of the public’s health
Assess individual risk for occupational/environmental disorders using an occupational history

Evaluation

The student will see patients at the James A. Haley or Bay Pines VA Occupational Health clinics. The teaching methods used include patient based care, didactic instruction by the preceptor, coordinators or staff, self-directed study and topic assignment. The methods used for evaluation include, 360 evaluations (nursing/clinic/administrative staff) and preceptor evaluations with an emphaisis on the goals of the rotation. Students will be exposed to medical surveillance programs, blood borne pathogen exposure and protocol, patient safety, infection control and be expected to attend the morbidity and mortality meetings and meeting associated with each of the programs listed above.