title: Evaluating and improving nurses' health and quality of work life.
abstract: This article discusses evaluating and improving the health and quality of work life (QOWL) of nurses. Nurses are reported to have higher illness, disability, and absenteeism rates than all other health care workers. Research suggests that QOWL impacts nurses' health and the provision of quality health care, particularly patient safety. Occupational health nurses have a pivotal role in evaluating and improving nurses' QOWL and health. This will ensure quality health outcomes for nurses and patients and reduce costs for the health care system.
authors.affiliation: Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. jhorrigan@laurentian.ca
authors.forename: Judith M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Horrigan
authors.forename: Nancy E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Lightfoot
authors.forename: Michel A S
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Larivière
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jacklin
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009729:Nursing; D009740:Nursing Staff; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D061214:Patient Safety; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life