Dictionary

occupational disease A disease that is due to a factor in a person’s work. For example, an occupational disease for coal miners is lung disease.

occupational medicine The field of medicine that encompasses occupational diseases. Occupational medicine was founded in 1700 by the Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini, who recognized the relationship between lead and antimony and the symptoms of poisoning in painters and other artisans exposed to them. Ramazzini also first recognized miners’ lung disease.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration An agency of the US government under the Department of Labor with the responsibility of ensuring safety at work and a healthful work environment. Abbreviated OSHA. OSHA’s mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

occupational therapist A person who is trained and licensed to design and deliver occupational therapy services. Abbreviated OT. See also occupational therapy.

nummular eczema Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin that most commonly appear on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs and may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy.

nurse 1 A person who is trained, licensed, or skilled in nursing. 2 To breastfeed an infant.

nurse, licensed practical A nurse who has completed a 1- or 2-year training program in health care and has earned a state license. Abbreviated LPN. LPNs provide direct patient care for people with chronic illness, in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care settings. They assist RNs in caring for acutely ill patients.

nurse, registered A nurse who has completed a 2- to 4-year degree program in nursing. Abbreviated RN. RNs provide direct patient care for acutely or chronically ill patients. RNs may further specialize in a particular area. For example, psychiatric nurses are RNs with special training in working with mentally ill patients, and trauma nurses work…

nurse assistant A person who has completed a brief health care training program and who provides support services for RNs and LPNs. Also known as an orderly or, when certified by a state agency, a certified nurse aide (CNA).

nurse practitioner A registered nurse (RN) who has completed an advanced training program in a medical specialty, such as pediatric care. Abbreviated NP. An NP may be a primary, direct health care provider, and can prescribe medications. Some NPs work in research rather than in direct patient care.

nursing 1 A profession concerned with the provision of services that are essential to the maintenance and restoration of health. Nurses attend to the needs of sick people. Some nurses are licensed to directly diagnose and treat disease, and others work in medical research. 2 Breastfeeding.

nursing home A residential facility for people with chronic illness or disability, particularly older people who have mobility and eating problems. Also known as a convalescent home and long-term care facility.