Interdisciplinary practice, education, and research: the expanding role of the occupational health nurse.

The nurses' roles are changing and expanding along with the changing health care system. Occupational health and environmental health nurses are in key positions to coordinate and direct interdisciplinary practice, education, and research. Occupational and environmental health nurses have a broad knowledge base in which they deal with employers, employees, stakeholders in communities, different governmental organizations, and families. Interdisciplinary collaboration is a way to find possible solutions to meet the needs of the work force, their families, communities, and the global community. Nurses must educate the different disciplines about their worth in collaborative interdisciplinary practice, education, and research. No single discipline can help individuals reach their full level of well-being. Interdisciplinary practice, education, and research should be encouraged for nurses to provide the best care for individuals in need of health care.