The role of the agricultural health nurse: bringing together community and occupational health.

1. Agricultural work is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. However, an occupational safety and health agenda for agriculture is lacking. 2. The agricultural health nurse draws on knowledge of community health and occupational health nursing to meet the needs of the farm work force. 3. The agricultural health nurse uses creative approaches to gather data about the farm work force and the work environment. 4. Community based strategies, such as coalition building, are important to develop programs that address agricultural safety and health problems.