A Critical Incident of Occupational Health Learning Development: Fit Testing of Respiratory Protective Equipment Face Masks

Introduction
On my second day of my Occupational Health placement, I was given the opportunity to be part of a meeting with the Occupational Health Manager, two Ward Managers and and one Modern Matron to discuss fit testing of respiratory masks. During discussions, it was felt that there were not adequate numbers of staff trained as this could leave the Trust at risk in terms of staff protection. I decided that this would be my critical incident. This critical incident would follow Rolfe’s et al. (2011) model of reflection, including aspects of education and opportunistic learning. The importance of this incident has reinforced the point that one of my Learning Objectives would not only further my knowledge in Occupational Health skills, but will work with others to protect the public’s health, and wellbeing from specific risks (PGDip SCPHN Handbook,2014). As this challenge was prompted by a critical issue, good communication skills with resilient working relationships were utilised if to incur change. Further actions would entail task structuring and team and individual management. These are reflections of Action Centred Leadership (Adair, 1973). Names and places were excluded to maintain confidentiality as required by the Nursing Midwifery Council Code of Conduct (NMC, 2008).

During the week, an acute care unit experienced what they perceived to be a potential crisis. A patient was admitted exhibiting clinical symptoms of Ebola. In accordance with the nurse managers’ views, it was a case of mismanagement and poor communication processes which failed to followed policy regarding this disease, and management of the patient. Furthermore, it was highlighted that t staff lacked the necessary PPE to protect themselves. Staff displayed