What Is an Occupational Health Nurse and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Is an Occupational Health Nurse?
Occupational health nursing is a medical specialty for nurses. As an occupational health nurse (OHN), you work in industries like construction and manufacturing to provide health education to prevent occupational workplace injuries and treat any injuries or ailments that happen on the job, like back pain or falls. You may provide preventative medical care to workers and be responsible for evaluating the workplace for potential hazards. You need to be a registered nurse (RN) in your state and have some training and knowledge about your industry of focus.
How to Become an Occupational Health Nurse
To become an occupational health nurse (OHN), you need a high school diploma or equivalent; you must complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a nursing school program, and pass your state’s licensing exam to become a registered nurse (RN). Most RNs work for few years to gain experience before applying for a more specialized position, like an occupational health nurse (OHN). Your employer may require you to get certification from The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses.
Where Do Occupational Health Nurses Work?
Occupational health nurses (OHNs) do not work in a clinical environment—as an occupational health nurse, you may work in an onsite clinic, treating injuries and ailments of employees. You may also conduct training to help prevent future injuries or provide preventative health care clinics to monitor employee health and educate employees about ways they can take better care of themselves on the job. You may also evaluate job sites or the manufacturing floor to look for health hazards that may lead to injury.
Occupational Health Nurse Job Description Sample
With this Occupational Health Nurse job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Occupational Health Nurse role.
Job Summary
We have an immediate opening for an Occupational Health Nurse. In this role, you will perform health examinations on new employees before they start work, such as drug testing, cardiac stress assessments, tuberculosis screenings, and evaluate staff returning to work after an illness or injury. When necessary, you will also administer vaccinations, identify safety risks within our facilities, help develop health-related policies and procedures, manage worker's compensation cases, and train employees on new safety measures. Candidates must have a valid RN license and at least two years of experience in occupational health.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Examine new employees to ensure they are in good health to perform their job duties
- Perform relevant employee testing, including drug testing, cardiac stress assessments, and TB screenings
- Administer vaccinations
- Manage worker's compensation cases
- Evaluate staff returning to work after injury or illness
- Develop new or enhanced health and safety policies
- Conduct employee training on health and safety
Requirements and Qualifications
- ADN or BSN credentials
- Valid RN license
- 2+ years of nursing experience in occupational health
- Familiarity with worker's compensation is a plus
- Current BLS and CPR certification
