What Is an Occupational Health RN and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An occupational health RN provides medical care for ill and injured individuals, employees, and students, in accordance with the established policies and procedures of the company or organization. As an occupational health RN, you examine each patient, provide testing as needed onsite, and give recommendations for reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals. Other duties may include conducting safety training programs on topics like CPR and First Aid and providing referrals for health-related matters and counseling as needed. You can find employment in a variety of organizations, including a hospital, clinic, school, workplace for employee care related to job illness and injury, or a post-employment testing and screening company. When working at a business, your responsibilities may include handling workers’ compensation case management and maintaining patient medical records while adhering to OSHA requirements.

Qualifications to become an occupational health RN include completion of an accredited RN program, a current RN license, and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA). You must also have two years of clinical experience in your area of specialization and understand safety policies and regulations, such as knowledge of OSHA safety standards. You also need excellent interpersonal, communication, and multi-tasking skills, as well as analytical ability, attention to detail, and physical strength and stamina to lift patients and remain active throughout your shift.