Occupational health nurses treat work-related injuries and illnesses, enforce OSHA regulations, and provide counseling services. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and require a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Continuing education and certification can lead to career advancement.
An occupational health nurse is a registered medical professional who treats work-related injuries and health issues. He or she can provide health services to workers in a variety of occupations, including factory workers, miners, construction workers, and office workers. In addition, an occupational health nurse can try to prevent future injuries and illnesses by inspecting workplaces, enforcing standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and educating employees about risk management.
Occupational health nurses are specially trained to treat common workplace injuries such as back pain and design ongoing care plans. They may suggest that workers take time off to rest, use protective equipment, or seek further medical attention. In workplaces, nurses ensure that OSHA regulations are adhered to at all times, and if they are not, suggest steps companies can take to ensure compliance. In addition, occupational health nurses often provide counseling and crisis intervention services to individuals with excessive stress, mental health issues, or substance abuse issues.
Most occupational health nurses are employed in hospitals, public health clinics, outpatient care centers and private practices. Employees in physicians’ offices and outpatient centers typically work regular hours, although nurses in hospitals and other 24-hour facilities may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and assume on-call status in an emergency. Occasionally, a large corporation or factory will hire an occupational health nurse to work full or part-time in their facilities, ensuring safe operations and providing immediate care when needed.
A person typically must earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university to become an occupational health nurse, although many employers prefer to hire nurses with a master’s degree. Before practicing in the United States, an occupational health nurse must be licensed in their state of residence by passing a licensing exam. Certification is generally not a requirement for occupational health nurses, although many choose to take a certification program offered by the American Council of Occupational Health Nurses. Certified nurses are often rewarded with more job prospects and career advancement opportunities. Other countries often have similar requirements for licensure and certification of nurses.
Continuing education courses allow occupational health nurses to receive the latest information on policies, techniques, and equipment. Continued education, experience, and perseverance often allow nurses to advance into supervisory or administrative positions. Some nurses decide to pursue a doctorate to become occupational health physicians.
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