American’s Got Nurses Interview Article – Occupational Health Nurse

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For those looking for a unique take on a nursing specialty, becoming an occupational health nurse may be just the thing. An occupational health nurse (OHN) is a registered nurse who works with businesses to independently observe and assess worker health statuses (regarding job tasks and hazards). Occupational health nurses promote a safe work environment and are responsible for implementing, maintaining, and improving employee health programs in an effort to promote a healthy workforce.

The work environment for an occupational health nurse is slightly different than that of most traditional nursing jobs. Depending on the organization or business that hires them, an occupational health nurse can work anywhere from a classroom (educator) to a business setting (consultant). In addition, an occupational health nurse has to be able to possess many of the same skills as a human resource specialist, safety manager, and research specialist.

Educational Requirements

Becoming an occupational health nurse requires a great deal of educational commitment. Those interested in pursuing a career in this field must first acquire a RN (Registered Nurse) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree. After completing either of these programs, an occupational health nursing candidate is allowed to apply to an OHN program at an accredited college or university. In addition, upon completion of the OHN program, nurses are asked to take the national certification exam to become a Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN).

Job Duties

An occupational health nurse has a wide range of responsibilities in the workplace. A few of the daily tasks expected of an OHN are as follows:

•Counseling workers about work-related illnesses, injuries, emotional issues, and even family problems
•Referring clients/employees to assistance programs and other community resources
•Developing health education and disease management programs
•Educating employees on better health practices regarding smoking cessation, exercise and fitness, nutrition, weight control, and stress management
•Monitoring the health status of workers

Salary and Job Outlook

The median salary of an occupational health nurse is roughly $63,472 after a total of 5 – 8 years of education. The job outlook for an OHN is promising and with the influence of improving technology, along with a growing population that is living longer and longer, there will be an increased need for occupational health nurses in a variety of settings. According to an online interview with occupational health nurse, Sue Stewart – taking the extra step to become a certified occupational health nurse is imperative to successfully finding a job in the industry. She believes that, “By not being certified in your specialty field you are limiting your opportunities.”

Summary

Occupational health nurses have a wide variety of job responsibilities and choosing to pursue a career in this specialty field can be a great choice for those with a desire to make a difference in the workplace. However, before embarking upon this career path – it is wise to take the time to understand exactly what is involved in working as an OHN and how much commitment it takes to get there.