Education, Training, and Skills
Workplace safety and health is a serious issue. It’s even the focus of entire federal agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Nurses play a role in caring for people on the job, too.
The occupational health nursing specialty focuses on promoting and maintaining the health and safety of workers. An occupational health nurse plays a critical role in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses, managing health and safety programs, and promoting overall wellness among employees.
Occupational health nurses also have their own organization, the Chicago-based American Association of Occupational Health Nurses to advocate for nursing professionals in the field.
The role, settings they work in and the types of patients they care for can be unique among occupational health nurses. The steps needed to enter this specialty nursing field can be similar to other specialties, along with the traits and skills that make a successful occupational health nurse.
The role of occupational health nurses
Occupational health nurses are responsible for assessing and managing health risks in the workplace, ensuring that employees remain healthy and safe while on the job.
In fact, the World Health Organization has called them “the largest single group of healthcare professionals involved in delivering healthcare at the workplace.”
Their duties are diverse and can include conducting health assessments, administering first aid, managing chronic conditions, and developing health and safety programs. OHNs are often involved in educating workers about health and safety practices, conducting wellness programs, and ensuring compliance with health regulations and standards.
One of the key roles of an occupational health nurse is to conduct health assessments and screenings for employees. These assessments can help identify potential health risks and prevent occupational illnesses and injuries. OHNs also manage workplace injuries, providing immediate care and coordinating follow-up treatment if necessary. Additionally, they may oversee vaccination programs, drug testing, and health promotion initiatives to improve overall employee health.
Occupational health nurses are often tasked with developing and implementing health and safety programs tailored to the specific needs of their workplace.
For example, these programs can include ergonomic assessments, stress management workshops, and initiatives to promote physical activity and healthy eating. OHNs work closely with management to ensure that these programs are effective and that they meet regulatory requirements.
Work settings & types of patients
Occupational health nurses can work in a variety of settings, including industrial and corporate environments, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and educational institutions. They can be employed by large corporations, small businesses, manufacturing plants, hospitals, and clinics, or they may work as independent consultants.
The diverse range of work environments allows OHNs to specialize in different areas of occupational health, depending on their interests and expertise.
In industrial settings, an occupational health nurse can focus on preventing and managing work-related injuries and illnesses, conduct regular health assessments, monitor exposure to hazardous substances, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. In corporate environments, OHNs often work on wellness programs, mental health initiatives, and ergonomic assessments to promote employee well-being and productivity.
Healthcare facilities also employ occupational health nurses to manage the health and safety of their staff. OHNs in these settings may conduct health screenings, provide vaccinations, and oversee infection control programs. Government agencies and educational institutions also hire OHNs to develop and implement health and safety policies and promote health education among employees and students.
The types of people that occupational health nurses care for vary depending on the work setting. They may work with employees who are at risk for occupational injuries, such as factory workers or construction laborers, as well as office workers who may face different health challenges, such as stress or repetitive strain injuries. OHNs also work with healthcare professionals, educators, and public service workers, addressing their unique health and safety needs.
Steps to occupational health nursing
The path to becoming an occupational health nurse involves multiple steps, including obtaining the necessary education, gaining relevant work experience, and obtaining certification.
The first step is to become a registered nurse (RN) by completing a nursing program. Most aspiring OHNs pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years to finish in accredited programs. A BSN program provides a comprehensive education in nursing theory and practice, covering subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and patient care. Clinical rotations in various healthcare settings are also a crucial part of the BSN program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in patient care.
After completing a BSN program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their RN license. This exam tests the knowledge and skills necessary to practice safely and effectively as an entry-level nurse.
Once licensed as an RN, gaining experience in occupational health or related fields is essential.
Many aspiring OHNs start their careers in general nursing, gaining experience in areas such as emergency care, public health, or community health. This provides a strong foundation in clinical skills and patient care, which is crucial for success in occupational health nursing.
Specialized training in occupational health is also beneficial. Some universities and colleges offer postgraduate certificates or master's degree programs in occupational health nursing. These programs provide advanced education in occupational health and safety, epidemiology, toxicology, and industrial hygiene. They also include practical training in workplace health assessments, injury management, and health promotion.
Obtaining certification in occupational health nursing can enhance a career journey and demonstrate expertise in the field. The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) offers the Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) and Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S) credentials. To be eligible for these certifications, candidates must have a current RN license, relevant work experience, and pass a certification exam.
The COHN credential is designed for RNs with experience in direct clinical care, while the COHN-S credential is for RNs with a broader scope of practice, including administration, education, and research.
Key traits and skills
Occupational health nursing requires a unique set of skills and traits to succeed in the field.
Key traits include strong communication skills, empathy, attention to detail, and critical thinking. OHNs must be able to communicate effectively with employees, management, and other healthcare professionals, providing clear and concise information about health and safety practices. Empathy is essential for understanding the concerns and needs of workers, especially when dealing with sensitive health issues.
Attention to detail is valuable for conducting accurate health assessments and monitoring workplace conditions. OHNs must be able to identify potential health risks and take appropriate action to prevent injuries and illnesses. Critical thinking skills are essential for making informed decisions about patient care and for developing effective health and safety programs.
In addition to these traits, several key skills are essential. Clinical skills, such as conducting health assessments, administering first aid, and managing chronic conditions, are fundamental to the role. Occupational health nurses must also be knowledgeable about health and safety regulations and understand the legal and regulatory requirements that apply to their workplace.
OHNs must possess strong organizational skills, as they often manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously. This includes coordinating health and safety programs, conducting employee health screenings, and maintaining accurate records. Effective time management is important, since occupational health nurses must balance clinical duties with administrative tasks and health promotion initiatives.
In addition, OHNs must have the ability to educate and train employees about health and safety practices. This includes developing educational materials, conducting training sessions, and providing one-on-one guidance. They must be able to convey complex health information in a way that is easily understood by non-medical personnel.
Becoming an occupational health nurse can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in promoting workplace health and safety.
Occupational health nurses enjoy the benefits of working in diverse settings and caring for a wide range of patients.
Success in the specialty helps nurses play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of workers and creating safer work environments.