What is an occupational health nurse?
Occupational health nurses, also known as industrial nurses or workplace health nurses, are registered nurses who specialize in the promotion and maintenance of the health and well-being of employees in the workplace. They work in a variety of settings, including factories, offices, hospitals, and other industries, and are responsible for a wide range of duties related to employee health and safety.
Some of the specific responsibilities of an occupational health nurse may include:
– Providing health screenings and vaccinations to employees.
– Assessing and evaluating the health risks of a particular workplace.
– Developing and implementing health and safety policies and procedures.
– Providing first aid and emergency care to employees who are injured or become ill on the job.
– Conducting health and safety training sessions for employees.
– Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care to employees.
– Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of employee health and safety.
Occupational health nurses may also work with management and human resources to develop strategies for improving the overall health and safety of the workplace. They may also be responsible for educating employees about healthy lifestyle choices and preventing work-related injuries and illnesses.
How to become an occupational health nurse?
To become an occupational health nurse in the United States, you will need to follow these steps:
– Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. This is typically the first step to becoming a nurse of any kind.
– Enroll in a nursing program and obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Most employers prefer to hire nurses who have a BSN, although some may accept an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Nursing programs can be found at colleges, universities, and technical schools.
– Obtain a nursing license. In order to practice as a nurse, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is required for licensure in all 50 states.
– Gain experience as a registered nurse. While not strictly required, it is highly recommended that you gain experience as a registered nurse before pursuing a career as an occupational health nurse. This will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this field.
– Consider obtaining a specialty certification in occupational health nursing. The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) offers a certification program for occupational health nurses. While this is not required to practice as an occupational health nurse, it can help demonstrate your expertise in the field and may improve your job prospects.
– Keep your nursing license and certification up to date. To continue practicing as an occupational health nurse, you will need to renew your nursing license and specialty certification regularly.
Occupational health nurse salary
According to SalaryExpert, in the United States, the average gross salary for an occupational nurse is $80,600 per year or $39 per hour. These nurses also earn an average bonus of $1,306. Entry-level occupational nurses (those with 1-3 years of experience) earn an average salary of $57,397, while senior-level occupational nurses (those with 8+ years of experience) earn an average salary of $99,707.
This average salary is similar to the median annual wage for registered nurses, which was $75,510 as of May 2020, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Overall, the demand for occupational health nurses is expected to grow. This is due in part to an aging population and an increased focus on preventative healthcare. As a result, those who are interested in becoming occupational health nurses may have good job prospects in the coming years.
Occupational health nurse skills
Several key skills that are necessary for success as an occupational health nurse. These skills include:
Communication skills
Occupational health nurses must be able to communicate effectively with employees, management, and other healthcare professionals. This includes the ability to listen actively, ask questions, and clearly convey information.
Critical thinking skills
Occupational health nurses must be able to analyze and evaluate employee health needs and risks and develop appropriate interventions. They must also be able to troubleshoot problems and make decisions promptly.
Attention to detail
Occupational health nurses must be detail-oriented to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of employee health and safety and to ensure that all policies and procedures are followed correctly.
Interpersonal skills
Occupational health nurses must be able to work well with others and establish positive relationships with employees and other members of the healthcare team.
Organizational skills
Occupational health nurses must be able to multitask and manage their time effectively in order to meet the needs of multiple employees and meet deadlines.
Physical stamina
Occupational health nurses may need to stand for long periods and perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and moving patients.
Emotional intelligence
Occupational health nurses must be able to manage their own emotions and recognize the emotions of others to provide supportive care to employees who may be anxious or in pain.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Occupational health nurses must be familiar with all relevant federal, state, and local health and safety regulations, as well as industry-specific guidelines.
FAQs
Q: Is a career as an occupational health nurse a good choice?
A: If you are interested in promoting the health and well-being of employees in the workplace and have strong communication and critical thinking skills, a career as an occupational health nurse may be a good choice for you. The demand for registered nurses, including occupational health nurses, is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2029, according to the BLS. This is due in part to an aging population and an increased focus on preventative healthcare. As a result, those who are interested in becoming a occupational health nurses may have good job prospects in the coming years.
Q: Where can occupational health nurses work?
A: Occupational health nurses can work in a variety of settings, including:
– Factories: occupational health nurses in factories may be responsible for monitoring the health and safety of employees who work in potentially hazardous environments.
– Offices: occupational health nurses in offices may provide health screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive care services to employees, as well as educate employees about healthy lifestyle choices.
– Hospitals: occupational health nurses in hospitals may work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide care to employees who are injured or become ill on the job.
Schools: occupational health nurses in schools may provide health screenings, vaccinations, and other preventive care services to students and staff, as well as educate students and staff about healthy lifestyle choices.
– Other industries: occupational health nurses may also work in other industries, such as construction, transportation, and agriculture, where they may be responsible for monitoring the health and safety of employees who work in potentially hazardous environments.
– Government agencies: occupational health nurses may work for government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where they may be responsible for developing and implementing health and safety policies and procedures.
– Consulting firms: occupational health nurses may work for consulting firms, where they may be responsible for conducting health and safety assessments for clients and developing recommendations for improving the overall health and safety of the workplace.
– Insurance companies: occupational health nurses may work for insurance companies, where they may be responsible for reviewing and evaluating employee health and safety claims.
References:
SalaryExpert. (n.d.). Occupational Nurse Salary in United States. Retrieved from https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/occupational-nurse/united-states
American Board for Occupational Health Nurses. (2021). What is Occupational Health Nursing? Retrieved from https://www.abohn.org/page/OccupationalHealthNursing
Nursing Times. (2020). Occupational Health Nursing: An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.nursingtimes.net/roles/occupational-health/occupational-health-nursing-an-overview/7029106.article
Occupational Health & Safety. (2019). What Does an Occupational Health Nurse Do? Retrieved from https://www.ohsonline.com/articles/2019/03/07/what-does-an-occupational-health-nurse-do.aspx