Exploring a Career as an Occupational Health Nurse

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in public health and workplace safety. They play an essential role in the health and safety of employees in various industries by keeping workers safe from hazardous conditions and helping treat their illnesses and injuries.

OHNs work in diverse settings, caring for patients with varying occupational exposures. While many provide care for workers in manual labor jobs with elevated occupational risks, corporations with predominantly desk-based work environments can also employ them.

In corporate settings, they provide care for employees and advise on workplace health and safety matters. This may include assessing workplace hazards, developing safety protocols, and promoting wellness initiatives.

Whatever the work environment, OHNs play a vital role in protecting the well-being of the workforce and fostering a safe, healthy workplace culture.

Central Areas of Responsibility

An occupational health nurse has a wide variety of responsibilities focused on promoting and protecting the health and safety of workers. Below are some of their key responsibilities.

Safeguarding Workforce Well-Being Through Comprehensive Evaluations

OHNs do this by:

Conducting preemployment and periodic health assessments.
Performing health screenings for occupational hazards.
Monitoring workers’ health over time.

Preventing and Treating Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

OHNs do this by:

Providing first aid and emergency care for workplace injuries.
Managing work-related illnesses and injuries.
Coordinating return-to-work programs.

Upkeeping Hazard Assessment to Safety Protocols

OHNs do this by:

Identifying and assessing workplace hazards.
Developing and implementing safety programs.
Conducting safety training for employees.

Empowering Workers, Enhancing Workplace Wellness

OHNs do this by:

Designing and delivering health education programs.
Promoting wellness initiatives.
Providing counseling to nurse advocates to protect patient health.

Upholding Workplace Health and Safety Standards

OHNs do this by:

Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Maintaining accurate health and safety records.
Assisting in developing corporate health and safety policies.

Streamlining Workplace Health Outcomes

OHNs do this by:

Coordinating care for injured or sick workers.
Liaising among employees, health care providers, and management.
Managing workers’ compensation cases.

Bridging Workplace Wellness and Environmental Stewardship

OHNs do this by:

Monitoring workplace environments for potential health hazards.
Recommending controls to minimize exposure to harmful substances.
Participating in emergency preparedness planning.

Cultivating a Culture of Preventive Care

OHNs do this by:

Implementing and overseeing health surveillance programs.
Analyzing health data to identify trends and potential issues.

Optimizing Workplace Wellness Through Ergonomic Interventions

OHNs do this by:

Assessing workstations and job tasks for ergonomic issues.
Recommending modifications to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
Training employees on proper ergonomic practices.

Elevating Workplace Health Through Data-Informed Decision-Making

OHNs do this by:

Researching occupational health issues.
Evaluating the effectiveness of health and safety programs.
Staying current with occupational health research and best practices.

How to Become an Occupational Health Nurse

There are several steps to becoming an occupational health nurse. These include obtaining the right education, experience, and certification.

Earn a Nursing Degree

An Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the foundation for an occupational health nursing career. An ADN is a two-year degree that can prepare students to earn their RN licenses. A BSN is a four-year degree that provides comprehensive nursing education, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical skills. Many programs also offer courses in public health and community nursing.

Obtain a Nursing License

Upon completion of a nursing degree, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed RN. This exam tests knowledge and skills in providing safe and effective nursing care.

Get Clinical Experience

Most occupational health nursing positions require several years of clinical experience. This can be gained in various health care settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or community health centers.

Get Certified

The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) offers two main certifications:

Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)
Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S)

These certifications demonstrate expertise in occupational health nursing. Eligibility typically requires the following:

Current RN license
3,000 hours of occupational health nursing experience in the past five years

Pursue Continuing Education

Staying current with occupational health laws, regulations, and best practices is crucial. This includes the following:

Monitoring changes in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and industry standards
Attending conferences and workshops
Pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees
Participating in professional organizations such as the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN)

Skills Needed to Be a Successful Occupational Health Nurse

Some of the key skills that occupational health nurses rely on include the following:

Analytical: The ability to assess workplace hazards and potential risks and solve complex problems.
Clinical: Proficiency in medical procedures and nursing practices. A sound knowledge of occupational illnesses and injuries is also paramount.
Communication: Occupational health nurses are instrumental in the written and oral communication skills necessary to educate employees on health and safety issues.
Cultural Competence: Occupational health nurses work with people from various backgrounds and must be aware and respectful of their cultural differences. Learning how creating diversity in nursing supports patient health is imperative.

Strong Salaries Underscore the Importance of Occupational Health Nurses

The median annual salary for occupational health nurses was approximately $80,470 as of April 2024, according to Payscale, and the RN salary in North Carolina remains competitive.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of RNS, including OHNs, will grow by 6% between 2023 and 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth can be attributed to factors such as rigorous workplace safety regulations and organizations recognizing the financial and reputational benefits of taking proactive measures to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

Career Paths for Occupational Health Nurses

Occupational health nurses have a wide range of career options, allowing them to leverage their specialized skills and expertise in various settings. Below are some common paths for occupational health nurses.

Corporate/Industrial Occupational Health Nurse

These professionals provide comprehensive health services to employees within a corporate or an industrial setting. They also assess workplace hazards, develop safety protocols, and promote wellness programs.

Consulting Occupational Health Nurse

These OHNs provide specialized occupational health consulting services to various organizations. They also conduct risk assessments, design customized health and safety solutions, and provide training and education.

Occupational Health Nurse Manager or Administrator

OHN managers and administrators oversee the operations and strategic direction of an occupational health department or program. They also manage budgets, staffing, and programs.

Occupational Health Nurse Educator

OHN educators teach occupational health nursing courses in colleges, universities, or professional development programs. They also develop educational materials and conduct training for nurses and other health care professionals.

Pursue a Career as an Occupational Health Nurse

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in your community and addressing the critical nursing shortage, consider advancing your career with the online RN to BSN program from North Carolina Central University. As an occupational health nurse, you can play a vital role in promoting workplace safety and employee well-being.

NCCU Online’s flexible program allows you to balance your current responsibilities while pursuing your educational goals. By transitioning from an RN to a BSN, you’ll gain advanced skills and knowledge to: