Occupational Health Nurse
An Occupational Health Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for the health and well-being of employees in the workplace.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Occupational Health Nurse
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An Occupational Health Nurse focuses on the promotion and restoration of health, prevention of illness and injury, and protection from work-related and environmental hazards. They have a crucial role in providing basic medical care, conducting health screenings, and collaborating with employers to create a safer workplace.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in the use of medical software and equipment.
Qualifications
- Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (COHN) is a plus.
- Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety concepts.
- Basic understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Responsibilities
- Provide first aid and basic healthcare services to employees.
- Conduct health risk assessments, screenings, and immunization clinics.
- Collaborate with management to develop and implement health and safety programs.
- Maintain accurate and confidential medical records.
- Educate employees on health, wellness, and safety in the workplace.
- Assist with case management and follow-ups on workplace injuries or illnesses.
- Participate in health promotion and disease prevention activities.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to occupational health.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As an Occupational Health Nurse, you will be responsible for monitoring the health of employees, managing occupational health programs, and ensuring workplace safety compliance. This role involves both clinical work and health education within an occupational setting.
Required Skills
- Excellent clinical skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in the use of medical software and record keeping.
- Ability to conduct health risk assessments and screenings.
- Understanding of workplace ergonomics and safety practices.
- Flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the work environment.
Qualifications
- Current registered nurse (RN) license.
- Bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field.
- Certificate in occupational health nursing or similar (preferred).
- 2-5 years of nursing experience, preferably in an occupational health setting.
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations.
- Experience in emergency care and basic life support.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities
- Assess and treat employee injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
- Conduct health screenings and health risk assessments.
- Develop and implement occupational health and safety programs.
- Provide emergency care and first response in case of workplace accidents.
- Educate employees on health and safety measures, including ergonomics and proper use of safety equipment.
- Maintain and analyze employee health records to identify health trends.
- Collaborate with management to develop health policies and procedures.
- Participate in workplace safety committees and health promotion initiatives.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Senior Occupational Health Nurse, you will be responsible for overseeing the health and safety of employees in various workplace settings. This position requires a deep understanding of occupational health regulations and practices, as well as hands-on experience in delivering healthcare services within the workplace. The role entails the development and implementation of health and safety programs, monitoring the health status of employees, and providing emergency care and advice.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interface with employees and management.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in the use of medical equipment and healthcare information systems.
- Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nursing care and ethical conduct.
Qualifications
- Valid nursing license and a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) is required, Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in occupational health, emergency room, or a related field.
- Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (COHN) or similar accreditation.
- Knowledge of federal and state health and safety regulations.
- Experience in developing and implementing health programs in a corporate or industrial setting.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement workplace health and safety programs in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Conduct health assessments and screenings for employees, including pre-employment, periodic, and exit examinations.
- Provide first aid, emergency care, and treatment for occupational injuries and illnesses while maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Collaborate with management to develop policies and procedures that reduce health risks and workplace hazards.
- Lead educational workshops on health and wellness topics relevant to the workforce.
- Manage and maintain accurate health records for employees, including immunization records and exposure records to hazardous substances.
- Advise employees on occupational health concerns, and make referrals to medical specialists as needed.
- Monitor the effectiveness of health and safety programs and suggest improvements to reduce health-related absenteeism and enhance productivity.
See other roles in Healthcare, Wellness, and Social Services and Healthcare
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