What Is an Occupational Health Nurse?
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Jul 30, 2024
What Is an Occupational Health Nurse?
According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million workplace injury and illness cases in 2022 — 7.5% more than in 2021. This rise in cases exemplifies the importance of protecting employees against hazards, illnesses, and injuries, and many organizations turn to occupational health nurses to help them prevent and safeguard against these incidents.
Not only do occupational health nurses help keep employees productive and healthy through practical strategies, but they also perform crisis prevention, case management, and hazard detection tasks to establish and maintain a safe work environment. They also adhere to strict confidentiality and government compliance rules.
Due to the complexity of their role, occupational health nurses need a variety of clinical, organizational, communication, interpersonal, and emergency care skills. Pursuing a comprehensive nursing education is a necessary step for all aspiring nurses that prepares them to pass the national nursing licensure examination and enter the workforce as knowledgeable and trained nurses.
Occupational Health Nurse Definition
Occupational health nurses, sometimes referred to as occupational and environmental health nurses, are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in treating individuals who’ve experienced work-related injuries or illnesses and promoting a work environment that’s safe and compliant with all regulations. Their role is important because they establish preventive measures that protect employees and workspaces from hazards.
Occupational health nurses’ skills are needed in various environments, including academia, manufacturing facilities, government offices, medical centers, clinics, and hospitals. Depending on their employer, they may work alone or as part of a safety team.
Occupational Health Nurse Responsibilities
The duties that occupational health nurses perform help support the well-being of employees and maintain the safety of their work environments. They often use the team nursing model , which involves collaborating with other professionals to care for patients. Their most common responsibilities are:
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Following protocols for assessing and reporting work-related and nonwork-related injuries and illnesses
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Counseling organizations on workplace safety standards
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Observing and tracking employees’ occupational health conditions
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Maintaining Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) records
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Collaborating with health safety officials, physicians, and human resources professionals on safety programs
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Managing employees’ worker’s compensation claims
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Evaluating workstations and offering suggestions to prevent work-related injuries
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Serving as the organization’s occupational health and safety expert
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Educating employees on preventive health measures such as stress management and disease prevention
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Developing and reviewing current workplace health and safety protocols and guidelines
How to Become an Occupational Health Nurse
Like other registered nurses, occupational health nurses typically are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Following completion of their nursing degree program, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses to gain licensure and begin working in the field.
Prospective occupational health nurses may gain experience in entry-level nursing roles so they can learn how to perform basic duties like conducting health assessments, maintaining records, and making referrals. Ideally, these nurses learn practical skills while working in critical care, community health, or ambulatory care departments.
Recommended Skills
Every registered nurse should have certain general skills and competencies, such as leadership skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and medical knowledge. However, competency in the following specific areas is key for occupational health nurses:
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Risk assessment. During their assessments of employees, occupational health nurses need to determine whether they’re fit to return to their workplace.
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Preventive health. These nurses often promote healthy lifestyle strategies such as following nutrition and weight control programs, staying up to date on immunizations, and managing stress.
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Teaching. Aside from clinical tasks, these nurses may be asked to coordinate first aid classes or teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes to employees.
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Case management. This skill is vital as these nurses oversee work-related and nonwork-related injury cases in preparation for decisions on disability or workplace compensation.
Occupational Health Nurse Career and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of registered nurses, including occupational health nurses, will grow 6% between 2022 and 2032. The BLS also reports that, as of May 2023, the median salary for registered nurses is $86,070. A nurse’s specific salary depends on their location, experience, education, and skills.
Generally, choosing a nurse specialty can lead to a higher income potential and more career opportunities. For instance, a 2022 survey from the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses found that “the type of occupational and environmental health nursing certification obtained by respondents impacts salary” and “participants with additional certifications earn significantly more than those with a [standard] COHN certification.”
Launch Your Occupational Health Nurse Career
Whether you’re just entering the nursing field or are interested in transitioning to a new specialty, becoming an occupational health nurse can provide you with the opportunity to promote and maintain the health and safety of employees.
To help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel in this growing field, The University of Tulsa offers several online nursing programs, including the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program and the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. With small class sizes, supportive faculty, and modern course content, these nursing programs prepare students for the national licensure examination. If nurse advancement is of interest to you, TU also offers the RN to Master of Science (MSN) Pathway program and the Master of Science in Nursing program.
If you’re ready to use a combination of clinical and administrative skills to impact the health standards of workplaces, discover how The University of Tulsa can help support your career goals.
Recommended Readings
What Is the Nursing Process? A Guide for Effective Patient Care
The Importance of Developing Soft Skills in Nursing
Non-Bedside Nursing Jobs You Can Get With a BSN
Sources:
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Education
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Practice
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, 2022 Compensation and Benefits Survey
Indeed, “What Is an Occupational Health Nurse? (Duties and Salary)”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses
Zippia, “Occupational Health Nurse Skills for Your Resume and Career”
