Many companies and institutions have devoted a great deal in keeping their employees safe, especially when they are working. This is part of their responsibility as employers and part of the employee’s rights as well. After all, to ensure the stability of a company, its employees’ well-beings have to be cared for. Occupational health nurses are an integral part of ensuring that job related accidents will be prevented and that a safe work environment is fostered and maintained.
If you want to promote employee health in the workplace, you may find occupational health nursing as a rewarding career choice. One option available to receive nursing training is through an online college--these schools are very convenient, especially for people whose schedules are already almost full.
Here’s how to get occupational health nursing jobs.
- What is the nature of work? An occupational health nurse is a registered nurse working in a business setting and is concerned about workplace health and safety. They monitor the health of the employees of the company or institution where they are employed. They assess the general health hazards employees may come in contact with. They can also help in creating guidelines towards the achievement of optimum health for the whole business entity by creating programs that are directed toward stress management, and smoking cessation. Weight management classes and exercise programs are another good example of areas where occupational health nurses can make an impact on overall employee health. Another primary function of the occupational health nurse is to explain to the employee any lab results or medical testing that has been ordered through the occupational health department. They also assess workers who are recovering from an injury or illness as to when they can return to their job, if they need light duty, and if there is another position in the company they can fill until they can return to their routine job.
The work is not limited to companies or institutions. They can also offer expertise by being part of a consulting team focusing on environmental and occupational health and safety on a more global level. If they are successful enough they can even start their own consulting firm. - What kind of training do you need? The basic entry level degree to become an occupational health nurse is a two year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). These degrees are available through community colleges, nursing programs and universities. The standard level of degree is the bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). This degree takes four years to obtain although there are several bridge programs available for nurses who have an ADN to advance their education and become BSN educated. Some of these programs can be completed online. Larger industrial facilities may require that their occupational health nurse hold a master’s degree. This level of education will require an additional two years of college beyond the BSN level. Additionally, there are advanced practice nurses that specialize in occupational health. These are master’s prepared nurses that can diagnose and treat certain injuries and illnesses under the auspices of a physician. This level of nursing is rapidly changing and so will the required education at the doctorate level. This will mean an additional four years of training post BSN. Whatever level of education you decide to do, it is essential that the program is accredited by a nationally recognized program such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Licensure is required for all Registered Nurses. All 50 states require that nurses maintain an active license to practice. This entails passing an examination when finishing the nursing degree and then keeping the license current. While the examination is the same for all fifty states, the requirements necessary to keep the license current is up to the state where the nurse is practicing. Be sure to check your particular state for any changes.
- What Certifications are Available? These credentials are offered by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN)
- Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)
- Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S)
- Certified Occupational Health Nurse/Safety Manager (COHN/SM)
- Certified Occupational Health Nurse/Case Manager (COHN/CM)
- Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist/Safety Manager (COHN-S/SM)
- Certified Occupational Health Nurses-Specialist/Case Manager (COHN-S/CM)
While certification is not necessary for most jobs, it certainly looks good on a resume and may make the difference when competing for a job with another nurse of similar skill level. - What is the job growth and salary like? Since there is a growing emphasis on health and safety in the workplace, this profession is sure to experience considerable job growth up to year 2016. An average annual salary for an occupational health nurse ranges from $60,190 and $74,185. This may go higher for those who have extensive work experience.
Occupational health nursing is not the typical beside job that most people associate with the nursing profession. It is however, a fascinating job that incorporates all areas of nursing skills. The person working this position will be asked to assess, give a nursing diagnosis, plan, implement and evaluate not only on an individual patient level but also on an organizational level as well.