Job Description for an Occupational Health Nurse

by Sandy Keefe

Overview

An occupational health nurse helps provide a safe work environment.

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An occupational health nurse (OHN) is hired by an employer to help provide a safe and productive work environment. He collaborates with employees to encourage their participation in programs that promote a healthy lifestyle that balances home and work responsibilities.
Types

An OHN may provide direct care to ill or injured staff members, educate supervisors and employees about workplace safety, or oversee health services within an organization.

Skills

An OHN is an RN with a solid knowledge base of both health and business. She combines her expertise in these areas to provide cost-effective health services.
Settings

OHNs may work in an organization that employs workers. Some specialize in service industries such as restaurants, while others provide care in manufacturing or construction-related businesses.
Functions

An OHN works with his employer to identify the top-priority job functions. These can include everything from primary prevention strategies, like stress management, to treatment of work-related emergencies.
Standards of Practice

The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses publishes 11 practice standards to guide OHNs as they assess and diagnose issues in the workplace, plan and deliver strategies to correct problems, and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies.
Salary

According to PayScale.com, an OHN with five to nine years of experience can expect to earn between $41,895 and $60,177 a year.

Overview