What Is the Role of the Occupational Health Nurse?

According to the Department of Labor, occupational health nurses hold an RN license or higher and are employed by companies, mostly industrial, to oversee the health of their employees. They also work closely with plant engineers to ensure a safe working environment.

Education

• A bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree is desirable.

Description

• Occupational health nurses assess workers and the work environment. They are the first to respond to work-related injuries, and they document all workplace incidents that result or may result in an injury.

Employment

• In addition to industry, occupational health nurses may find employment in the education, commercial and health-care sectors. They can work as a contractor or as an employee.

Patients

• Workers are the main patients of occupational health nurses. Nurses provide their patients with emergency care, transportation to a health facility and followup if an accident occurs. They are also responsible for accident reports and drug screenings.

History

• According to the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, the profession was established in Pennsylvania when a nurse started providing her services to coal miners. The field grew exponentially during the industrial revolution and World War I.