Occupational Health Nurse Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s ever-evolving health landscape, the role of Occupational Health Nurse Educators has never been more critical.

As workplace health and safety standards continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can educate, guide, and protect our workforce’s health and safety escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Occupational Health Nurse Educator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the heart of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of occupational health nursing education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Occupational Health Nurse Educator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Occupational Health Nurse Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health Nurse Educators utilize their expert knowledge of nursing and occupational health to educate students, employees, and organizations on how to improve health and safety in the workplace.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and implement health education programs and workshops
• Educate employees on health management and disease prevention
• Conduct occupational health and safety training for staff and students
• Provide counseling and advice on occupational health and safety matters
• Collaborate with other health professionals to develop health and safety policies
• Assess the health needs of workers and recommend appropriate health services
• Conduct research on occupational health issues and provide recommendations for improvement
• Guide organizations in creating healthy work environments
• Evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion programs and make necessary adjustments
• Stay updated with the latest developments in occupational health and safety regulations

 

Occupational Health Nurse Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Occupational Health Nurse Educator to join our team.

This individual will be responsible for implementing, evaluating, and improving occupational health programs, and educating employees on the importance of occupational health and safety.

The ideal candidate will be a registered nurse with previous experience in occupational health and a passion for education.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement occupational health programs in the workplace
• Educate employees on occupational health and safety practices
• Conduct health assessments and screenings
• Maintain accurate health records
• Assess and manage workplace hazards and risks
• Coordinate with management and employees to improve health and safety measures
• Stay updated on relevant occupational health and safety laws and regulations
• Provide health counseling and advise on disease prevention
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to ensure employees’ health and safety

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) certification
• Previous experience in occupational health or a related field
• Knowledge of workplace health and safety laws and regulations
• Strong communication and teaching skills
• Ability to evaluate and manage health risks
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• Proficiency in electronic health records software
• BSc or other diploma from a nursing program

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits
• Wellness program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health Nurse Educator
• Work Environment: This position is primarily office-based but may require occasional visits to various work sites for health assessments and trainings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Occupational Health Manager or Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Occupational Health Nurse Educator Do?

Occupational Health Nurse Educators, often employed in industries, hospitals, educational institutions, and government agencies, are essential components of the occupational health and safety team.

Their main role is to educate and train both employees and management on health and safety practices to ensure a healthy and safe workplace.

This can include information on preventing workplace injuries, promoting general health and wellness, and understanding workers’ compensation and disability laws.

Occupational Health Nurse Educators are also responsible for developing and implementing health and safety training programs.

This often involves conducting evaluations and assessments to identify areas of risk within the workplace, and then designing a training program to address those issues.

In addition to educational duties, they provide direct nursing care for employees who have been injured or become ill on the job, and they may also assist with return-to-work programs for employees who have been injured or are recovering from illness.

They also play a key role in emergency response planning, often developing and coordinating procedures for handling emergencies in the workplace.

Furthermore, Occupational Health Nurse Educators must stay updated on the latest research and developments in occupational health and safety, and they often play a role in shaping workplace policies and procedures to maintain the highest levels of safety and health standards.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Educator Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Health Nurse Educator must possess a specific set of qualifications and skills to carry out their role effectively, such as:

• Extensive knowledge in occupational health and safety protocols and regulations to ensure employees are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities at work
• Strong communication skills to effectively educate employees about health and safety practices, explaining complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport with employees, fostering an environment of trust and open communication about health and wellness concerns
• Problem-solving abilities to address health issues in the workplace and implement effective solutions to mitigate risks
• Good organizational skills to handle multiple tasks at once, from conducting health assessments to planning and executing educational programs
• Experience in providing direct nursing care, including screenings and health education, to a diverse employee population
• Ability to stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in occupational health and nursing education for continuous improvement of their practice
• Registered Nursing degree (BSN) or higher, and certification in occupational health nursing (COHN or COHN-S) is usually required

 

Occupational Health Nurse Educator Experience Requirements

Occupational Health Nurse Educators typically need to have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience working as a registered nurse.

These professionals often have strong backgrounds in public health, community health, or critical care.

Entry-level candidates may have gained their experience through internships, residency programs or in a clinical nursing role.

They may have also worked as part of a multidisciplinary team, offering healthcare support and education to patients.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a solid background in occupational health and safety.

They may have worked in roles such as Occupational Health Nurse or Public Health Nurse.

Experience dealing with workplace hazards, health education, and preventive healthcare are usually required.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may have significant leadership experience.

They may have overseen nursing teams or designed and implemented health education programs.

At this stage, they may be ready for a senior Occupational Health Nurse Educator position or a role in management.

Further, some employers may require experience in a specific industry such as manufacturing, construction, or healthcare, where occupational health risks are more prevalent.

In all cases, continuous education and staying updated with the latest best practices in occupational health nursing are crucial for success in this role.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Educator Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Health Nurse Educators typically require a bachelor’s degree in nursing as a foundational requirement.

This is followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Following this, most roles require a master’s degree in nursing or a related field with a focus on occupational health.

The curriculum for such programs typically includes courses on workplace safety, health promotion, disease prevention, and research methods.

Registered nurses can further strengthen their credentials by becoming Certified Occupational Health Nurses (COHN), a certification provided by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN).

This certification requires a minimum of 3,000 hours of work experience in occupational health or a completion of a certificate program in occupational health nursing.

In addition to this, these professionals need to have strong communication skills, be proficient in adult learning theories, and have a thorough knowledge of occupational health nursing practices.

As with many healthcare roles, continuing education is vital due to constantly evolving medical knowledge and practices.

Occupational Health Nurse Educators often attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay up to date with the latest developments in occupational health.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Educator Salary Expectations

An Occupational Health Nurse Educator can expect to earn an average salary of $77,484 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors such as level of experience, qualifications, geographical location, and the organization they work for.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Educator Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Health Nurse Educator need?

An Occupational Health Nurse Educator should possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey health information and safety protocols to employees.

They also need to have good organizational skills to manage health education programs efficiently.

Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make quick decisions are crucial in emergency situations.

Moreover, they should have a sound knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations and practices.

 

Do Occupational Health Nurse Educators need a specific degree?

Yes, Occupational Health Nurse Educators typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at minimum, along with a Registered Nurse (RN) license.

Many employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in Nursing or Occupational Health.

Additional certifications in occupational health nursing or health education can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Health Nurse Educator resume?

Firstly, ensure they have the necessary education and licensure for the role.

Look for experience in occupational health and safety, teaching or training, and program development.

Additional certifications in occupational health or health education are also desirable.

Strong communication skills, experience in handling health emergencies, and familiarity with regulatory compliance are other key areas to consider.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Health Nurse Educator?

A good Occupational Health Nurse Educator has a passion for health education and a strong commitment to promoting workplace safety.

They are patient, empathetic, and possess excellent communication skills to effectively teach and motivate employees.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Health Nurse Educator?

Daily duties may include designing and implementing health and safety training programs, providing health education to employees, monitoring the workplace environment for health and safety concerns, and conducting health screenings.

They may also be responsible for managing emergency medical situations at the workplace, maintaining health records of employees, and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the roles and responsibilities of an occupational health nurse educator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about administering basic health care.

It’s about shaping the future of health and safety in the workplace, one health education session at a time.

With our handy occupational health nurse educator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every health education session is a part of a larger wellness initiative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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