Occupational Health Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the need for Occupational Health Nurses is more crucial than ever.

As workplaces become more complex and employee health becomes increasingly important, the call for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our occupational health systems escalifies.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of occupational health nursing,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Occupational Health Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health Nurses are responsible for the health and safety of workers in an occupational environment.

They use their specialized knowledge to prevent and treat job-related injuries and illnesses, and to promote workers’ health.

The daily duties and responsibilities of an Occupational Health Nurse include:

• Assessing the health status of employees by conducting routine health screenings and examinations
• Developing and implementing workplace health and safety programs
• Providing emergency medical care and first aid to employees who become ill or injured at work
• Advising management on health and safety policies and standards
• Monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of health and safety programs and initiatives
• Assisting in the management of workers’ compensation claims
• Providing education and counseling to employees about health and wellness
• Responding to critical incidents at the workplace
• Working collaboratively with other health professionals to address health issues and promote wellness in the workplace
• Documenting all employee injuries and illnesses within the workplace

 

Occupational Health Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a competent Occupational Health Nurse to join our team.

The Occupational Health Nurse will be responsible for providing health and safety services to our employees, including preventive healthcare, first aid, health consultations, and health education.

This role requires a blend of skills, including nursing, health promotion, and health and safety.

The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in a similar role, be able to work independently, have excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to health and safety best practices.

 

Responsibilities

• Implementing health and safety programs and strategies in the workplace, promoting health and wellness
• Providing emergency treatment in case of workplace accidents or sudden illness
• Conducting health assessments and screenings
• Coordinating and delivering health education and training programs
• Providing counseling and support to employees
• Advising on work-related health issues and disease prevention
• Maintaining accurate medical records and ensuring confidentiality
• Liaising with management to develop policies for promoting a healthy, safe workplace
• Identifying workplace health hazards and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a valid nursing license
• Experience in occupational health and safety
• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks
• Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (COHN) will be a plus
• BSc degree in nursing or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health Nurse
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional field visits. This role may require handling emergency situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Health and Safety Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 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 Do?

Occupational Health Nurses are specialized healthcare professionals who work within a company or organization to promote health and safety in the workplace.

They aim to ensure that the working environment is safe and healthy for all employees.

They work with management to create health and safety programs, train employees about workplace safety, and implement strategies to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.

Occupational Health Nurses conduct workplace assessments to identify potential hazards, interpret health and safety legislation, and provide emergency care when necessary.

They may also manage workers’ compensation claims, rehabilitate workers who have been injured on the job, and support employees returning to work after an illness or injury.

They also play a significant role in health promotion by providing health education, screening, and disease prevention services to the employees.

This may include implementing wellness programs, providing vaccinations, or advising on proper nutrition and exercise.

In addition, Occupational Health Nurses often serve as a liaison between the employer and the employees, managing any health-related issues or concerns that arise in the workplace.

Their role is essential in maintaining a productive and safe work environment.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Occupational Health Nurses play a key role in maintaining workplace health and safety.

They require a unique set of skills and qualifications, such as:

• Registered Nurse (RN) license and a degree in nursing, with specialization or experience in occupational health nursing.
• Excellent clinical skills to provide proper healthcare services, such as first aid, health screening, immunizations, and health coaching to employees.
• Strong knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations and the ability to implement and monitor health and safety programs.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with employees, management, and other healthcare professionals. They should be able to educate employees about health and safety regulations, as well as the prevention of workplace hazards.
• Observational skills to recognize potential health and safety risks in the workplace environment and take appropriate actions.
• Problem-solving skills to address and manage health-related issues in the workplace.
• Administrative skills to maintain employee health records, prepare reports, and manage occupational health services.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Capacity to stay updated with the latest developments in occupational health and safety regulations and medical treatments.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Experience Requirements

Occupational Health Nurses generally begin their careers with a nursing degree and licensing as a Registered Nurse.

They must then gain clinical experience, often in community health, emergency care, or intensive care units.

This experience allows them to develop the necessary skills in patient care and assessment.

Entry-level Occupational Health Nurses may have 1 to 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting.

These professionals may also gain practical experience in roles such as Community Health Nurse, Emergency Care Nurse, or Intensive Care Nurse.

Those with 2 to 3 years of experience often have a solid foundation in healthcare and are ready to move into Occupational Health Nurse roles.

During this time, they may also achieve certification as an Occupational Health Nurse to further demonstrate their competence and commitment to the profession.

Occupational Health Nurses with more than 5 years of experience often have significant knowledge and skills in the field, including experience with health and safety regulations, workplace hazard assessment, and employee health education.

They may also have leadership experience, preparing them for roles such as Occupational Health Nurse Manager or Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

Continuing education and professional development are key in this role, as Occupational Health Nurses must stay abreast of the latest health and safety regulations, workplace hazards, and effective strategies for employee health promotion and illness prevention.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Becoming an Occupational Health Nurse typically requires obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university, which includes theoretical and clinical training.

In addition to the BSN, all states require nurses to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN).

Many Occupational Health Nurses also choose to pursue a Master’s degree in Nursing or Occupational Health, but this is not a strict requirement for all positions.

Specialty certification in Occupational Health Nursing (COHN or COHN-S) provided by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) is highly desirable and often required by employers.

This certification validates a nurse’s knowledge and expertise in the occupational health field.

Occupational Health Nurses must also possess a strong background in public health, emergency care, and treatment of workplace injury and illness.

They also need to stay updated with state and federal regulations regarding workplace health and safety, workers’ compensation, and disability management.

Continuous professional development and training in areas such as health promotion, risk management, and environmental health are also encouraged to enhance their skill set and knowledge base.

Having advanced degrees, certifications and additional training not only increases job prospects but also signifies a candidate’s dedication to the profession and their commitment to providing quality healthcare services in the occupational health field.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Salary Expectations

An Occupational Health Nurse earns an average salary of $77,460 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographical location, and the specific company of employment.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Job Description FAQs

What is the educational requirement for an Occupational Health Nurse?

To become an Occupational Health Nurse, one must first become a registered nurse (RN) by earning a diploma, associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

After gaining some experience, they may choose to pursue certification in occupational health nursing through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses.

 

What skills does an Occupational Health Nurse need?

Occupational Health Nurses should have excellent patient care skills, understanding how to handle a variety of health situations.

They should be able to educate patients on health, safety, and wellness.

In addition, they must have strong communication skills as they interact with employers, employees, and other healthcare professionals.

They also need strong problem-solving skills to identify health risks and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.

 

What are the typical duties of an Occupational Health Nurse?

Occupational Health Nurses are typically responsible for providing medical care to employees at a workplace.

This can include conducting health assessments, providing emergency care, advising on health and safety issues, managing health records, implementing health and safety programs, and conducting training sessions on health and safety topics.

They may also liaise with management to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Health Nurse?

A good Occupational Health Nurse is empathetic, patient, and has a genuine desire to improve the health and safety of employees.

They should have an understanding of both health care and business, and be able to balance the needs of both.

Strong communication skills are key, as they will need to liaise between employees, management, and other healthcare providers.

They should also be detail-oriented to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulations.

 

Is certification necessary for an Occupational Health Nurse?

While certification is not always required to practice as an Occupational Health Nurse, it can enhance job prospects and credibility.

The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses offers a Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) credential that is recognized by many employers.

To be eligible for certification, nurses typically must have some occupational health nursing experience.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we pulled back the veil on the vital role of an occupational health nurse.

Guess what?

It’s not just about administering medicine.

It’s about safeguarding the health and well-being of employees, one healthcare service at a time.

Our detailed occupational health nurse job description template and practical examples have you covered as you make your next career step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for creating precise job listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every healthcare service contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s ensure a healthier work environment. Together.

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