Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this modern era, the role of Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners is becoming increasingly significant.

As the health sector continues to evolve and the need for specialized professionals grows, the demand for skilled practitioners who can safeguard and promote the health of employees in various work environments is more crucial than ever.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager sculpting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the essential role of occupational health nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we are presenting a customizable Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners are specialized healthcare professionals who focus on promoting health and safety in the workplace.

They work to prevent job-related injuries and illnesses, and to ensure the health of employees through education, treatment, and emergency care.

Here are some of their key duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct employee health assessments, including physical examinations and medical history reviews
• Develop and implement workplace health and safety programs
• Provide emergency care and first aid to employees who have been injured or fallen ill at work
• Advise management on policies and programs to improve workplace health and safety
• Educate employees on health, safety, and wellness topics, such as stress management and ergonomics
• Coordinate health promotion activities, such as health screenings and immunization clinics
• Work with other healthcare professionals and safety specialists to manage employee health issues
• Monitor and manage the health status of workers who are returning to work after illness or injury
• Advocate for employees’ rights to safe and healthy work environments
• Keep detailed records of employee health assessments and treatments

 

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

The ideal candidate will provide health care services to employees or individuals at the workplace and collaborate with business leaders and safety managers to create a culture of safety and well-being.

As an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner, you should have extensive experience in occupational health, and you will be responsible for medical surveillance, injury prevention, wellness programs, and managing work-related injuries and illnesses.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and treat work-related injuries and illnesses
• Perform pre-employment and periodic health assessments
• Develop and manage workplace wellness programs
• Contribute to health and safety risk assessments
• Provide health education and counseling
• Collaborate with business leaders and safety managers to promote a healthy workplace
• Document and maintain accurate medical records
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information

 

Qualifications

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Master’s Degree in Nursing
• Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (COHN) or similar is preferred
• Proven work experience as an Occupational Health Nurse or similar role
• Knowledge of workplace health and safety concepts and OSHA regulations
• Proficiency in electronic medical records software
• Excellent communication and counseling skills

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner
• Work Environment: Healthcare setting or corporate environment
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Occupational Health Manager
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $90,000 minimum to $120,000 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 Practitioner Do?

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners (OHNP) typically work in healthcare environments such as hospitals, clinics, or corporate health departments of large businesses.

Their primary role is to ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace.

They do this by conducting health assessments, treating workplace injuries, providing emergency care, and promoting health and wellness among employees.

OHNPs work closely with employers to develop health and safety policies in compliance with government regulations, and they may also be involved in implementing wellness programs in the workplace.

They are trained to assess and monitor the physical and mental health of employees, and provide appropriate referrals when necessary.

They also play a key role in managing occupational diseases and injuries, and are involved in the rehabilitation of workers who have been injured at work.

In addition, OHNPs may also offer counseling and education services to employees on various health-related topics such as stress management, nutrition, and exercise.

In the event of a workplace accident or emergency, OHNPs are often the first healthcare professionals on the scene, providing immediate care and coordinating further medical treatment.

Overall, the role of an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner is to promote a safe and healthy work environment, preventing health issues before they occur, and managing those that do.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner Qualifications and Skills

An occupational health nurse practitioner should have the skills and qualifications that correspond with the position’s requirements, including:

• Advanced knowledge in occupational health and safety, capable of identifying health hazards in the workplace and providing suitable solutions.
• Excellent assessment skills to conduct comprehensive health assessments for employees, identifying potential health issues and recommending appropriate treatment plans.
• Strong communication skills for efficiently liaising with employers, employees and other healthcare professionals, explaining health risks and promoting health education in the workplace.
• Exceptional case management abilities, including the ability to manage injuries and illness, rehabilitate workers, and ensure a smooth return to work process.
• Ability to develop and implement health and safety programs, including wellness initiatives, first aid procedures, and emergency preparedness plans.
• Comprehensive understanding of medical laws and ethics to ensure all practices are compliant with relevant regulations and standards.
• Proficiency in using medical software for record keeping and report generation.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with a diverse group of employees and managers.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner Experience Requirements

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners are usually required to first become Registered Nurses (RN) through a diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree program.

During these programs, students gain practical nursing experience through clinical rotations.

After becoming a RN, the individual would typically gain experience for at least two years in the nursing field, with a preference for experience in public health, ambulatory care, acute care, or emergency room care.

Following this, the person must complete a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) program with a specialty in occupational health nursing.

This advanced degree usually involves clinical practicum hours in occupational health settings, providing significant hands-on experience.

After the MSN, many choose to obtain certification as an Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) or an Occupational Health Nurse Specialist (COHN-S), which may require further work experience in the occupational health field.

Overall, experience in a variety of health settings, a deep understanding of occupational health, and strong nursing skills are necessary for an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner role.

Employers may require at least 5-7 years of nursing experience, with a significant portion of that in occupational health.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner Education and Training Requirements

Becoming an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as a minimum educational qualification.

This is typically followed by obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) license, which involves passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Further education in the form of a Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in occupational health nursing is recommended.

These programs typically cover advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and occupational health concepts.

In addition to academic qualifications, candidates must also pass a national certification exam, such as the one offered by the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) to become a Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S).

Work experience in a clinical nursing setting is often required, and experience specifically in occupational health nursing is highly advantageous.

Continuing education and professional development activities are also important, as the occupational health field is continually evolving.

These could include attending workshops, webinars, and conferences or undertaking additional certifications.

Some states may have additional requirements, and as such, prospective Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners should check with their state’s nursing board for specific licensure requirements.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner Salary Expectations

An Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner can expect to earn an average salary of $110,076 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience, the level of education, geographical location, and the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner Job Description FAQs

What are some necessary skills for an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner?

An Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner should have excellent clinical skills to provide comprehensive healthcare and emergency treatment in a workplace setting.

They should also have strong communication skills to effectively educate employees on health and safety measures, and to coordinate with management and other healthcare professionals.

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills are also crucial in this role.

 

What qualifications does an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner need?

An Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner must have a registered nurse (RN) license and a Master’s degree in nursing.

They typically also need certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.

Some employers may require additional certification in occupational health nursing.

 

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

Check for a registered nurse (RN) license and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certification, as well as a Master’s degree in nursing.

Look for experience in occupational health, especially in a similar industry setting.

Additional qualifications, such as certifications in occupational health nursing, can also be beneficial.

 

What are typical duties of an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner?

An Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner’s duties may vary depending on the workplace, but they typically include providing healthcare services and emergency treatment to employees, conducting health assessments, managing and coordinating disability and return-to-work programs, and educating employees on health and safety measures.

They may also be involved in implementing wellness programs and monitoring the workplace for health hazards.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner?

A good Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner is detail-oriented and can multitask effectively, allowing them to manage various health and safety programs simultaneously.

They should be compassionate and empathetic, which helps when providing healthcare services and counseling to employees.

They should also be proactive and have good leadership skills, which are crucial when implementing health and safety measures and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the intricate details of being an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner.

Guess what?

It’s not just about medical procedures.

It’s about safeguarding the wellbeing of employees, one health assessment at a time.

With our comprehensive Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully prepared to make your next move.

But why not go further?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precise job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every health assessment contributes to a healthier and safer workplace.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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