Occupational Health Nurse: Career, Training, & Certification

Occupational Health Nurse

One of the more diverse of the career possibilities within the field of nursing, occupational health nurses perform any tasks that can be related to the workplace and keeping workers safe and free from harm. This may include helping educate and prevent health problems that could stem from hazardous materials in the workplace, as well as treating any employees’ injuries or other health concerns. They could work in a hands-on clinical capacity, or their role could be more of a consultant or director to address health concerns within a company. This includes emergency preparedness, disaster planning, employee treatment, and emergency care for any job-related injuries. A very important part of any workplace, the occupational health nurse must obtain the training necessary to be able to plan ahead for injuries or other health hazards.
 
Salary Outlook
 
Salaries will vary slightly depending on education and experience.
 
Average Annual Salary
$63,472
 
Salary Range
$46,000-$87,500

Work Environment
 
This is a position that can be performed in a wide range of different work environments. These could include a clinical setting, such as a hospital or private practice. Other possible environments may or may not include a classroom, boardroom, or business setting, in a consultant capacity. While hours may vary, generally this is a Monday through Friday job, with regular work hours and a steady stream of activity, compared to the erratic hours of other nursing positions.
 
Requirements
 
The first step towards becoming an Occupational Health Nurse is to obtain a registered nursing license, or Bachelor’s of science in nursing degree. This is the bare minimum requirement for even beginning a program of occupational health. After this, the OHN training includes moving on to either a master’s or doctoral degree, depending on the level of training that a person is interested in and where they envision their career going in the future. The final requirement that is required by almost all states is to pass the national certification exam, to become an official Certified Occupational Health Nurse.
 
Career Outlook
 
The job outlook of those in this field has been rated “excellent,” and shows no sign of slowing any time soon. Because the workplace can be hazardous, especially in industrial environments or factories, most employers would rather keep an occupational health nurse on their team rather than risk being sued by workers after disaster strikes later on. The role of education is also extremely important, and makes sure that there are fewer emergencies in the workplace, as well as more qualified nurses in the field.
 
Professional Organizations
 
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
AAOHN National Office
7794 Grow Drive
Pensacola, FL 32514
Phone: (800) 241-8014
www.aaohn.org
 
National League for Nursing
61 Broadway, 33rd Floor
New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 363-5555
www.nln.org