Occupational health nurse jobs

In the realms of public health and medical care, occupational health nurses serve as influential leaders. They are experts in ensuring the health and safety of employees in the workplace.

Occupational health nurses are certified nurses who are also registered, and the majority of them have decided to specialize in community and public health nursing, for which they have received extra training and credentials (SCPHN - OHN). Because of the extra training they have received in public health, they are able to evaluate the health requirements of people, families, and the larger community as a whole in order to promote healthy living and avoid sickness.

You have to be registered on part 1 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register in order to practice as an occupational health nurse in the United Kingdom. It's possible that you're a registered midwife as well, which would put you on part 2 of the register. There is no need for anyone working in occupational health to have a nursing registration.

a day at the office

Occupational health nurses are responsible for ensuring that workers' health is protected and improved while they are on the job. They have frequent interactions with workers and are often questioned and confronted about matters pertaining to employees' health. Employees often see their occupational health nurse as a "first port of contact" and seek guidance from them on a variety of topics, including but not limited to the following:

a health issue that is unrelated to one's job

how to acquire the most credible guidance on a health concern or a personal issue while you are at home

workplace health and safety considerations

Your responsibilities will consist of:

recognizing and avoiding health issues that are caused by one's employment

fostering healthy living circumstances and safe working environments

gaining a grasp of the consequences of working on one's health as well as the implications of health on working

offering guidance on the administration of first aid

offering diagnostic and screening services for patients

surveillance of the workers and the workplace, as well as health needs assessments

the promotion of health

education and vocational instruction

counseling and assistance provided

risk assessment and risk management

wellness when travel

You may also be responsible for doing other clinical duties, such as monitoring patients' health, administering immunizations, and collecting blood samples.

You will have a tight working relationship with the line managers of the workers, the personnel of the human resource department, and the health and safety consultants in order to promote excellent health at work. You may be responsible for leading or working in a team alongside other occupational health professionals, such as physicians, physiotherapists, counselors, occupational psychologists, and mental health professionals. In this capacity, you may also be involved in the provision of mental health services.

Where will I get employment?

Your typical role will be that of a solo practitioner inside an organization or that of a member of a team providing occupational health services within the human resources department of an organization.

You have options for employment in a wide range of fields, such as the medical field, the educational system, legal practices, or airplanes. It's possible that you work for a big organization or business, such as the National Health Service (NHS), a local government, or a significant retail chain. There are some occupational health nurses who go on to create their own companies.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for positions in occupational health nursing, you need to be a registered nurse in the fields of adult, child, learning disability, or mental health nursing. You also have the option of enrolling in a certified program that specializes in occupational health nursing and community public health nursing (SCPHN - OHN). The prerequisites for participation in SCPHN-OHN programs are quite flexible, and a predetermined minimum amount of post-registration job experience is not needed to participate.

Submitting your resume to a big occupational health agency in hopes of landing a position there should help you get sufficient supervision and assistance. This is of utmost significance for those seeking their first position in the occupational health field.

In order to get your first job in occupational health nursing, it would be beneficial for you to have some knowledge or expertise in the following areas:

practicing general nursing, attending to patients in hospitals and emergency rooms, or doing both

public health and prevention of infection

counseling and mental health services

obtaining knowledge on applicable laws and regulations

administration of sick leave and absences

the creation of regulations for the management of physical labor and the rehabilitation of employees suffering from chronic diseases

assuming responsibilities as a safety spokesperson for the RCN