Occupational health nurses (OHNs) hold comprehensive responsibilities aimed at protecting and promoting the well-being of employees in the workplace. Their primary duties include:
- Workplace hazard detection and risk assessment: OHNs monitor, identify, and analyze workplace hazards, utilizing research and data to implement ongoing control and preventive measures[1].
- Injury and illness case management: They act as case managers for both work-related and non-work-related injuries and illnesses, overseeing cases involving short- and long-term disability, group health, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and workers’ compensation[1].
- Risk reduction and prevention: OHNs design and implement programs to reduce workplace risks and encourage healthy lifestyle and workplace practices[1][3].
- Direct clinical care: They assess and treat work-related injuries and illnesses, administer medications and immunizations, provide first aid, and refer to further care when necessary[4][5].
- Health screenings: OHNs conduct pre-employment, periodic, and ongoing health screenings (such as drug and alcohol testing, physical exams, hearing and vision tests) to ensure employees’ fitness for duty[1][3].
- Health education and counseling: They offer counseling on workplace injuries, illnesses, substance use, wellness, and psychosocial concerns, sometimes coordinating with psychologists or employee assistance programs[1][7].
- Rehabilitation therapy: OHNs provide or coordinate rehabilitative care for employees recovering from workplace injuries or exposures[1].
- Health promotion and wellness: These nurses develop health and wellness initiatives, such as immunization drives, chronic disease monitoring, stress management, smoking cessation, nutrition, weight control, and exercise programs[1][6].
- Policy and regulatory compliance: They develop and implement workplace health and safety policies, ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulations, and maintain required documentation and records[1][5][7].
- Emergency response preparedness: OHNs develop and coordinate emergency response plans for health incidents or workplace accidents[6].
- Workplace accommodation and return-to-work: They evaluate employees with medical limitations, recommend job placements, and coordinate return-to-work programs[1][6].
- Training and education: OHNs develop and deliver health and safety training for employees, supervisors, and managers[4][6].
- Multidisciplinary collaboration: They work closely with healthcare professionals, safety officers, human resources, and external agencies to address occupational health issues[6].
- Confidentiality: OHNs are responsible for maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of employee health information, adhering to ethical and legal standards[1].
These roles may vary depending on the industry, company size, and specific hazards employees face.
References
- [1] What Is an Occupational Health Nurse? (Duties and Salary) – Indeed
- [3] What Does an Occupational Health Nurse Do? – Northeastern ABSN
- [4] Occupational Health Nurse: Duties, Salary & How to Become
- [5] The Role of Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) – CareRev
- [6] What Is an Occupational Health Nurse? – IntelyCare
- [7] AAOHN > Practice > Become an Occupational Health Nurse
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