Occupational Health Nurse Career Overview
Occupational health nurses (OHNs) perform various roles as caregivers, administrators, educators, and consultants. Depending on their workplace, these registered nurses (RNs) collaborate with healthcare professionals, business and human resources managers, government officials, and security specialists. An OHN provides programs and services to create and sustain healthy and safe workplaces. These RNs assess risks, promote wellness, prevent illness and injury, and safeguard employees from work-related or environmental hazards.
How long to become: 4-8 years
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Job outlook: 7% growth from 2019-2029
Average earning potential: $83,000
SOURCE: American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
What Does an Occupational Health Nurse Do?
To become an OHN, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required, and certification is optional.
OHNs perform diverse roles such as caregivers, administrators, educators, and consultants, collaborating with healthcare professionals, business and human resources managers, government officials, and security specialists. Their key responsibilities include:
Primary Responsibilities
1. Case management for insurance claims, workers’ compensation, and disability benefits.
2. Counseling, crisis intervention, and employee assistance programs.
3. Health and wellness promotion and development of risk reduction strategies.
4. Legal and regulatory compliance.
5. Hazard detection and risk assessment in workplaces.
Key Skills
– Interest in health and safety issues.
– Problem-solving, communication, and teaching skills.
– Ability to work with diverse populations and in risky environments.
Where Do Occupational Health Nurses Work?
RNs can find OHN jobs in clinical and nonclinical settings, including hospitals and medical clinics, manufacturing and production departments, and government agencies.
Why Become an Occupational Health Nurse?
While not as widely recognized as other nursing specialties, a career as an OHN offers significant personal and professional fulfillment by promoting wellness and safety in diverse work environments.
Advantages to Becoming an OHN
– Rewarding collaborations with healthcare professionals, health and safety specialists, and business managers.
– Career opportunities in less stressful nonclinical environments.
– More focus on preventive care and wellness.
Disadvantages to Becoming an OHN
– Slower job growth compared to other nursing specialties.
– Additional skills and training required beyond RN licensure.
– Potential exposure to dangerous work environments.
– Physically taxing work requiring standing and walking for inspections and assessments.
– Less recognition in the nursing profession than other specialties.
How to Become an Occupational Health Nurse
1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
– Traditional BSN takes four years, compared to two years for an ADN.
– Accelerated RN-to-BSN programs or bridge programs may shorten the time needed.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive RN licensure.
– OHNs must hold a valid RN license in the state where they intend to practice.
3. Gain experience in occupational health nursing.
– OHN positions usually require approximately five years of medical/surgical or intensive care nursing experience.
4. Consider becoming a certified occupational health nurse.
– Although voluntary, the certified occupational health nurse (COHN) or the certified occupational health nurse-specialist (COHN-S) credential may enhance hiring prospects and career opportunities.
How Much Do Occupational Health Nurses Make?
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t offer specific data for Occupational Health Nurses (OHNs), it anticipates about 175,900 job opportunities for all Registered Nurses (RNs) between 2019 and 2029. According to a 2018 compensation survey by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, OHN salaries have increased by 11% since 2013, with an average approaching $87,000 in 2018.
Compensation varies based on certification and degree. Those with COHN-S and COHN-S/Case Manager certifications have notably higher salaries, earning $95,150 and $97,150 annually, respectively. OHNs holding a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can expect yearly salaries exceeding $100,000.
Opportunities for Career Advancement
To comply with U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, industries are increasingly implementing workplace wellness and safety plans. This has led to a rise in the hiring of on-site OHNs to ensure compliance, reduce injury-related costs, and minimize workers’ compensation and disability claims.
Certifications like COHN, graduate degrees, and advanced practice RN training prepare OHNs for rewarding career paths. These credentials equip candidates for management roles, where they implement health and safety protocols, manage budgets for programs and staff, and take supervisory positions in case management, overseeing policies and claims. As consultants, OHNs conduct research and advise corporate clients on disease prevention, emergency preparedness, or legislative compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to become an OHN?
Prospective OHNs typically earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), taking up to four years in a traditional program, and then apply for an RN license. A master’s or doctoral program requires an additional 2-5 years of study. Employers often prefer hiring nurses with occupational health certifications that demand a minimum of 3,000 clinical hours.
2. What is the difference between COHN and COHN-S certification?
COHN focuses primarily on clinical practice, benefiting nurses spending more than 50% of their time providing direct patient care. COHN-S certification is for those engaging in management and administrative practice, involving policy development, program planning, and budget and fiscal areas.
3. Can an LPN/LVN be an OHN?
An LPN/LVN can work as an OHN only under an RN or a medical supervisor. These positions require a high school diploma and completion of an approved LPN/LVN program. While LPNs/LVNs may find opportunities in occupational health, employers usually prefer COHN-certified RNs with BSNs or graduate degrees.
4. What types of nursing experience are essential for OHNs?
OHNs typically enter the field after earning an undergraduate nursing degree or gaining clinical experience in areas like ambulatory care, critical care, emergency nursing, or community health. Some OHNs pursue a master’s or doctoral degree to enhance their competencies in advanced practice nursing, public health, and business.
Resources for Occupational Health Nurses
– American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN)
– A professional association providing education, research, public policy information, and resources for occupational and environmental health nurse practice. Members enjoy networking opportunities, updates on industry trends, and access to webinars and digital collections addressing various issues.
– AAOHN Career Center
– The official online Career Center offering professional services for job seekers and employers. Members benefit from job coaching, assistance with reference checking, resume writing, and creating LinkedIn profiles. They can post resumes, apply for jobs, and receive job alerts.
– American Board for Occupational Health Nursing (ABOHN)
– The sole independent certification board for OHNs, establishing professional standards and administering COHN, COHN-S, and case manager credentials. ABOHN also posts job opportunities for employers seeking board-certified OHNs.
– OSHA’s Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN)
– A division of OSHA, assisting employers in compliance with regulations. OOMN administers the OSHA Medical Examination Program for compliance officers and clinical programs for physicians and RNs.
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