Occupational Health Nurse Career Overview | Nursejournal.org (2023)

FAQs

What is the job summary of an occupational health nurse? ›

BASIC DESCRIPTION

Occupational health nurses work in a variety of settings to keep workers healthy and to prevent work-related injuries. These nurses provide direct care services to employees on the job, host health promotion activities, and provide workers' compensation case management.

The major objective of any occupational health nursing service is to provide an adequate program for employees which will help them maintain the highest potential level of health and efficiency.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Occupational health nurses interact with others daily. Whether suggesting strategies for organization-wide improvements or delivering care to an injured employee, their interpersonal and communication skills make all the difference in how well they can do their jobs.

An occupational and environmental health nurse recognizes a range of practice issues and functions comfortably in roles as clinician, coordinator, and case manager following company procedures, utilizing assessment checklist and clinical protocols to provide treatment.

Workplace activities might include health and wellness, case management, ergonomics, workplace safety, infection control, disaster preparedness and others such as travel health. Occupational health nurses fill a variety of roles in their jobs, including clinicians, case managers, educators, directors and consultants.

“The occupational profile is a summary of a client's (person's, group's, or population's) occupational history and experi- ences, patterns of daily living, interests, values, needs, and relevant contexts” (AOTA, 2020, p. 21).

The focus in occupational health is on the three different objectives: (i) the maintenance and promotion of workers' health and working capacity; (ii) the improvement of working environment and work to become conducive to safety and health; and (iii) the development of work organizations and working cultures in a ...

A SMART goal is an acronym for a goal that consists of five different essential factors: Specific; measurable; attainable; relevant; and time-based. This is a great tool for occupational therapists and other health professionals when composing goals and checking that each goal contains all of the essential components.

These 5 domains are: Communication and Collaboration, Social Intelligence, Problem Solving and Conflict Management, Security and Safety, and Fairness and Integrity.

The sections cover the following essential skills for effective occupational therapy practice: clinical skills, management and leadership skills, evidence-based and research skills, and thinking, judgement and decision-making skills.

What are 3 skills you need to be a nurse? ›

Skills needed to be a nurse are important in various health care settings, from acute care to emergency rooms. Despite the field's diverse nature, all nursing specialties are bound by leadership, communication, problem-solving, analytical and teamwork skills.

The customary role of the occupational health nurse extends beyond emergency treatment and prevention of illness and injury and also includes the promotion and maintenance of health, overall risk management, care for the environment, and efforts to reduce health-related costs in business.

Occupational health nursing is best described as a specialty practice that focuses on: promoting, preventing, and restoring health within the context of a safe and healthy environment.

Occupational health nursing practice can be divided into three main categories: compliance, care, and health promotion. An occupational and environmental health nurse recently treated approximately 20 employees for hand injuries.

The science and practice of occupational health involves several disciplines, such as occupational medicine, nursing, ergonomics, psychology, hygiene, safety and other.

As an occupational nurse, also referred to as an occupational health nurse, your main responsibilities involve monitoring the health, well-being, and safety of the employees of your employer.

“Nurses work to heal people by providing direct care with a focus on medical issues that negatively impact people's lives,” says Roberts. “They are the beating heart of our healthcare system. In contrast, occupational therapists don't do things to people; we do things with people.”

“The occupational profile is a summary of a client's (person's, group's, or population's) occupational history and experi- ences, patterns of daily living, interests, values, needs, and relevant contexts” (AOTA, 2020, p. 21).

Reduced risk or accidents or injuries by identifying and mitigating hazards. Improved efficiency and productivity due to fewer employees missing work from illness or injury. Improved employee relations and morale (a safer work environment is a less stressful work environment)

What information can you learn from the occupation profile? ›

Each occupational profile describes the typical duties performed by the occupation, the work environment of that occupation, the typical education and training needed to enter the occupation, the median pay for workers in the occupation, and the job outlook over the coming decade for that occupation.

Some key concepts in OSH are: Occupational health and safety policy: policy to prevent work-related injury and ill health to worker(s) and to provide a safe and healthy workplace(s).

Answer & Explanation. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) became effective in 1970. Its primary goals are to foster safe and healthy workplaces and to encourage proactive education and outreach regarding these issues (Cihon & Cassandra, 2017).

Definition of Occupational Wellness

Occupational wellness allows you to explore various career options and encourages you to pursue the opportunities you enjoy the most. This dimension of wellness recognizes the importance of satisfaction, enrichment and meaning through work.

Short-term goals: Hone skills that support stability in your role, build time management skills, build strong work relationships. Long-term goals: Earn a specific salary, get a job with strong benefits, practice work-life balance, build a strong reputation at work.

Workplace hazards fall into six core types – safety, biological, physical, ergonomic, chemical and workload.

The four factors OSHA recommends include management commitment and employee involvement, worksite safety analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.

Research has found there are three basic categories of skills in the world: knowledges, transferable skills and self-management skills.

What are the four pillars of practice occupational therapy? ›

1.4 The Framework is structured around four interacting Pillars of Practice, namely: Professional Practice; Facilitation of Learning; Leadership; and Evidence, Research and Development.

Occupational skills are a set of knowledge and skills that employees need for a specific job or occupation. Employability skills or workplace skills prepare individuals for any job.

The key to being a successful nurse is communication.

Communication skills are one of the most important requirements of a nurse's job—both following directions and communicating with patients and families. Patients who are sick or suffering often are not in a position of strength to speak up for themselves.

The broad range of occupations is categorized in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4) as activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, health management, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.

Occupational therapy is unique because it helps people with disabilities improve their quality of life. It is a field that allows people with physical, cognitive, and communication impairments to do things they can do independently, like dress themselves or use a computer.

Example: "Passionate, responsible and knowledgeable occupational therapist with one year of experience seeking a full-time position with South Gilbert Hospital to increase my medical skills and expertise and create a larger professional network."

Nurses can experience extreme physical or mental burnout or exhaustion due to stressful working conditions, a major safety issue in nursing.

Occupational health nurses work to prevent, investigate, and treat workplace-related illnesses and injuries. To prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, occupational health nurses assess workplaces to identify possible hazards. These nurses also educate employers and employees on how to prevent accidents and injuries.

Occupational health nurses are registered nurses that focus on caring for the workforce. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), occupational health nurses work to assess workers' health status with respect to their job tasks and hazards.

Which is one of the most challenging areas for the occupational health nurse quizlet? ›

Corporations. Which of the following is one of the most challenging areas for the occupational health nurse (OHN)? Managing ethical conflicts between responsibilities to management and responsibilities to employees.

Planning. The first key component of any occupational health and safety (OHS) management system is planning. Whether you use a paper-based 'Safety Statement' or dedicated occupational health and safety (OHS) management software, planning should be front and centre of everything you do.

Which of the following is a unique characteristic of the role of the occupational health nurse? The occupational health nurse role is unique in that the nurse adapts to an agency's needs and to the needs of specific groups of workers (i.e., coal miners, word processors, health care workers).

What is a nursing resume summary? A nursing resume summary is a brief section at the top of your resume that highlights your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. Typically, this summary is between one to four sentences long, meaning it is important to be concise when writing yours.

Start with a well-written occupational therapy resume objective or professional summary. In your professional summary, explain the benefits of hiring you, including your work history, your personal qualities, and your skills. Be sure to note how you engage with and provide care for patients.

Registered Nurse responsibilities include:

Monitoring patient's condition and assessing their needs to provide the best possible care and advice. Observing and interpreting patient's symptoms and communicating them to physicians. Collaborating with physicians and nurses to devise individualized care plans for patients.

It was created in 1970 to protect the rights and safety of the workers. Its responsibilities are to encourage employees and employers to reduce workplace hazards, improve existing safety, and monitor job related injuries and illnesses.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) assures safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

Bringing experience, care, and extensive knowledge to help improve the lives of patients. * Compassionate and hard-working nurse looking for a position in a small-town hospital. Bringing my experience working in high-stress situations in the emergency room and other fields.

What is a good nursing objective for a resume? ›

To obtain a position in a Health Care Facility where I can utilize my skills, knowledge and experience to provide quality health care. Seeking a Registered nurse position which will give me an opportunity to expand my practical experience at the same time as providing quality health care to residents.

A healthcare resume objective or summary, also called a professional profile, is meant to be the resume's version of an elevator pitch. A short paragraph in length, it gives hospital hiring managers a brief glimpse into your medical background, healthcare skills, hospital experience, and career goals.

The Nurses' Health Study is a series of prospective studies that examine epidemiology and the long-term effects of nutrition, hormones, environment, and nurses' work-life on health and disease development.