An occupational health nurse (OHN) is a registered nurse (RN) who provides care to employees in the workplace. Their mission is to keep workers healthy and prevent accidents. Nursing offers many specialties, making it appealing for individuals who appreciate choice. Occupational health nursing is well-suited for those drawn to risk mitigation, preventive care, and independent practice.

Pacific Lutheran University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program helps career changers and transfer students enter nursing sooner. Students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing credits can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months after completing any required prerequisites. During the program, you will develop the core competencies needed by an occupational health nurse.

Before deciding if this specialty fits your goals, consider questions like, “What does an occupational health nurse do?” and “What are the career requirements?”

What Is Occupational Health Nursing?

An occupational health nurse promotes health and treats workers’ acute injuries and illnesses. They ensure workplaces comply with safety regulations and provide needed resources and personal protective equipment (PPE). When injuries or illnesses occur, OHNs provide care or refer patients to physicians.

What is occupational health nursing’s history? Occupational health nursing is not new. The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) traces its U.S. origins to 1888, when nurse Betty Moulder cared for Pennsylvania coal miners. Today, employers recognize that employee health drives productivity, so they hire OHNs to manage health and reduce workplace risks. This creates opportunities for nurses who enjoy preventive and acute care.

An occupational health nurse practices in a variety of settings, including construction sites, manufacturing plants, warehouses, fulfillment centers, and meat processing facilities. Large corporations in technology, retail, and service sectors also employ OHNs. Others work in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and consulting firms.

What Does an Occupational Health Nurse Do?

An OHN serves as a consultant, administrator, caregiver, and educator. They may handle the following responsibilities:

• Mental health support: OHNs provide support when employees experience mental health challenges at work.
• Documentation: OHNs maintain health records, fulfill Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) documentation requirements, and manage workers’ compensation and disability claims.
• Preventive health: OHNs encourage healthy habits like balanced nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation, and stress management. They also conduct screenings to assess employees’ fitness for specific roles.
• Treatment: Diagnose and treat work-related illnesses and injuries, including wound care, and develop care plans.
• Workplace hazards: Assess environmental risks, collect health data, and advocate for policies that prevent illness and injury.
• Workplace programs: Develop programs that raise awareness of injury risks and train workers to use PPE properly.

To succeed in these varied roles, OHNs benefit from the following skills:

• Acute care
• Communication skills
• Crisis intervention
• Hazard identification and risk mitigation
• Interpersonal skills
• Patient assessment
• Patient education
• Problem-solving skills

How to Become an Occupational Health Nurse: Step-by-Step

If this specialty appeals to you, explore these steps to become an occupational health nurse.

Earn a BSN

At Pacific Lutheran University, you can earn your BSN in as few as 16 months. Coursework covers pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessments, and mental health care. You will complete interactive online nursing courses, participate in hands-on nursing skills and simulation labs, and complete clinical rotations at nearby health care facilities.

Pass the NCLEX-RN

After earning your BSN, you must pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam to obtain your nursing license. Pacific Lutheran prepares students thoroughly for this exam.

Gain Clinical Experience at the Bedside

Once licensed, you can begin your nursing career. Occupational health nursing is not an entry-level role; employers typically seek nurses with about five years of experience as the role involves a high degree of autonomy.

Gaining acute care experience in intensive care, medical-surgical units, emergency departments, or urgent care settings can help you qualify.

How to Get Certified as an Occupational Health Nurse

Certification is not mandatory, but some employers prefer or require it. Earning certifications can enhance your career prospects.

The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN) offers the Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) credential, which emphasizes clinical practice, and the Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S), which focuses on administration.

Occupational Nursing Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish statistics specific to occupational nurses, but it projects a 5% job growth for RNs from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 166,100 additional RN jobs during that period.

Begin Your Path in Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University streamlines the transition to nursing for career changers and transfer students. We offer an Accelerated BSN program, a traditional BSN, and graduate-level nursing programs. Students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing credits may be eligible to apply.

Our ABSN learning site near Seattle features state-of-the-art nursing skills and simulation labs. Students complete clinical placements at leading health care facilities in areas such as community and adult health.

Request information to speak with an admissions representative today to begin your nursing career change.