Occupational Health Nurse Job Description
Occupational Health Nurses are responsible for diagnosing or treating patients who happened to become injured on the job.
These Nurses assist patients with information that pertains to short-term disability claims and workers compensation claims. Occupational Health Nurses provide and execute health and safety programs for workers, worker populations, and community groups.
Typical duties of Occupational Health Nurses often include many of the following:
- Administrative responsibilities
- Educating employers and employees on workplace safety and other issues
- Assisting with pre-employment tests
- Physicals
- Screenings
- Conducting vision and hearing tests
- Administering immunizations
- Handling case management for workers compensation claims
- Assisting physicians
- Collecting samples
- Administering medications and tests
- Organizing health and wellness programs
The role of an Occupational Health Nurse greatly depends on education preparation, work experience, job position, and the areas market demand. Without a masters degree, an Occupational Health Nurse will perform more clinical or direct care functions or services.
Masters-educated Nurses often function in managerial roles across several departments, including human resources, legal services, and much more.
These highly skilled professionals help maximize employee productivity, and for that have little trouble finding organizations to work with. These Nurses reduce costs by effectively lowering disability claims and reducing on-the-job injuries and absenteeism, which improves overall employee health and safety.