Occupational health nurses provide health and safety programs for workers and communities, focusing on health promotion, illness and injury prevention, and protection from workplace and environmental hazards. They combine health care expertise with business knowledge to support safe, cost-effective work environments. These nurses collaborate with employers and employees to assess workplace health needs, coordinate services, promote prevention-focused programs, and encourage workers to manage their own health. They also monitor worker health, support interdisciplinary care, and conduct research on workplace exposures to improve safety and long-term health outcomes.

Education, Training and Experience

• Occupational health nurses must be licensed in the states where they practice.
• Most enter the field with a bachelor's degree in nursing and experience in areas such as community health, ambulatory care, critical care, or emergency nursing.
• Many pursue master's degrees in public health, advanced practice nursing, business, or related fields to enhance their skills.
• Certification is available through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses.
• To become certified, nurses must be an RN, meet education requirements, complete required occupational health work experience or training, and pass a certification exam.

Detailed Work Activities

• Occupational health nurses work in manufacturing plants, hospitals, medical centers, government, and other employment sectors.
• Their activities may include employee health and wellness, case management, ergonomics, workplace safety, infection control, disaster preparedness, and travel health.
• They serve in a variety of roles, such as clinicians, case managers, educators, directors, and consultants.
• Work schedules are typically Monday through Friday but can vary based on setting and job responsibilities.