Employees’ wellbeing the workplace should be top priority to ensure it doesn’t affect the organization’s productivity. Hence, it’s vital for a business to have occupational health nurses. But, finding the right candidate that has the needed qualifications and skills can be a daunting task. So, here is the job description template that you can use and customize to your business needs.
Occupational Health Nurse Job Description
In the role of an Occupational Health Nurse, your primary responsibility is to advocate for and sustain the health, safety, and overall welfare of employees within the workplace. This entails a pivotal role in the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses, the delivery of healthcare services, and the assurance of adherence to occupational health and safety standards. Your collaborative efforts with employers, employees, and fellow healthcare practitioners will be instrumental in fostering a secure and health-conscious work environment.
Occupational Health Nurse Responsibilities
- Identify potential health risks in the workplace, such as exposure to chemicals, ergonomic issues, and physical dangers.
- Create and put into action health and safety programs and policies to reduce workplace risks and encourage employee well-being.
- Conduct routine health checks and screenings to track employees' health and detect job-related health concerns.
- Offer initial aid and emergency care for injured or unwell employees, including assessment, wound care, and referring them to suitable healthcare providers.
- Collaborate with management, HR, and safety personnel to investigate and assess workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses, and develop strategies to prevent future incidents.
- Deliver health education and training programs to employees on topics like injury prevention, stress management, and ergonomics to foster a culture of safety.
- Administer immunizations, vaccinations, and screenings to ensure compliance with occupational health standards and regulations.
- Maintain confidential and precise health records for employees, adhering to legal and ethical requirements.
- Offer counseling and support to employees dealing with work-related health conditions, disabilities, or injuries to facilitate their return to work.
- Stay current with occupational health and safety regulations, guidelines, and best practices to ensure compliance and provide accurate advice and recommendations to employers and employees.
Occupational Health Nurse Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of occupational health and safety principles, regulations, and best practices.
- Excellent assessment and diagnostic skills to identify and address occupational health risks and issues.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with employees at all levels and promote a culture of safety.
- Ability to develop and deliver health education and training programs to a diverse workforce.
- Proficient in conducting health screenings, immunizations, and administering first aid.
- Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Attention to detail to maintain accurate health records and documentation.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to address complex occupational health issues.
- Knowledge of relevant software and technology to manage health records and data effectively.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing or a related field. A Master's degree in Occupational Health Nursing is preferred.
- Current and valid nursing license in the jurisdiction of practice.
- Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (COHN) or equivalent is highly desirable.
- Previous experience in occupational health nursing or a related field is preferred.
- Knowledge of local and national occupational health and safety regulations.
- CPR and first aid certification.
- Excellent understanding of medical confidentiality and privacy laws.
- Strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
- Ability to travel to different worksites as required.
- Strong ethical conduct and commitment to patient confidentiality and privacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the job description template for an Occupational Health Nurse highlights the vital role they play in promoting the health and safety of employees within a workplace. Their responsibilities range from conducting health assessments and screenings to providing first aid and emergency response. This template serves as a valuable resource for organizations looking to hire Occupational Health Nurses, outlining the key skills and qualifications required for the role.