Occupational health nurses specialize in injury and illness prevention.
Occupational health and safety nurses monitor emergency care services and work to prevent job-related illnesses and injuries. They aid employers in developing health and safety standards. Occupational nurses have extensive experience as registered nurses and are knowledgeable in the field of workmens' compensation. They usually specialize in specific fields like women's health or acute care.
Certified Nurse Practitioner
An occupational health nurse practitioner occupies the top tier of the nursing profession. Employers insist on a master's degree to qualify for the job. Nurse practitioners provide primary, ambulatory and inpatient care related to patients sustaining injuries and illnesses on the job. In addition to supervising treatment and therapy, nurse practitioners must be familiar with individual patients' workers' compensation cases and their fitness to return to work. Occupational health nurse practitioners also must be state certified. As of 2008, the median annual wage of a nurse practitioner was $62,450, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Trauma Care
Although many occupational health nurses work in clinical or campus settings, there is also a demand for nurses in critical and trauma care. Occupational health nurses specializing in trauma care must have a minimum of two years experience as a registered nurse in an emergency room or occupational health environment. The employee must assess patients' injuries or illnesses, plan care, intervene in patient care if necessary, incorporate infection control procedures and ensure continuity of patient care between hospitals or departments. In California, occupational health nurses in this field can earn as much as $73,000 annually, according to 2010 salary postings.
Supervisor
Occupational health nurse supervisors and managers supervise health programs and related fields. They consult employers, patients and outside medical providers. They work in a corporate setting instead of a hospital or clinic. The job is primarily administrative. Supervisors/managers must be adept in drug, alcohol and controlled substance testing and programs. They also must have extensive knowledge in managing work injury claims, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), crisis management, medical provider manager and health education and wellness programs. Employers seek nurses with at least five years experience in occupational health.
Private Employer
Employers, such as retailers and other private companies, may staff their own occupational health nurses to supervise injury and illness prevention. Employers expect staff occupational health nurses to control workmens' compensation expenses and health management programs. They supervise preliminary reports of employee injuries and illnesses and notify managers. The nurse is the front-line contact for all injured or ill employees to monitor and determine when they can return to work. The nurse also works with insurance providers and develops working relationships with occupational health clinics and physicians. Most employers in this field seek candidates with a bachelor of science degree and up to seven years experience in occupational health.
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