Occupational health nurses play a vital role in workplace wellness by treating and preventing worker illness and injury. As industries continue to grow their workforce, the need for educated nursing professionals who can manage health programs, ensure safety compliance and promote employee wellness is becoming increasingly important.
To meet the need for advanced education and clinical expertise, online nursing programs, like St. Thomas University’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP) program, helps working nurses transition into this career by providing a flexible pathway to advance their role. This guide explores what it means to be an occupational health nurse, the career outlook for the profession and how further education can help open the door to leadership roles in the field.
What Does an Occupational Health Nurse Do?
The role of an occupational health nurse is to ensure workers’ health and safety while at work. They work as administrators, educators and consultants who identify, assess and manage work-related illnesses and injuries. In collaboration with other healthcare professionals, business managers and government officials, they develop and implement strategies to prevent hazards, promote wellness and ensure compliance with workplace regulations.
Along with treating injuries and illnesses, occupational health nurses conduct health screenings, administer immunizations and educate employees on workplace safety policies. They work in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Medical clinics
- Production departments
- Government offices
- Corporate headquarters
- Construction sites
- Manufacturing plants
How to Become an Occupational Health Nurse
Becoming an occupational health nurse requires a combination of education, experience and certification. First, you must become a licensed registered nurse (RN) by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. After obtaining an RN license, graduates often work in settings such as emergency care, community health or critical care to gain clinical nursing experience that many employers seek.
While not required, many occupational health nurses pursue additional education and certification to stand out in the job market. Completing a Master of Science in Nursing helps aspiring nurses qualify for high-level roles. Obtaining professional credentials from the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN), such as Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) and Certified Occupational Health Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S), helps demonstrate advanced expertise and opens the door to more career opportunities.
Essential Skills for Occupational Health Nurses
Succeeding as an occupational health nurse requires a strong combination of soft and technical skills, including:
- Clinical expertise: Experience performing health evaluations, diagnosing workplace conditions and determining treatment needs
- Emergency response: Providing first aid, CPR and urgent care for workplace injuries and illnesses
- Health screening and testing: Conducting physical exams, administering immunizations and performing drug screenings
- Communication: Explaining health information, diagnoses and treatment plans to employees, managers and officials
- Problem-solving: Developing plans to prevent or manage workplace health risks and creating quick treatment plans for urgent matters
- Empathy: Offering thoughtful, compassionate care for workers or other individuals in stressful situations
Career Outlook for Occupational Health Nurses
With an aging population and growing workforce health concerns, the demand for occupational health nurses is expected to continue rising across the United States. Industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare and government have a growing need for experienced professionals who can implement wellness and safety plans to keep their workers safe and compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
The job outlook for occupational health nurses is strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting employment for registered nurses to grow 6% by 2032. The median salary for registered nurses is $93,600, with higher earning potential for those holding advanced degrees, like an MSN, and certifications like COHN and COHN-S.
Why Should You Choose STU for Your Online Nursing Degree?
St. Thomas University’s Family Nurse Practitioner MSN online program is designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers in fields such as occupational health nursing. With flexible scheduling and multiple start dates throughout the year, students can complete the program at their own pace, without having to put their personal and professional lives on hold.
With accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this MSN degree program provides a high-quality pathway for nurses to enhance their skills and knowledge, qualifying them for leadership roles. Students learn from expert faculty, develop the tools to become thoughtful, transformative nursing leaders, and apply their nursing practitioner skills to real-world healthcare settings.
Explore STU’s Online Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner Program
As expanding industries continue to prioritize worker health and safety, the demand for occupational health nurses is growing rapidly. By preventing workplace injuries, providing emergency care and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, these nurses create a meaningful impact that promotes safer work environments and overall wellness.
STU’s online nursing programs make the pathway to occupational health nursing careers more accessible by providing working nurses with the ability to advance their education on a flexible schedule. Graduates complete programs with the clinical expertise, leadership skills and confidence to excel in their nursing careers.
To learn more or apply for STU’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN online program, contact the admissions office today. With a flexible online learning environment, industry-recognized faculty and ongoing assistance, STU supports your career every step of the way.
