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HomeTopics...Types Of NursingOccupational Health Nursing
Occupational Health NursingOccupational health nursing can be the perfect practice for those looking to make budget cuts or who want to consistently deal with the same group of patients.
Occupational Health Nurses (OHN) vs. Registered Nurses (RN)A registered nurse must be licensed by the state in which he or she practices. Becoming an RN is actually the first step in entering the occupational nursing field. Most occupational health nursing jobs require specialization in a certain field. For example, if you're an OHN for a construction company, employers will likely require you to know about occupational hazards specific to construction workers. Most occupational health nursing jobs also require applicants to have management skills and additional medical knowledge.
Increasing healthcare costs have made employers understand the importance of better managing the health of its staff before illnesses occur. Corporations rely on OHNs to help improve their bottom line by developing and implementing occupational health service programs to ensure better employee health and safety. Programs covered by employer health plans can include:
How to Become an Occupational Health NurseWhile you can become an occupational health nurse without earning a specific certification, education is the path to a better salary and more diversified employment opportunities. Occupational health nursing jobs are available in many fields, including but not limited to corporations, factories and even hospitals. Positions include:
Larger companies typically keep a head nurse or a staff of occupational nurses to treat company employees.
Staff nurses implement company policy and treat employees on a daily basis. Head nurses who manage larger staffs of occupational nurses have the added responsibility of analyzing which policies will be effective in creating a healthful change in the work environment. They must then train and manage their staff nurses in these policies. Choosing a specialty and taking degree courses to get certified can help you further your career in occupational nursing.
Looking for a school that focuses on this subject?
Here is a list of institutions and the number of programs they offer.
Certification and Academic PreparationThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers a comprehensive state-by-state database of academic degree programs and research programs in:
You can also get certified to be an occupational nurse through the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN). Requirements to receive Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialty (COHN-S) certification include:
Occupational Nursing Salary ExpectationsOccupational health nurses have more flexibility in their work-life balance and salary than registered nurses. Jobs are available on both a staff and freelance basis. In many cases, occupational health nurses earn more than staff RNs when actual hours worked and benefits packages are taken into consideration.
Based on data from HR departments nationally, the median salary for a head nurse in the occupational health nursing field is $71,000. Staff nurses can expect an average salary of $63,000. Benefits for both positions may include 401K, health insurance and paid vacation. Actual salaries vary depending on a nurse's level of education and experience.
Do you have a program in mind?
Research different schools that offer any of the below programs with the links below. Bachelor's Programs
Master's Programs
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