Taking care of the sick, injured, convalescent or disabled is what the Registered Nurse does. It is their job every day to assess, plan, intervene, implement and evaluate, under general supervision, and according to the established practices and philosophy, to provide a climate which optimizes patient care. RN’s collaborate with other professionals to achieve desired patient outcomes through effective care and treatment. Registered Nurses need communication skills to interact with patients and family members while maintaining professional nursing standards. Travel assignments and jobs are available as the healthcare field continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists nursing as a top ten occupations with largest job growth. Travel nursing can allow you to see other areas you have always thought of visiting. Work in a great environment of your choice and enjoy visiting the area in your free time.

Occupational Health RNs are nurses specializing in job-related wellness and health issues. Observation and assessment of workers health related to their required job tasks and possible hazards is key to working toward preventing any negative health effects from dangerous exposures. In some industries such as construction, manufacturing and meat packing, the RN may treat the worker’s illness or injury. Occupational Health Registered Nurses may spend many hours standing and may need to help move or lift patients.

The Occupational Health RN works with employers to develop business-compatible, innovative safety and health programs for each organization’s unique type of work, workforce and community environments. They promote an interdisciplinary approach to health care and are advocates for the employee’s right to prevention-oriented, cost-effective health and safety programs.

There are extremely diverse roles available in this profession covering any and all issues related to Occupational Health and Safety. The OH RN may work as a clinician, an educator, a case manager, a corporate director or a consultant.

A broad array of responsibilities for the nurse might include:

• Environmental health
• Emergency preparedness and disaster planning
• Disease management
• Emergency care for job-related illness or injury
• Employee treatment, follow-up and/or referrals
• Go-to person for health related information
• Rehabilitation and returning to work issues

The Occupational Health RN will develop health education and disease management programs to encourage workers to improve their own health. Programs may consist of stop smoking, fitness and exercise, nutrition and weight control, control of chronic illnesses and stress management.

Corporations and organizations have good reason to hire the Occupational Health RN. These highly skilled health professionals help reduce costs by effectively lowering disability claims, maximizing employee productivity, reducing on the job injuries and absenteeism, and improving the worker’s health and safety.

The OH RN may counsel workers about job related illness and/or injuries and emotional and/or family problems. Referrals to employee assistance programs may be necessary as well as other community resources. The RN would handle and coordinate follow-up care for the worker.

Working conditions for Occupational Health RN are as varied as the role. Settings for employment in this capacity could range from classroom to boardroom to clinic to business setting. The work schedule is usually business hours Monday through Friday but may vary depending on work environment and responsibilities.