Member Support Services Factsheet series No.

11
Career options in occupational health nursing
Role Description Occupational health nurses work in industry, health services, commerce and education. They are employed as independent practitioners or as part of a larger occupational health service team, often attached to a personnel department. Some occupational health nurses run their own business providing occupational health advice on a consultancy basis. The occupational health nurse role includes: protecting health problems at work promoting healthy living and working conditions advising employers on the health needs of workers advising employers on rehabilitation of workers. understanding the effects of work on health and health at work screening for the early signs of health problems assessing the health needs of workers assessing and managing workplace risks training and education counselling and support

Experience required It is common for those who apply for a first post within an occupational health setting to have relevant experience but no occupational health nurse qualification. Useful experience includes working in an accident and emergency setting and practice nursing. Undertaking the role of an RCN Safety Representative presents an opportunity to learn about relevant legislation, management of sickness, development of manual handling policies and rehabilitation of staff with chronic conditions. Involvement in local initiatives, such as risk assessment, can also provide useful experience. Many nurses gain experience by undertaking sessional work in an occupational health setting through a nursing agency. Some agencies specialise in providing occupational health personnel and will usually advertise in the national nursing press. Applying for a post within a large occupational health service (within the NHS, for example) may enable you to gain adequate supervision and support, which is necessary for a first post in a different setting. There are a number of specialist occupational health nurse recruitment companies these can quickly be found using an internet search. Posts are also advertised in the journal Occupational Health.

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Knowledge of health promotion and education is desirable as well as an understanding of case management, health and safety issues, health screening, stress management and basic first aid. Subscription to a relevant journal, such as Occupational Health and membership of the RCN Occupational Health Nursing Forum can provide a useful means of keeping up to date with current developments. Attending occupational health conferences provides the ideal opportunity to network with nurses in the field. To join the RCN Occupational Health Nursing Forum, contact RCN Direct on 0845 772 6100. Qualifications that help career progression Currently, the occupational health nurse qualification is offered at a minimum of degree level, and usually leads to Specialist Community Public Health Nurse title and registration on the 3rd part of the NMC register. Post graduate courses are available. Details of organisations offering the above courses are available from the Career and Welfare Service, telephone 0845 408 4391. Working hours and conditions Occupational health nurses working in industry will need to consider how their pension will be affected by moving from the NHS scheme and should note that conditions of service may be very different from those of the NHS. Working hours are usually regular, although some employers may require you to work evenings, weekends or bank holidays. There may be some opportunities for part time work. Related careers in nursing Practice nursing School nursing Career development options Occupational health nurses can develop a career in the NHS, industry, management, education. Some occupational nurses work as nurse practitioners. There are opportunities to undertake consultancy work on a free lance basis. Sources of information NHS Health, Learning and Skills Advice line (England) Telephone 08000 150 850 National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare Workforce Development Unit Telephone: 01443 233 472 Email: nhswalescareers@nliah.wales.nhs.uk Web site: www.nliah.wales.nhs.uk

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Member Support Services Factsheet series No.11

NHS Education for Scotland Telephone: 0131 220 8666, Email: careers@nes.scot.nhs.uk Web site: www.nes.scot.nhs.uk Queens University, Belfast Telephone: 028 9097 2233/2061 Email: nursing@qub.ac.uk Web site: www.qub.ac.uk University of Ulster Telephone: 08 700 400 700 Web site: www.ulster.ac.uk

Member Support Services

Telephone: Email: 0345 408 4391 mss@rcn.org.uk

March 2011