Occupational Health Nurse

Also known as:

Nurse, Occupational Health

Introduction

Occupational health nurses identify potential health hazards in an employer's workplace. They are responsible for the health of the staff, through taking preventive action to avoid illness, and providing health education. They may take specialist training after qualifying as a nurse.

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Work Activities

Occupational health nurses work with an employer, promoting the good health, welfare and safety of the workforce. In recent years, the emphasis of the job has changed, so that as well as looking after physical care needs, occupational health nurses give health support and guidance.

Occupational health nurses provide a health monitoring service in the workplace. They may check for possible health hazards, such as dangerous equipment, chemicals and environmental pollution. They observe people at work in order to assess potential problems and take preventative action. They also take note of any health trends that emerge and recommend appropriate action.

In co-operation with other health and safety professionals, occupational health nurses advise staff and management on safety measures and on how to comply with health and safety legislation. They may offer regular health screening checks to staff, as well as organising health education campaigns.

They may also conduct pre-employment medicals and give advice to people who are returning to work after an accident or serious illness. Counselling may also be an important function in some workplaces.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have a sound understanding of the organisation in which you work. You need to be committed to the success of the organisation, as well as to the individuals to whom you offer a service.

Good interpersonal skills are also important when dealing with employees, management and outside agencies.

An open mind and respect for confidentiality are essential, as an occupational health nurse often has access to very personal information.

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Pay and Opportunities

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities. However, other employers may pay different salaries.

On the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales, occupational health nurses are on Band 5. From April 1, 2008 this has been £20,225 - £26,123 a year. Higher earners may earn up to £38,353 a year.

Working hours are normally 35-40 hours a week. Shift work, evening and weekend work may be required.

As well as working in the NHS, occupational health nurses work throughout industry, for example in manufacturing firms and retail businesses, and in some educational establishments.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. To start training as a nurse, you must be aged at least 17 in Scotland (17 and a half in England) on the day the course starts. You must be at least 16 before you can apply for the course. If you don't have the qualifications that are usually needed to enter a degree or DipHE in nursing course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, eg, Access to Nursing. You don't usually need any formal qualifications to start an Access course, but you should check individual course details.

Other routes into nursing training for mature entrants can be a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) level 3 in a relevant subject (e.g. care), Access to Nursing course, modular course credits from the Open University, or Return to Practice courses.

Shortened or accelerated training courses are available for some graduates. For example, you can take a two-year nursing diploma if you have a degree in a relevant subject area, such as life sciences, social sciences or a health-related topic.

Students on a pre-registration nursing or midwifery DipHE or degree course are eligible for a bursary.

The Royal College of Nursing administers a number of post-registration scholarships and awards for experienced and qualified nurses.

The Government is keen to welcome qualified and experienced people back into the NHS. If you have not practised for five years and you want to return to the NHS, you will need to join a Return to Practice programme (approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council).

The courses refresh clinical skills and there are classroom sessions to discuss theory. Many Return to Practice courses are part-time. Funding may be available through the Scottish Executive or your employer.

Financial support may include a bursary while taking the course, payment for the clinical placement periods, and help with travel and childcare costs.

For more information, contact your local NHS Trust,

• 31% of nurses work part-time.
• 6% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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