What Is an Occupational Health Nurse?
An occupational health nurse (OHN) is a registered nurse (RN) who specializes in promoting and protecting the health and safety of employees in the workplace. These professionals work with employers to prevent work-related injuries, manage chronic conditions, and create a safe working environment. They are the bridge between employee wellness and business productivity.
Occupational health nursing is a rapidly growing field as more organizations recognize the value of workplace health and safety programs. From factories and warehouses to hospitals and corporate offices, OHNs play a critical role in keeping workers healthy and organizations compliant with legal regulations.
Key Responsibilities of an Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational health nurses handle a variety of duties that may differ by industry, employer size, and work environment. However, the core responsibilities typically include:
- Conducting health assessments and screenings for new and current employees
- Monitoring and managing occupational injuries and illnesses
- Administering first aid and emergency care on-site
- Advising on workplace ergonomics and injury prevention
- Educating staff on health topics such as stress management and nutrition
- Developing health and safety programs in compliance with OSHA standards
- Managing workers’ compensation claims and return-to-work plans
- Collaborating with human resources and safety officers
Their work ensures both legal compliance and improved employee well-being—two essential aspects of successful business operations.
Where Do Occupational Health Nurses Work?
Occupational health nurses are employed in a wide variety of settings, including:
- Manufacturing plants and industrial facilities
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Construction companies
- Corporate offices and large enterprises
- Government agencies and military bases
- Occupational health clinics or consulting firms
Some OHNs also work in remote or hybrid roles, especially in companies offering telehealth and wellness programs.
Required Education and Certification
To qualify for occupational health nurse jobs, candidates must be licensed registered nurses. Here’s the typical path:
1. Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Complete an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
2. Gain Experience
Most employers prefer candidates with 1–3 years of clinical nursing experience, particularly in emergency, public health, or community health settings.
3. Specialized Training
Additional coursework or certification in occupational health, safety, or public health nursing can enhance job prospects.
4. Certification
The Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) or COHN-S (Specialist) credentials from the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses (ABOHN) are highly valued and often required by employers.
Certifications show employers that you meet national standards in this specialized field and can significantly boost your career opportunities.
Skills Needed for Occupational Health Nurse Jobs
Aside from medical knowledge, OHNs need a diverse set of skills to succeed:
- Strong communication – for educating employees and writing reports
- Problem-solving ability – for identifying workplace risks and solutions
- Knowledge of safety regulations – including OSHA, ADA, and HIPAA
- Organizational skills – to manage documentation and health programs
- Empathy and discretion – when dealing with sensitive employee health issues
- Tech-savvy – for using health software, data entry, and reporting systems
This unique combination of clinical, educational, and administrative skills makes OHNs highly valuable in modern workspaces.
Average Salary for Occupational Health Nurses
According to recent data, the average salary for occupational health nurses in the U.S. ranges from $70,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on:
- Experience level
- Certification (COHN or COHN-S holders earn more)
- Industry (manufacturing and government roles often pay higher)
- Location (urban and high-cost areas typically offer higher pay)
In some cases, experienced OHNs in senior or supervisory roles may earn over $100,000 annually, especially if they hold advanced degrees or certifications.
Where to Find Occupational Health Nurse Jobs
You can find OHN jobs through a variety of channels:
- Indeed – Wide variety of postings across industries
- LinkedIn – Great for networking and applying directly to top companies
- Company career pages – Especially in industries like manufacturing, energy, and healthcare
- Staffing agencies – Some specialize in healthcare and occupational roles
- Professional associations – The AAOHN (American Association of Occupational Health Nurses) often posts job openings
Customize your resume to highlight relevant certifications, safety experience, and your ability to work in fast-paced environments.
Career Growth Opportunities
A career in occupational health nursing can evolve in multiple directions:
- Occupational Health Manager or Director – Lead company-wide wellness initiatives
- Safety and Risk Manager – Integrate health strategies with business risk mitigation
- Health & Wellness Program Coordinator – Design proactive workplace wellness programs
- Nurse Consultant – Work independently with multiple clients across industries
- Public Health or Policy Roles – Advocate for employee health at state or federal levels
Further education (such as a Master’s in Public Health or Nursing) can open doors to leadership or advanced practice roles.
Benefits of Being an Occupational Health Nurse
Choosing a career in occupational health comes with many rewards:
- Stable hours – Many roles are Monday through Friday, 9 to 5
- Fulfilling work – You directly contribute to employee safety and well-being
- Diverse settings – Work in corporate offices, industrial sites, or from home
- Competitive pay – Especially with certifications or management roles
- Impactful career – Help reduce injuries and promote healthier workplaces
It’s an ideal path for nurses seeking less physically demanding roles while still making a meaningful impact.
Challenges of the Role
Like all careers, OHN jobs come with challenges:
- Managing complex return-to-work cases
- Keeping up with changing OSHA and legal regulations
- Dealing with employee resistance to health programs
- Balancing care and compliance for both employer and employee interests
However, with training, mentorship, and proper resources, these challenges are manageable and offer opportunities to grow.
Conclusion
Occupational health nurse jobs offer a unique and impactful career path for nurses who want to blend clinical care with workplace safety and employee wellness. With growing demand across industries and competitive salaries, it’s an excellent option for those looking to specialize in a field that truly makes a difference.
Whether you’re just starting in nursing or looking for a career shift, occupational health nursing provides a rewarding mix of health advocacy, education, and safety leadership in today’s evolving work environments.
