These are the essential steps to follow if your goal is to become an occupational health nurse. You must be licensed as a registered nurse, attend an accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN examination, and complete two years of professional nursing experience. You should consider a job that focuses on occupational healthcare nursing. Here are the steps you must take:
Be a registered nurse
An occupational health nurse could be the perfect choice if you are looking to work with workers. Every workplace comes with its hazards. An occupational health nursing nurse is well-equipped to address these risks and offer medical care on the job. In addition to helping to prevent workplace injuries and accidents, an occupational health nurse develops plans that can reduce the risks of work-related injuries and illnesses. A Master of Public Health degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in occupational health care.
An occupational health nurse is a rewarding job. However, a nursing degree will allow you to make a better salary. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Associate of Science in Nursing degree is required. These degrees can be completed in two to four years. After earning your degree you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination. There will be different licensing requirements in each state.
Earn a certification as a COHN
Occupational health nurses can earn COHN certification by taking the national examination. This certification is not the same as licensure which is required to practice nurse. COHN certification is a recognition of the achievement and maintenance of higher standards than those set by licensing boards. It is a symbol that a person has advanced knowledge in occupational nursing. This certification requires passing a national exam. Many nurses are interested in becoming certified for professional or personal reasons. Once you have obtained your certification you are eligible to work in any setting with patients during their recovery.
The COHN examination is computer-based, and contains 160 multiple choice questions. There are also 25 pretest questions that assess your knowledge. The questions are divided into categories based on two aspects of occupational health nursing. Two of the main categories focus on the four roles played by an OHN. These roles are then subdivided into categories. The four subcategories include assessment, planning and implementation.
You can work in many settings
An occupational nurse is a registered nurses who focuses on safety in the workplace. They are responsible for assessing the risk to workers' health and developing policies and procedures to minimize injuries and reduce risks. They may also provide general care and routine check-ups as well as administer vaccinations. The salary for this career is highly variable, depending on education, experience, geographic location, and company size. Occupational health nursing might be the right career for you, if you're looking for flexibility and a challenging position.
An occupational health nurse can have many responsibilities. This career path offers you the opportunity to develop your skills and prepare for the increasing demand for occupational healthcare services. Many occupational health nurses are responsible for keeping patient files, test results, schedules, and work space organized. In addition to this, occupational health nurses are required to maintain clean work environments. You must be organized and good at time management.
Renew your license
Your Texas occupational health nurse license must be renewed in order to remain licensed. You can do so online or via a paper renewal form. Your license will expire after the renewal deadline. Until it is renewed, you cannot practice. You can be fined up to $1,000 for practicing after the expiration day. In some cases, you may also face disciplinary action.
You need to continue education in order to keep your license valid. At least 50 continuing education units must be completed in your specialty area. These may be completed online. Or you can face the examination in person. The American Board for Occupational Health Nurses offers flexible CEU options. You can reapply for licensure once you have completed the CEUs. To earn your COHN certification, you can also take a test.