You must follow these steps if you are interested in a career working in occupational health nursing. To become a registered nurse you must first be licensed, then attend an accredited program and pass the NCLEXRN exam. You also need to have two years of experience as a professional nurse. You should choose a position that emphasizes occupational health nursing. These are the steps to follow:
Be a registered nurse
Being an occupational nurse is a great option if you want to work with workers. Every workplace is subject to risks. An occupational health nurse is in a great position to help prevent these injuries and accidents and offer on-site medical care. An occupational nurse is responsible for preventing workplace injuries and accidentalities and developing plans to reduce the likelihood of work-related illness and injuries. A Master of Public Health degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in occupational health care.
While being an occupational healthcare nurse is a rewarding career, it's not possible to make a living as a nurse. You should get a nursing diploma if your goal is to earn a higher income. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, (BSN), or Associate of Science in Nursing, is the minimum requirement. 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 your COHN certification
A national examination can give occupational health nurses COHN accreditation. Certification is different from licensure, which is required to practice nursing. COHN certification recognizes that the COHN has met standards higher than those required by licensing bodies. It is a symbol that a person has advanced knowledge in occupational nursing. This certification requires passing a national exam. Many nurses strive to be certified whether they are seeking it for professional or personal reasons. After you receive your certification, it is possible to work in any environment and with all stages of a patient's recovery.
The COHN examination has 160 multiple choice questions and is computer-based. You can also take 25 pretest tests to assess your knowledge. These questions can be divided into two categories that focus on occupational health nursing. The four roles of an OHN are the basis for two of the main categories. These roles can then be subdivided in to subcategories. Among the four subcategories are assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Work in a variety of settings
An occupational health nurse, a registered nurse who is responsible for workplace safety, is a registered nursing. They are responsible for assessing the risk to workers' health and developing policies and procedures to minimize injuries and reduce risks. They might also be able to provide general nursing care, routine checks, or administer vaccinations. This career can pay a high salary, but it depends on your education, experience, location and company size. Occupational health nursing might be the right career for you, if you're looking for flexibility and a challenging position.
OSHA nurses 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 in organizing patient files and scheduling, as well as ensuring that work space is organized. OSHA nurses also have to keep their work spaces clean. 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. Either online or in writing, you can renew your occupational health nurse license. After the renewal deadline has passed, your license has expired, and you are not eligible to practice until it is reissued. If you practice after the expiration date, you will be fined $10 per day or up to $1,000. You may also be subject to disciplinary action in some cases.
To maintain your license, you must complete continuing education. At least 50 continuing education units must be completed in your specialty area. These units can be taken online or at a local exam. Flexible CEU options are available from the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses. You can reapply for licensure after you have completed all of your CEUs. Alternatively, you can take a test to earn your COHN certification.