[gigigirl]

I'm a RN on a surgical-trauma unit with a little over one year experience. I would eventually like to become an OHN. What kind of experience would be best to eventually get into this field and how many years experience are generally recommended? Thanks in advance for any replies

[Neletta Fredelake]

I have been researching the occupational health nurse and to become certified you have to have 4000 hours of OHN practice over a five year period. There is a web site for their handbook www.abohn.org-download-cmhandbook.pdf.

Neletta

[NurseFeelGood]

I'm an LPN and I presently work as an OHN and I did not have any experience when I began. I just sent it a resume and went to a behavioral interview. Now that's a whole other subject (the behavioral interview) Wow that was stressful. I had a week long orientation. It's great. I love it and now that I'm in it I wouldn't trade it for anything. Good luck!

[Neletta Fredelake]

I am applying at a public school district and the only requirement was a BSN or higher and they perferred a OHN certification. But I am up for a second interview with only a MSN. A PT would also qualify for an interview.

[Neletta Fredelake]

HI! During my interview for this position, I learned that I would be re writing alot of policies for the Employee Health department i.e. the drug or substance abuse policy and some others that has splited my mind right now. I am glad to hear that the actual job is not difficult to pick up!

[NurseFeelGood]

Originally Posted by Neletta Fredelake

HI! During my interview for this position, I learned that I would be re writing alot of policies for the Employee Health department i.e. the drug or substance abuse policy and some others that has splited my mind right now. I am glad to hear that the actual job is not difficult to pick up!

Yes, it was very easy to pick up but then again anything which interests me is pretty easy to grasp. I will assume you were referring to that in a positive way not as an LPN bashing. Anyway, good luck to you.

[sierranurse]

I am an LVN with multiple years of experience in many areas. My base is in emergency & surgical medicine & I've also worked in corrections. For the past 12 years I have worked as an OHN for a major international manufacturing company. This was a position posted in the local newspaper to which I responded. I work directly with Human Resources & Environmental Health & Safety departments here. I wrote the Substance Abuse policy used throughout the corporation & other policies used here in a union shop. Most of the occupational experience I have obtained on the job. This is a very interesting field which not only incorporates Wellness & OSHA mandates but employee/patient illness & injury treatment.

If you're an LVN/LPN with a desire & can convince a company you can provide the service they need, do it. You won't regret it!

[NurseFeelGood]

Originally Posted by sierranurse

I am an LVN with multiple years of experience in many areas. My base is in emergency & surgical medicine & I've also worked in corrections. For the past 12 years I have worked as an OHN for a major international manufacturing company. This was a position posted in the local newspaper to which I responded. I work directly with Human Resources & Environmental Health & Safety departments here. I wrote the Substance Abuse policy used throughout the corporation & other policies used here in a union shop. Most of the occupational experience I have obtained on the job. This is a very interesting field which not only incorporates Wellness & OSHA mandates but employee/patient illness & injury treatment.

If you're an LVN/LPN with a desire & can convince a company you can provide the service they need, do it. You won't regret it!

Great post! I've finally found an environment I could "retire" at and that takes a lot for me. It has definately sharpened up some of those skills I had not used in quite a while having worked LTC for the past 6 years.

[DDANN]

Originally Posted by gigigirl

I'm a RN on a surgical-trauma unit with a little over one year experience. I would eventually like to become an OHN. What kind of experience would be best to eventually get into this field and how many years experience are generally recommended? Thanks in advance for any replies

I have worked in Occ Medicine for about 25 yrs. I came out of an ER and/or ICU/CCU. You name it--I do it around here. I work for major poulty co on Ca west coast. I do OSHA reports--track freq. and severities of injuries. Present on power point a monthly safety report. Have EMTS who work for me. I manage the cases/authorizing tx etc. Work closely with our Risk Mgmt Dept wo does subrosa investigations. Go to court with med records when we have law suits. I could go on and on. This Occupational Nursing is a different animal--I have friends that would NEVER think of doing wehat I have done for so many years--interesting stuff!!!!!!!

[Artis]

It sounds like a great position to have.

Originally Posted by DDANN

I have worked in Occ Medicine for about 25 yrs. I came out of an ER and/or ICU/CCU. You name it--I do it around here. I work for major poulty co on Ca west coast. I do OSHA reports--track freq. and severities of injuries. Present on power point a monthly safety report. Have EMTS who work for me. I manage the cases/authorizing tx etc. Work closely with our Risk Mgmt Dept wo does subrosa investigations. Go to court with med records when we have law suits. I could go on and on. This Occupational Nursing is a different animal--I have friends that would NEVER think of doing wehat I have done for so many years--interesting stuff!!!!!!!