New Occupational Health Nurse! No experience

[Mel.G.12]

I took a position as an occupational health nurse. I am a new grad but have worked as a medical assistant for 13 years. I took this position thinking it would be great to incorporate all that I have learned. I have been here for 4 weeks and the company want me to start a “nursing office” from scratch. No protocols in place nothing this position did not exist prior to my coming on board. It would only be me triaging and treating minor injuries. There is no physician onsite for major injuries we refer out to a clinic. I am afraid of the legalities with this position especially because I am not fully familiar with my scope in this area. It seems like employees here sue often as well. Even though I’ve haven’t fully taken my role I’ve already had to have 911 called and send someone to the ER. What are your thoughts?

[Sour Lemon]

Are you the only nurse there? If that's the case and you're a new graduate, it doesn't seem like an ideal situation.

[Mel.G.12]

Yes, I am the only nurse there.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

There is an organization for occupational health nurses, just as there is for about every other kind of nurse. Join yours. Ask for a mentor. Find another company with occupational health and ask questions. I find it hard to believe there are no policies in place - do you respond to a medical director?

As an aside - in ambulatory care, never EVER be unhappy about calling EMS. And never second-guess that call. We don't have what hospitals have, and we never will.

[Mel.G.12]

This position did not exist prior to me starting. I think they thought it would be a good idea to have a nurse they just didn’t really what was needed. No medical director no nothing. I am the only medical personnel here.

[ihavealltheice]

I think they have put you in a very bad position. I'm a school nurse and can semi-relate to your predicament. I started my school health program in my current position, BUT, I had school nurse experience and I was also enrolled in a post graduate certification program specifically for school nurses. I struggled that first year and even into the second. There's NO WAY I would have been able to do that without those 2 things...even with my 12 years of nursing experience in the hospital.

Not having a medical background, administrators do not realize the bad position they put nurses in. They think everything is good because they have hired a nurse, expecting anyone just to pick up and take off running. But, it's extremely difficult if you don't have that specialty experience.

The way I see it, you have 2 choices:

1-join a professional occupational nurse organization and surround yourself with those in your position that have experience and ask tons of questions, ask to see their policies.

2-keep at it while looking for another position, one that will foster the growth of your nursing skills. Maybe either in a hospital or doctor's office. Having the MA experience, you'd probably slide right into a doctor's office easily. When you interview, admit that you bit off way more than you could chew without realizing it when you accepted the position. Any good manager would see your predicament and be understanding. Maybe you'd want to consider returning to occupational health after you have some experience under your belt. If you go to a hospital, get in good with the occupational health nurse there.

[thinbluelineRN, MSN, NP]

I'm a NP and work in occupational health. It has a lot of laws and their are always insurance companies, adjusters and most definitely lawyers involved. Your charting has to be meticulous and assessment skills have to be good. Also your assessment of real injury versus malingering. I'm surprised there is no training and no policies and procedures. Do you have a manager, a mentor a boss you can reach out to? It is sad to be put in a position like this as a new grad and Id be very weary of it.

[Mel.G.12]

I definitely bit off more than I can chew. I really did not know who to ask so thank you all. I really feel that I need to work for a health institution until I know my full scope and obtain experience.Just being 4 weeks it seems like workers like to sue I don’t wan any part of that. Thank you all

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

Yeah, if I were in your situation, I'd be looking for a new job. New grads need support, training and mentorship. Even if you could get some guidance from your professional organization, I think it's really concerning that you're the only medical provider on-site with zero resources available in the moment. If you had several years of occupational health nursing experience, it would be a different situation. You could stick it out, and maybe everything would be ok, but I don't think it would be in your best interest or in the patients'. Like @ihavealltheice said, you can always go back.

[ivyleaf]

there are laws and standards as far as OSHA, etc that you probably need to know. You need protocols in place, esp as a new grad. Agreed, I would get out unless there is a major incentive to stay

[Mel.G.12]

I cannot thank you all for all your advise and input. I think the universe knew I needed a new job. Sounds like I’ll be going back to the ambulatory world. Now to let them down easy, I feel a bit guilty to leave so soon. But I rather do it before they invest more in me and trying to make the “nursing office work”

[Csturgen]

Do you mind me asking what company it is. I just recently applied for an occupational nurse position at Ruger guns manufacturing plant. I am not sure I would be successful as an occupational nurse there. I have two and a half years medical surgical experience as well as ACLS and charge nurse experience. I currently am working at a correctional facility for about 3 months now but need new employment due to a possible move. I have no occupational nurse experience or any experience with OSHA, ADA, workers comp, FMLA. Thanks in advance.