Constructionohn

Hi doc8406, You may want to check out the solution yourself. Perhaps you have gotten a batch that is too weak for some reason or is too old. It should taste REALLY bitter as WashYouPaws said. You may also double check to be sure you can see a mist coming from the nebulizer - they plug up very easily if not washed out after each days use. If you see only scant mist or none at all ... clean the tip of the nebulizer with a pin or needle.

You got that right. This is not a nursing position for those without a strong constitution! I would like to see more about what we do in the general nurse magazines. But then, I guess that means someone (insert voice clearing sound here) has got to write a couple articles for a nursing magazine or two. I guess it is just like other specialty nursing types ... we don't really make ourselves well known. The only nurses I have personally ever had a conversation with that disliked the job were those that really didn't understand what an occupational health nurse is or does. Too bad there isn't more about it in nursing schools - though I do think that is improving slightly.

How sad that you are not regarded as a benefit skyburp27. Perhaps some of this is the setting you are working in but construction is a very different world to begin with. I find it impressive that they have a clinic with nurses! But, I have worked in the construction industry in the U.S. as an OHN for over 16 years and just now get a few kudos on a fairly regular basis. Ha! I can't tell you how it is outside the U.S. but I have had many challenges and rewards in the U.S. construction industry. Do what your heart tells you. Just remember, not all occupational jobs are created equal and maybe a different employer would work better for/with you. Hospital nurses are always needed everywhere, so you are a value no matter where you work. But it seems a tragic loss of your experience to the occupational nursing world. Explore all your options and keep us posted. UAE - as in United Arab Emirates? Are you currently working in the U.S. or outside the U.S.? Wishing you well!

Hello Shiiiby! Welcome. As a new grad this job will be most challenging. I would start with advance first aid courses for nurses, an OSHA class (10 hour or 30 hour) to start learning about regulations - these can be done online now, spirometry courses, hearing conservation certification (look up CAOHC), workers compensation courses, certificate courses for OHN's such as the program at University of North Carolina that do not require experience or advanced to degrees to participate (and the credits can be used if you wish to go forward with their advanced degree programs). It is public health nursing but not in the same way as working at a health department. Much of what you do in occupational health nursing is TEACH. Health promotion (including vaccinations, diet, exercise, etc.), injury prevention, proper treatment of current injury, and the like. It is only boring and dull if you hide in the medical station with your nose in a book. Once you make a few trips around the plant, show some interest in learning what they do and how, and chat with people, they will come to see you readily for advice and care. Where I have worked it is rarely quiet and never the same two days in a row. I love it! If you like it and have a little experience under your belt you can go for a COHN or COHN-S certification. There are many posts about those on this blog and more information at the ABOHN Web site. Feel free to ask specific questions of this group. There are many with lots of experience that would be happy to answer. Sometimes this blog is kind of quiet so we don't check in daily but we will respond. Good luck and keep us posted!

Hello all, I am curious if you all are seeing any improvement in the occupational health front due to economic recovery? Many OHN's have been displaced, replaced with temp agency staff, or no longer considered a needed "expense" for many industries. I am hoping things are improving and wondered what you all think?

Congratulations on joining the OHN ranks! In addition to the great advise already given, you may also consider taking some occupational certificate program courses. For example, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has one that you can do online and is most helpful. These courses also help you prepare for the COHN exam. Good Luck!

katkonk, Kudos to you on your years of certification. You most definitely had stricter guidelines to follow in the 90's. I wish I had done it many years ago myself but ... I'm enjoying the new adventure after so many years out of school. I am new to this blog/forum and find it very intersting. I hope I can shed a little light on one of your thoughts. You said "...the only certification that counts at all is the COHN (if ADN) or COHN-S (if BSN). All others are hooey." It is true that you may not use the hard earned initials of COHN or COHN-S until you sit for the ABOHN exam and pass. And it is true that some employers require that you have or get the certification. However, those nurses without the number of hours of experience required to sit for the exam can and do benefit from the certificate training. By taking a "for credit" (meaning college credit) certification course you may sit for the exam without the 3000 hours of experience (in the most recent five years) otherwise required. This is a newer rule for the ABOHN. I am certain employers will recognize and appreciate that effort. Whether the Canyon College program is worthwhile -- well it has been around a while but I am not sure it is recognized by the ABOHN. That might be a good place to start investigating, if they will accept the program it is probably a good one. Hope this was helpful Kim

Hi Neats and all, I just finished the online UNC Chapel Hill certificate in occupational health nurse course that bfredd 71 talked about. I loved it! All the credits you earn are tranferable to the masters courses if you desire. I have been an OHN since 1989 and still love it. You will learn from leaders in the industry, namely Dr. Bonnie Rogers. Susan Randolph, Judy Ostendorf, and Kathleen Buckheit are also published leaders that teach in the program. It is an excellent program. It is expensive, but I am not sure where you can go for any education that is not. It is possible to complete the program in less than a year (I did the program in 6 months). :yeah:I am told that you must sit for the COHN exam to put those initials by your name though. Kim