Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Employee Health Nurse

💰 $75,000 - $110,000

HealthcareNursingCorporate WellnessHuman ResourcesOccupational Health

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a passionate Registered Nurse looking to make a significant impact outside of a traditional clinical setting? We are searching for a proactive and compassionate Employee Health Nurse to join our team and become the cornerstone of our corporate wellness and safety culture. In this vital role, you will be the primary point of contact for all employee health matters, from managing on-site injury response and workers' compensation cases to spearheading preventative health initiatives and wellness programs. You will act as a trusted health advocate, educator, and partner to both employees and leadership, directly contributing to a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical expertise in a dynamic corporate environment and drive meaningful change in employee well-being.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Registered Nurse (RN) in Emergency, Urgent Care, or Med-Surg settings
  • Public Health Nurse
  • Clinical Case Manager

Advancement To:

  • Manager, Occupational & Employee Health
  • Regional Health & Safety Manager
  • Director of Corporate Wellness

Lateral Moves:

  • Workers' Compensation Case Manager
  • Infection Preventionist
  • Corporate Wellness Program Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide prompt and effective first aid and emergency care for occupational injuries and illnesses, and facilitate further medical treatment when necessary.
  • Conduct comprehensive case management for all workers' compensation claims, coordinating with employees, managers, insurance carriers, and healthcare providers to ensure a timely and safe return to work.
  • Administer and manage all aspects of pre-employment and post-offer health screenings, including drug tests, physical ability tests, and medical history reviews.
  • Develop, implement, and manage employee wellness programs focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction (e.g., flu shot clinics, biometric screenings, health fairs).
  • Perform ergonomic assessments of workstations and job tasks to identify risks and recommend modifications to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Maintain and ensure the confidentiality of all employee health records in strict compliance with HIPAA, ADA, and other regulatory requirements.
  • Act as the primary administrator for employee leave programs, including FMLA and short-term/long-term disability, by providing clinical evaluation and managing documentation.
  • Conduct respiratory fit testing and manage the company's respiratory protection program in accordance with OSHA standards.
  • Triage, assess, and provide advice for both occupational and non-occupational employee health concerns, referring to appropriate medical resources as needed.
  • Investigate workplace incidents and exposures, perform root cause analysis, and collaborate with the safety team to implement corrective actions.
  • Manage the Bloodborne Pathogen program, including exposure control plans, employee training, and post-exposure follow-up protocols.
  • Coordinate and track required health surveillance programs based on employee job-specific exposures (e.g., hearing conservation, lead or chemical exposure monitoring).
  • Serve as a key subject matter expert on occupational health, providing guidance and interpretation of regulations from OSHA, CDC, and other public health agencies.
  • Ensure all on-site medical equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and stocked for immediate use.

Secondary Functions

  • Participate actively in the site's Health & Safety Committee, providing clinical insights and championing wellness initiatives.
  • Develop and deliver health and safety training to employees on topics such as CPR/First Aid, ergonomics, bloodborne pathogens, and general wellness.
  • Collaborate closely with Human Resources, Safety, and leadership teams to foster a holistic and proactive culture of health and safety across the organization.
  • Analyze injury/illness data and health metrics to identify trends, report on key performance indicators, and recommend targeted prevention strategies.
  • Support crisis and emergency response planning by providing medical and public health expertise.
  • Serve as a liaison between the company and local medical providers to establish and maintain a network of quality care for employees.
  • Conduct regular audits of first aid stations, AEDs, and other safety equipment throughout the facility to ensure readiness and compliance.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Workers' Compensation Management: Deep understanding of the full lifecycle of workers' compensation claims, from reporting to closure.
  • OSHA Regulations: Proficient knowledge of occupational health and safety standards, particularly regarding record-keeping, respiratory protection, and bloodborne pathogens.
  • Case Management: Proven ability to manage a caseload of employee health issues, coordinating care and return-to-work plans.
  • Clinical Assessment: Strong skills in triaging, assessing, and treating a wide range of occupational injuries and illnesses.
  • EMR/EHR Systems: Experience documenting and maintaining confidential medical records in an electronic health record system.
  • Phlebotomy & Immunizations: Competency in drawing blood and administering vaccinations (e.g., Flu, Hepatitis B).
  • CPR/BLS/First Aid Certification: Current certification as a provider is essential; instructor certification is a plus.
  • Ergonomic Principles: Ability to conduct basic ergonomic evaluations and recommend effective interventions.
  • Disability & Leave Management: Familiarity with FMLA, ADA, and disability leave processes and documentation.
  • Audiometry & Spirometry: Certification or experience in conducting hearing and respiratory function tests (NIOSH-approved preferred).

Soft Skills

  • Confidentiality & Discretion: Unwavering commitment to maintaining the privacy of sensitive employee health information.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with employees, management, and external partners.
  • Empathy & Compassion: Ability to provide care and support with genuine concern for employee well-being.
  • Autonomy & Initiative: Self-starter who can work independently, manage priorities, and make sound clinical judgments.
  • Critical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex situations and determine appropriate actions.
  • Collaboration: A team-player mindset with the ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams like HR and Safety.
  • Conflict Resolution: Skill in navigating sensitive conversations and resolving disagreements with professionalism and tact.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited institution.
  • Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
  • Certification in Occupational Health Nursing (COHN or COHN-S) is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Nursing
  • Occupational Health
  • Public Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of professional nursing experience.

Preferred:

  • At least 2 years of experience in an Occupational Health, Employee Health, Emergency Room, or Urgent Care setting.
  • Direct experience managing workers' compensation and disability cases in a corporate or industrial environment.
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