Occupational Health Nurse

Abbott Laboratories•Temecula, CA

21h

About The Position

The Occupational Health Nurse provides health care services to workers in an occupational setting, supporting ill and injured employees in reaching maximum health and productivity. The nurse functions as a clinical case manager, coordinating care across systems from the onset of an injury or illness through a safe return to work or an appropriate alternative. Care is coordinated to achieve quality outcomes cost-effectively, using knowledge of employees, their social and family systems, and the work environment. The role practices within the scope of professional licensure and applicable legal, labor, regulatory, and corporate requirements, and collaborates with management and Environmental, Health and Safety staff to support organizational objectives and health initiatives. The nurse assesses occupational injuries, illnesses, and exposures, providing initial care or referring employees for further evaluation according to clinical guidelines and protocols. The role also assesses sudden non-occupational illnesses at work, determines urgency, and advises employees to seek emergency or personal health care when appropriate. The nurse develops and coordinates care plans, prevention and health promotion strategies, and interventions; maintains consistent clinical and administrative documentation; and coordinates communication among internal and external parties. The position supports return-to-work planning, conducts workplace walkthroughs and assessments, follows up on exposures, protects confidential information, contributes to policies and research projects, and maintains professional competency through continuing education.

Responsibilities

Provide and coordinate occupational health care for workers to support recovery, health, and productivity.
Function as a clinical case manager, coordinating services from the onset of injury or illness through return to work or an appropriate alternative.
Conduct initial assessments of occupational injuries, illnesses, and exposures; provide treatment or refer for further evaluation in accordance with clinical guidelines and protocols.
Assess sudden non-occupational illnesses at work, determine the immediacy of treatment, and guide employees to seek appropriate emergency or personal health care.
Assess client needs, including physical and psychosocial factors, using information from case and claims experience, employer representatives, health care providers, health records, and third parties.
Develop nursing care plans and assist with primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and health promotion strategies.
Develop early-intervention processes and comprehensive case management plans with goals, objectives, and actions; implement interventions within designated time frames.
Coordinate nursing documentation, including treatment, interactive processes, and administrative matters.
Establish communication plans involving internal and external parties as appropriate.
Monitor and evaluate the qualifications, services, and outcomes of health care providers and vendors in the treatment and rehabilitation network.
Collaborate with treatment and rehabilitation providers and third-party representatives to coordinate appropriate care, treatment, and follow-up for work-related health events.
Assist supervisors and employees with return-to-work issues, including work restrictions, modified schedules, and job accommodations.
Provide health-related counseling to supervisors and employees within the scope of nursing practice.
Conduct workplace walkthroughs and assessments and follow up on exposures.
Maintain and safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of business and protected health information.
Participate in developing related policies, procedures, and work instructions.
Identify researchable problems and participate in studies and projects according to research skills.
Maintain professional development and continuing education to support competency and performance consistent with Occupational Health Nursing standards.