From Nursing Placement to Occupational Health Advisor: My Journey So Far

This blog reflects on my journey from student nurse on placement to qualified Occupational Health Advisor, and why I believe occupational health should be more visible within nurse education.

Four years ago, I began my nursing placement with Phoenix Occupational Health, a private occupational health company. At the time, I was still developing my confidence, knowledge, and professional identity as a nurse. I knew I wanted to make a meaningful difference to people’s health and wellbeing, but I had not yet fully appreciated the breadth, value, and impact of occupational health as a speciality.

Starting Out in Occupational Health

My placement gave me my first real insight into how occupational health supports both employees and employers. I quickly learned that the role is not only about clinical knowledge, but also about communication, professional judgement, compassion, and understanding the relationship between health and work.

Like many student nurses, I thought the specialty mainly focused on vaccinations. However, the placement quickly showed me that occupational health is much broader, with an important role in supporting health, wellbeing, safety, and people’s ability to participate in work.

My manager at the time, Lyndsey Marchant, who sadly passed away, had a strong belief that with the right training, support, and guidance, newly qualified nurses could develop and thrive within occupational health. Her encouragement and commitment to developing nurses within the specialty had a lasting impact on me and helped shape the career path I am on today.

During that time, I was able to observe how occupational health advisors provide balanced, evidence-based advice while remaining supportive and fair. This helped me recognise that occupational health is a speciality where nursing skills can have a real impact beyond traditional healthcare settings.

Growing in Confidence and Capability

Looking back, the journey from student nurse on placement to qualified occupational health advisor has involved a great deal of learning, reflection, and personal growth. Over the past four years, I have developed my skills in assessment, report writing, case management, workplace adjustments, and health surveillance. I have also gained a deeper understanding of how important it is to communicate clearly, sensitively, and professionally.

Occupational health has taught me that every case is different. Behind every referral is a person with their own circumstances, challenges, and goals. Being able to listen, understand, and translate clinical information into practical workplace advice is a responsibility I value greatly.

I am also fortunate to have supportive colleagues, who I can approach for advice, guidance, and reassurance when needed. Having that continued support has been invaluable as I have grown in confidence and continued to develop in my role.

Achieving My Diploma

One of my proudest achievements so far has been completing my diploma in occupational health. This was an important milestone in my professional development, strengthening both my knowledge and confidence in practice. It also confirmed that occupational health is the area of nursing where I want to continue building my career.

Completing the diploma has given me a stronger foundation to support employees, advise employers, and contribute to safe, healthy, and inclusive workplaces.

Preparing for the SCPHN Course

I am now preparing to take the next step in my professional journey by beginning the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing course. This feels like a natural progression and an exciting opportunity to continue developing as an occupational health practitioner, building on the experience, knowledge, and confidence I have gained so far.

I know the course will bring new challenges, but I also see it as an opportunity to build on everything I have learned so far.

Reflecting on the Journey

When I think back to my first placement at Phoenix Occupational Health, I feel proud of how far I have come. What started as a learning opportunity has developed into a career path I am passionate about. The experience gave me a strong foundation, opened my eyes to the value of occupational health, and helped shape the professional I am today.

Four years later, I am a qualified occupational health advisor, I have achieved my diploma, and I am preparing to take the next academic and professional step. I am grateful for the opportunities, support, and learning that have helped me get here, and I am excited for what comes next.

My own journey has made me a strong advocate for universities teaching student nurses more about occupational health and creating opportunities for them to explore this specialist area through placements.

Still have questions about Occupational Health as a career?

If you are interested and would like to speak to a person, you can contact Janet O'Neill directly here.