Why I Chose Occupational Health – And Why You Might Too

When I first encountered Occupational Health (OH), I didn’t think it was for me. My work experience, in school, was in a factory OH department for two weeks, where the focus was on first aid incidents, vaccinations (I got taught how to vaccinate an orange), and acting as a drop-in centre for anything health related. It felt very different from the dynamic, varied profession I know today.

Fast forward seven years: I was a qualified army nurse working shifts at a medical reception station. My shift pattern meant I had 1 week off a month, so joined a nursing agency and on my first shift went to Rover, the car manufacturer. This was a turning point. Yes, we still handled first aid, splinters, ARC eye (from welding), even serious lacerations. But OH was so much more.

We promoted health, conducted fitness-for-work medicals, and supported employees in ways that truly mattered. Through the passion of the lead OH nurse advisor, I began to see the impact OH clinicians could have on workplaces, employees, and managers.

Building my OH career

After leaving the army I joined the prison service as a nurse but continued to work regularly at Rover. When I left the Prison Service, I relocated and committed to OH full-time. My first role was with the Royal Mail, as an OH nurse, where I focused on pre-placement and routine medicals, health promotion, and even retirement seminars.

By the time I left I was also undertaking basic case management with the support of the OHA’s. I was lucky as the OHA’s and OHP’s I worked with were passionate about OH and supported me to grow in my role.

Later, I joined an OH provider, gaining experience across diverse industries; - waste management, utilities, schools, public transport, and the automotive sector. I learned the full OH remit: from case management, health surveillance, fitness for work medicals, vaccinations, drug and alcohol testing, to health and wellbeing activities. I was also supported in learning the art of writing impartial, effective reports.

This company sponsored me to complete my SCPHN-OH qualification through Southbank University, which was a game-changer. It built on the knowledge and skills that I already had as well as reinforcing the importance of research and evidence-based practice.

Seven years later, I moved to another OH Provider, on the EDF (Energy) contract, which was an embedded-on site contract. Being onsite as an embedded part of the team allowed me to really understand the company, the roles and the hazards employees were exposed to. This then allowed me to build trust with employees and managers, as they knew I understood the roles, and influence change from within.

Eventually, I transitioned into an OH Manager role, gaining insight into the commercial side of OH and leading projects, including a government-supported initiative on chronic health conditions.

I stayed with the OH Provider for 17 years, but I was then successful when I applied for an EDF OH managers role, still line managing clinicians but with a training lead role as well. Working as part of the OH senior level team (SLT) I have been able to bring my OH commercial knowledge and skills to the team as well as my OH experience.

Giving Back to the Profession

I’ve always loved teaching, so I completed my Practice Teacher qualification to support future OH nurses. Since then, I’ve mentored multiple OHAs through their SCPHN journey. Today, I’m proud to be an OH Manager at EDF, a member of the Faculty of Occupational Health Nursing committee, and part of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine Ethics committee, roles that allow me to give back to the profession that has given me so much.

Why OH Matters

Reflecting on my journey, I never imagined OH would become my career, but I’m so glad it did. OH offers variety, challenge, and the chance to make a real difference. We support employees from onboarding to retirement, help them stay productive at work with chronic health conditions, and ensure work doesn’t harm their health. We promote the principle that “Good work is good for health”, through case management and health and wellbeing activities. All our work is underpinned by evidence-based practice, and we encourage a questioning mind.

The recent Charlie Mayfield report Keep Britain Working (November 2025), highlighted that 1 in 5 working age adults are not working predominantly due to ill health and the report promotes a healthy working lifestyle, and I see OH as being central to this.

Thinking About OH?

If you’re a nurse considering your next step, explore a career in OH. It’s fulfilling, impactful, and full of opportunities to grow and innovate. A profession that empowers nurses to shape healthier workplaces and healthier lives.

About the author

Kirsten Rippin is the Occupational Health Manager at EDF. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Health, is a Registered General Nurse, and qualified as a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse at Southbank University in 2004.