Advanced practice in OH is becoming more popular with people sometimes specialising in a particular area of OH for example immunisations, travel, sickness absence or industries such as rail, construction, retail etc.
Some OH clinicians go into research or teaching /education and some into strategy for example supporting organisations to consider the health of their workforce. OH is varied as every organisation is different, every job has its demands, and many conditions can be caused by work and many conditions people have that can impact their ability to work. Some OH nurses specialise in a particular area of health for example neurodiversity, mental health, women’s health, ergonomics and work and others remain general. Some move into health and safety, law or occupational psychology, and even HR. The possibilities are endless.
Having a strong portfolio and personal development plan is very helpful, starting with the basics such as legislation, ethics and risks. This is a useful recorded webinar on career development (331) Career progression in Occupational Health - YouTube
“As a midwife, I had a few friends and colleagues who had been through OH for pregnancy-related matters which led me to think that Occupational Health Nursing was an area where many of my skills were transferable. I have now been working in OH for 18 years, have been promoted to a management role and still enjoy each day.”
Denise Pywell - Deputy Clinical Lead Lincoln NHS Trust OH department, RGN, RM, SCPHN-OH
What are the job opportunities in the UK like now in Occupational Health?
Job opportunities can be varied and surface in both the private and the public sectors. Often people enter OH as a trainee, a screening nurse or an immunisation nurse.
The OH workforce is ageing, yet the need for OH clinicians is growing. The government and organisations i.e. employers are increasingly seeing the value of OH in helping people to remain in work and remain well in work. This means the need for OH nurses, who make up the bulk of the profession, are in demand.
There are occupational health nurse jobs available here on Nurses.co.uk. You can also find occupational health jobs, generally, on this site too.
There are also many specialist OH recruiters who will go the extra mile to secure you a role. However, it is important to prepare for a role in OH.
Make sure you do your homework on the organisation and Occupational Health as a career. Employers need to see passion, drive, customer service and a willingness to learn. It is helpful to see if you can shadow or spend a placement day or more within an OH department to see what it is like.
Being willing to train and do extra courses is essential. If you are interested in a career in OH, consider using the mentor scheme where mentors will help to prepare you.
