Occupational Health Nurse

Job Overview

The Occupational Health Nurse performs/supervises in a designated area according to the policies, procedures, philosophy, and objectives of the department and hospital. Works cooperatively within department and other services to create a system of quality health care.

Location: On-site, Lowell General Main Campus

Hours: Full-Time, Day- Shift (32 Hours)

Experience Required!

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Associates degree in nursing.

2. Registered Nurse (RN) license.

3. One (1) year of relevant clinical nursing experience.

4. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

2. Three (3) years of clinical nursing experience.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

• Participates in lifelong learning activities that assist in developing and maintaining their continuing competence, enhance their professional practice and support achievement of their career goals.
• Documents compliance with National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) processes as appropriate in the medical record with two or fewer episodes' of non-compliance by chart audit.
• Participates on unit based council, in unit based quality/safety initiatives and in meeting unit/hospital goals by actively participating in Unit Performance Improvement activities.
• Collects and documents a data base through medical history, physical assessment, and the use of laboratory and other related tools.
• Ensures employees are able to perform the physical requirements of essential job functions as outlined in their job descriptions.
• Provides pre-placement tuberculosis screening on all employees and annual Tuberculosis re-screening of all employees that have been identified for testing or who have had occupational exposure.
• Establishes employee immunization history and provides appropriate vaccination(s), performs any indicated blood specimen collection(s) or provides a laboratory requisition, and provides employee education regarding immunization when applicable.
• Provides Fit Testing for Healthcare Particulate Masks for employees who would be at risk for exposure.
• Maintains a separate medical file for each employee per regulatory requirements.
• Provides post-exposure follow-up, performs any indicated blood specimen collection(s) or provides a laboratory requisition, and counseling (i.e., blood/body fluid, TB, meningitis).
• Conducts health assessments at the request of department managers or directors if it appears that an employee's health is interfering with work performance or ability to do the physical essential functions of the job.
• Provides special hazard examinations. This category refers to those employees whose particular job hazards or exposure requires special medical evaluation ( i.e. needle sticks (Exposure Control Plan), Chemotherapeutic agents / Hazardous Materials ( Medical Surveillance Policy) and those employees who may harbor a communicable condition that may put others at risk. (Communicable Disease Policy).
• Performs evaluations and follow-ups after a work-related injury. This includes case management of the employee, serving as a liaison between hospital departments, legal staff, service agencies, performs blood borne pathogen exposure laboratory specimen collection(s) or provides a laboratory requisition, and being responsible for following through to the final disposition. The OHN will work closely with employees who have lost time out of work and assist these individuals in their return to the work environment.
• Communicates frequently and regularly with injured worker, department director, claims administrator, utilization review and other key members of the rehabilitation team.
• Establishes and maintains a collaborative relationship with specialty physicians, alternative therapy providers and other members of the occupational health team regarding the workers ability to carry out the essential functions of the job and work restrictions.
• Evaluates and coordinates vocational rehabilitation and work hardening as appropriate.
• Maintains OSHA log and completes all reporting to state agencies (e.g. Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents.)
• Identifies modified duty opportunities to facilitate the return to work process.
• Assists employees in identifying eligibility and application for Leave of Absence in accordance to federal and state regulations and hospital policy.
• Collaborates with employee, department directors and health care providers to develop a modified work duty program for eligible employees.
• Provides return to work and fitness for duty evaluations.
• Practices in accordance with the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act, American Nurses Association scope and Standards of Practice, Quality Caring Model and professional practice model for the hospital.

About Lowell General

For more than 125 years, Lowell General has served the Greater Lowell community with pride. We balance the first-rate care of a premier medical center with the warmth of a four-time Magnet-recognized community hospital. As a member of our team, you'll join over 3,000 dedicated care providers to offer complete, connected care, when and where patients need it most.

About Tufts Medicine

A healthcare system that works Tufts Medicine is more than a health system - we're a community that empowers people to live their best lives by reimagining healthcare, advancing knowledge and pioneering discovery. Every team member plays an integral role in realizing our vision of creating the most equitable and frictionless healthcare experience in the world. Here, you'll join an enthusiastic community that champions your growth and receive generous benefits to support you and your family's well-being.