Since entering the occupational health arena, I have come to admire the effective leadership of the occupational health nurse. Leadership begins when an occupational health nurse (OHN) enters the front door of their workplace.  Their position requires a broad scope of knowledge, skills and abilities in many areas.

In most instances, OHN’s deliver a significant impact across their respective organizations. Some examples include designing and leading integrated disability management programs; serve as a resource for the reduction of lost work days and developing effective risk management programs while reducing workers compensation claims. 

In the forefront of recognizing and addressing potential workplace hazards, OHN’s are integral leaders for compliance and regulatory activities.  Their core role is in delivering best practice clinical care to the many stakeholders of an organization.

From a corporate financial perspective, there are numerous business side gaps which are lacking across the occupational health nurse field. In some organizations, OHN’s are not exposed or linked with corporate functions like financial management and strategic planning. Many are removed from interfacing with senior management, in order to position themselves and/or their departments on the organization’s radar.   

Occupation health impacts the bottom line of organizations.  There are many indicators available to quantify and measure the value of an organizations occupational health department. For example, according to a study by Advance PCS, a provider of health improvement services, an estimated $180 billion is lost every year in the US from decreased productivity linked to presenteeism. Measured indicators should be developed and shared with CFO’s and other key organization stakeholders.  

The Value Proposition

Looking beyond those points, the occupational health nurse is linked to taking the daily health pulse of the organization. Most perform their job roles as quiet leaders without fanfare. They remain a constant source of strength under multiple organization restructuring, layoffs, outsourcing initiatives and budget constraints.

Most OHN’s work independently and are adaptive and situational leaders. They strive to stay connected and aligned with an organization’s vision.  In a complex and unpredictable business world, the OHN is a self educating leader across multiple organization segments.    

On a daily basis, across the US and to millions of American workers the occupational health nurse brings a sense of optimism, coaching, listening, compassion and leadership to the diverse workforce they serve. The impact is realized for many, the outcomes are to be determined.

Without doubt, the OHN is critical to an organization’s ecosystem. Take the role away and an organization open its doors to significant risk.

Leaders you are.

For inquires about this column please email Joe Flynn at JFlynn@OEHN.net.

Other Medical Director Report Articles:

• Getting the Weight Off:  Workplace Weight Management Program

• Is Your Office Making You Fat?  Taking Control at Your Work Place 

• Wellness Programs Keep Employees Healthy:  Reduce Health Care Costs 

• Staying Healthy at Work:  8 Tips You Can Use Today 

• OEHN Adds New Medical Director:  Abe Timmons DO, MPH 

• Meet Abe Timmons:  OEHN's Newest Medical Director 

• EH&S - A Bottom Line Activity:  Presentation on November 13, 2008

• OEHN Attends Beijing Summer Olympics 

• Investing in Corporate Wellness: Making Your Case  by Joe Flynn, COO, OEHN

Occupational & Environmental Health Network (OEHN) 
5 Mount Royal Avenue  Marlborough, MA  01752
508 251 7260

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