Occupational Health Nurse

The primary function of the Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) is to provide on-site occupational health services to promote the health, wellness, and safety of individual workers, the aggregate worker population, and the workplace organization at a large auto manufacturer plant. The OHN delivers primary care for occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses. This includes emergency response, clinical assessment and triage of injuries, and assessment of fitness to work. The OHN works as part of the multidisciplinary health team in the health centre and advises workers and management on health issues in the workplace. The OHN collaborates with stakeholders to identify and assess workers’ exposures to health hazards, performs, and coordinates medical surveillance procedures, recommends, and facilitates implementation of exposure control measures. The OHN delivers health promotion and disease prevention programs. They deliver case/disability management for occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses, coordinate workplace accommodation, and facilitate employees’ return to work. The OHN maintains professional competence and is accountable for ongoing practice-relevant professional training learning. The OHN reports into On-Site Lead.

What we offer:

• FAMILY focused culture
• Excellent Training Program
• Supportive continuous learning environment
• Competitive Wage
• Competitive Group Benefit plan

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Mitigate workplace illness and injury through timely response, early intervention, assessment of function, and referral for medical treatment
• Triage referrals to appropriate internal and external healthcare providers
• Assessing worker fitness for work/diminished capacity
• Clinical assessment and management of injury and illness cases
• Review and facilitate medical accommodation plans
• Primary case management for non-musculoskeletal occupational conditions
• Assisting workers to successfully stay at work (SAW) or return to work (RTW) in a safe and timely manner
• Assist workers in identification of RTW barriers and solutions for overcoming these barriers
• Work as part of multidisciplinary, cohesive healthcare team to promote the wellbeing of workers
• Support with annual flu vaccine campaign and administration of immunizations as required
• Maintaining medical records in Electronic Medical Record in accordance with established medical records and medical confidentiality protocols
• Facilitate referrals to Physician Assistant and Occupational Medicine Physician
• Other duties as assigned

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSE RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Assessment and Treatment:

• Provide assessment, including gathering details on medical history, current function compared with job duties, with consideration on how medical condition has impacted work historically and at the current time;
• Provide clinical treatment (e.g., medication administration, dressings, health education, etc.) to injured/ill workers;
• Communicate and collaborate with employer stakeholders (e.g., management, Human Resources);
• Determine need for referral (e.g., other members of on-site healthcare team, on-site Physician Assistant, off-site medical care, emergency transport or activation of EMS);
• Provide plant-wide emergency response including assessment, treatment, and clinical monitoring of workers;
• Assess and provide direction for Fitness to Work/Diminished Capacity cases, including referrals as necessary; and,
• Communicate with the claims team to initiate a claim submission for employee absences.

Disability Case Management:

• Provide worker-centered, supportive approach to facilitate stay at work and early-intervention return-to-work initiatives;
• Review disability assessment and rehabilitation plans;
• Evaluate the biopsychosocial needs of the worker;
• Assess the need for accommodation;
• Develop the return-to-work plans for optimal recovery and workplace reintegration;
• Monitor recovery and continued optimal health and performance;
• Review request for medical accommodations including collecting and reviewing medical information and supporting documentation to substantiate request;
• Work with interdisciplinary team including Kinesiologists, Occupational Therapists, Physician Assistant, and Occupational Medicine Physician as needed to facilitate accommodation.

Medical surveillance:

• Perform required assessments and evaluations as outlined in the employer’s Medical Surveillance Program. This program includes Hearing Conservation, Respiratory Surveillance, Mobile Equipment and Laser Eye Surveillance Program to ensure regulatory compliance as per the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act; and,
• Conduct quantitative respiratory fit testing for workers who are required to wear respirators.

Pre-placement Medical Evaluations

• Conduct preplacement medical assessment including taking a detailed medical and occupational health history, performing a physical examination which includes assessment of basic functional movements, and conducting baseline surveillance testing (e.g., audiometric, vision screening, and spirometry); and,
• Review all assessments determined to be fit with restrictions and/or limitations and work with employer’s accommodation team to appropriately job match.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• RN or RPN designation; a specialty in occupational health nursing [COHN (C)] is an asset
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience working as RPN or RN, preferably in occupational health setting
• Member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario
• Mental Health Training sufficient to manage workers in crisis, or proven experience in mental health nursing is preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required
• Certification in audiometric and spirometry testing is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of Occupational Health Nursing standards of practice
• Highly developed critical thinking, problem-solving, prioritization, time management skills, as well as detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team and independently to complete prescribed tasks
• Ability to identify protocol development needs as per health surveillance program
• Knowledge and understanding of Human Rights legislation, the Occupational Health and Safety Act the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, and Employment Equity, Accessibility Ontario Disability Act
• Strong personal computer and standard corporate software applications and appropriate systems skills are required

If you want to work in an environment that is positive, challenging, and safe; where your contributions are valued, this role may be right for you.

DriverCheck is committed to creating an accessible environment for our employees and potential employees; we will attempt to make appropriate accommodations throughout the entire recruitment process. Accommodations are made upon request.