Certified Occupational Health Nurse Practice Exam

The primary responsibility of an Occupational Health Nurse as a case manager is the coordination and management of services for ill or injured workers. This role involves understanding the unique medical and occupational needs of the workers and facilitating access to appropriate healthcare services, rehabilitation, and return-to-work programs.

Occupational Health Nurses often serve as liaisons between workers, healthcare providers, and employers, ensuring that communication is effective and that the worker receives comprehensive care tailored to their situation. They assess the impact of health conditions on work abilities and help navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation processes. This coordination is crucial in reducing recovery times, implementing accommodations, and promoting a safe working environment.

The other responsibilities listed, such as providing physical therapy, conducting annual workplace reviews, and delivering training sessions on safety protocols, are important functions but are typically not the primary focus of an OHN case manager. Physical therapy is usually administered by licensed physical therapists, while annual reviews and training sessions are often handled by other safety or compliance professionals within the organization. The case manager's primary role is to ensure that all necessary services are coordinated and effectively managed for the ill or injured workers.