Occupational Health Nurse

Location

On-site at Eastman's Corporate Medical Department in Kingsport, TN

Schedule

This position supports a clinic that must remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nurses begin training weekday Monday-Friday hours in the clinic, then rotate through three areas: Clinic Shift, Clinic Days/Shift Relief, and Case Management Days.

Clinic Days/Shift Relief is generally Monday–Friday, with schedule adjustments as needed to cover Clinic Shift team absences, such as vacation or illness. Case Management Days is generally Monday–Friday. The Clinic Shift assignment follows the schedule of the assigned crew, with one nurse assigned to each of Eastman’s four rotating shift crews. Work area assignments are based on business needs and each employee's qualifications/training.

Candidates must be willing and able to work in all three areas and fulfill the schedule requirements of each assignment in order to be fully trained. Weekday training and the Clinic Days/Shift Relief schedule do not mean the position will remain a weekday role.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Chief Nurse

Responsibilities

The Occupational Health Nurse provides clinical assessment, triage, treatment, and care coordination for Eastman employees. The nurse evaluates occupational and non-occupational illnesses and injuries, provides care within the scope of licensure and approved protocols, and coordinates referrals and return-to-work activities. The role partners with employees, healthcare providers, and appropriate internal teams to support employee health, safety, and timely access to care while protecting confidential health information.

Essential responsibilities
The following duties represent the general responsibilities of the role. Specific duties may vary based on business needs.
•    Assess employee symptoms and injuries, determine nursing care needs, and triage employees to appropriate care for both work related and non-work related injuries
•    Develop and implement care plans and provide treatments in accordance with applicable nursing standards, approved protocols, and company procedures.
•    Perform physical assessments and screening tests, such as strep screens, urine dipstick, glucose testing, tympanometry, EKGs, and vision and hearing screenings, when trained.
•    Conduct urine drug and breath alcohol testing in accordance with applicable procedures and training requirements.
•    Refer employees to a Family Nurse Practitioner, physician, or outside specialist when care is beyond the nurse’s scope or requires further evaluation.
•    Coordinate access to testing and medical services, such as x-rays, prescriptions, and physical therapy, as appropriate.
•    Document assessments, care, referrals, and follow-up in electronic systems and medical records, maintaining confidentiality in accordance with applicable requirements and company procedures.
•    Explain findings, treatment, referrals, and follow-up instructions in a clear, respectful manner, taking the employee’s needs and understanding into account.
•    Provide employees with relevant health and wellness education.
•    Coordinate follow-up with external providers and appropriate internal partners, including benefits or case-management resources, as applicable.
•    Obtain and communicate work-related functional restrictions through appropriate channels, sharing only information authorized and necessary for work coordination.
•    Support safe and timely return-to-work coordination with employees, external providers, and authorized company representatives.
•    Maintain current knowledge of common acute illnesses, injuries, chronic conditions, and preventive care relevant to occupational health.
•    Perform physical exams as regulated by OSHA.
•    Provide International Travel consultation for business travelers.
•    Follow clinic safety procedures, including universal precautions, and maintain readiness of assigned equipment and supplies.
•    Prioritize work, exercise sound judgment, and work independently while collaborating with the broader medical team.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications
•    Associate degree in Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
•    Minimum 3 years of RN experience 
•    Current Registered Nurse license valid for practice in Tennessee.
•    Successful completion of required job training.
•    Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred qualifications
•    Certification in Occupational Health Nursing, such as COHN or COHN-S.
•    Experience in occupational health, urgent care, emergency care, case management, or a related clinical setting.

Required credentials and training
•    Registered Nurse license.
•     Occupational Health Nursing certification may be obtained after hire.
•    Urine drug screen collector training, breath alcohol testing certification, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support may be obtained within first 6 months of hire.

Skills and competencies
•    Strong clinical assessment, triage, and problem-solving skills.
•    Clear verbal, written, and electronic communication, with effective listening and interpersonal skills.
•    Ability to prioritize competing needs, make sound decisions within the scope of practice, and work independently.
•    Organization, teamwork, receptiveness to constructive feedback, and commitment to continuous learning.
•    Basic computer skills and familiarity with relevant software, such as Microsoft Office.
•    Commitment to safety and adherence to company policies and procedures.

Work conditions and physical requirements
The role requires patient care, moving around the clinic and office area and may involve periods of lifting, walking, sitting, or standing. Domestic travel by automobile and/or airline may be required. The essential functions must be performable with or without reasonable accommodation.
Safety
Follow applicable safety procedures, including universal precautions, and complete required safety training.