By Randi Moyer, RN, BSN, CCM, COHN-S

I have been a nurse for 30 plus years and for the first 14 of those, I changed jobs every two years for new experiences; always trying to find a something that kept me fulfilled and engaged. While at a conference I was introduced to the specialty of Occupational Health and with my adventure-seeking history, it sounded appealing enough to give it a try. This journey took me down a path of personal and professional development, eventually becoming the subject matter expert that partners with savvy employers that understand the value of an Occupational Health Nurse.

My Occupational Health education began at a large local manufacturing company. Imagine my surprise when I learned that a nurse could work in a manufacturing mill and be required to wear a hard hat and steel toed shoes. Who knew? I learned things that I would have never learned in the hospital, home care or a clinic setting. What I grew to love about this challenge was that I had to draw on my prior medical experience and use my own nursing knowledge to be successful in helping workers. Working fully within my nursing licensure, I don’t rely on a provider to direct my actions.

An Occupational Health Nurse is a “boots on ground” health professional who takes care of the working athletes in many manufacturing facilities. The American Association of Occupation Health Nurses defines occupational and environment health nursing as “the specialty practice that provides for and delivers health and safety programs and services to workers, worker populations, and community groups. The practice focuses on promotion and restoration of health, prevention of illness and injury, and protection from work-related and environmental hazards. Occupational and environmental health nurses (OHNs) have a combined knowledge of health and business that they blend with healthcare expertise to balance the requirement for a safe and healthful work environment with a “healthy” bottom line.”

After one year as a contracted Occupational Health Nurse, the manufacturing company decided to outsource the Occupational Health program. My business partner and I were able to start up Occupational Health Solutions, Inc. within a matter of days and seamlessly continue to provide the same services on a contractual basis. Today, 20 years later, we are still going strong with a large and diverse customer base and healthy revenue stream.

You may come to this point and wonder what is the purpose of this blog. Well, my business partner retired two years ago, and I would like to retire someday too, but I would like to see the business that we have built continue on. I have a few years left in my work life but in planning for the future we are offering a unique opportunity to a nurse who wants to operate and/or own a successful Occupational Health business in Spokane, Washington. This opportunity comes with thorough training in the role of an Occupational Health Nurse and the business operations of Occupational Health Solutions, Inc.

Author’s Bio

Randi has over 20 years experience owning and operating a successful Occupational Health business in Spokane, Washington. Because of her passion for Occupational Health, as well as a desire to preserve employment for her loyal staff and continue services for long-term customers, she is looking for the next entrepreneurial minded nurse who will learn from her and lead Occupational Health Solutions, Inc. into the future. Randi can be reached at (509) 534-6820, ext. 103 or through her website at www.ohsolutions.biz.