Nursing

America's Nurses: Occupational Health Nurse Mary L.

NursingJanuary 14, 2014

Occupational health nurse Mary L. enjoys taking care of employees at the local hospital. Because she works with them so frequently, she gets to know them quite well. However, Mary did not set out to become an occupational health nurse. She had gone through training to become a registered nurse about 18 years ago. She immediately started work at a nursing home where, incidentally, she had been working at as a nurse's aide while studying for her registered nursing license. Mary had cared for the elderly for about five years when she left to take a job on a surgical floor at the local hospital. "I learned so much in the twelve years that I was there," she said. As her family grew, she began to long for more time with them, and she was also ready for a change. "One of the greatest things about being a nurse is that you will never become bored," Mary said. "There are always opportunities, and many doors are open to you. "

"I had worked holidays and weekends for so many years that I longed for a change in my working hours," she noted. Mary longed for a nine-to-five job, which she stated "is another great benefit in the nursing profession." She had worked many shifts over the years, and she enjoyed the diversity. As she grew a bit older, Mary wanted life to slow down a bit. She had heard that the hospital had an occupational health nursing job available. She applied, and with additional occupational health nurse training, Mary was selected for the position. "I was so happy and excited. I accepted it immediately."  Mary has been working in the hospital's employee health department for about a year now. She treats employees who injure themselves, provides vaccinations, does a great deal of teaching and so much more. "I get to know the people that I treat quite well because I work with them. It is great!" Mary further noted that she is really enjoying this time in her life and this career change. "It was time for something new. I can see myself doing this for the remainder of my nursing career."

Photo Source: Flickr

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