Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner OHNP at Netcare

ROLE SUMMARY

• The Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner will be responsible to contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by implementing and monitoring activities relating to occupational health, and executing a risk based medical surveillance programme in the facilities allocated to him/her.

KEY WORK OUTPUT AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

CONSISTENCY OF CARE

Medical Surveillance & Employee Wellbeing.

• Promotion of wellness and prevention of occupational injuries and diseases.
• Pre-employment, Periodical and Exit Medicals/health assessments.
• Biological monitoring and Medical testing where necessary.
• Assist with Work Exposure Risk Profiles (WREP’s) and Man Job Specifications to enable appropriate Medical Surveillance.
• Identification & Monitoring of special vulnerable groups.
• Epidemiological surveillance where applicable.
• Job Placement and Rehabilitation.
• Impairment assessment and disability management
• Assist with worker integration into the workplace after prolonged absence due to illness or injury and assess fitness to work or refer for such assessment.
• Monitoring of personal protection methods including the implementation of a risk based Immunisation programme.
• Counselling and/or referral of employees when needed to ensure optimal physical and mental wellbeing.
• Health promotion and maintenance, including coordination of employee wellbeing days/initiatives.
• Provide Clinical care by assisting with:
• Emergency Medical Care when needed.
• Managing occupational injuries and diseases
• Recognise chronic disease early and monitor these conditions to ensure productivity by screening; early referral; health education and encouragement of compliance with treatment and lifestyle charges.
• Monitoring staff sickness absence and working to reduce it, in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Maintain accurate, complete, updated and confidential health records for each employee.

Radiation Safety

• Co-ordinate radiation medicals and assist with over exposure incidents.
• Monitor radiation worker exposure doses and assist with Dosimetry Coordination and Management
• Participate in Radiation Protection committee Meetings when requested by the RSO and/or Licence holder.

Risk Management

• Review of Site specific Health risk assessments and review of WREP’s based on site specific SHEQ Risk Assessments
• Provide input in terms of MS Requirements and/or controls required for health risks.

Occupational health and Safety Programme

• Revise the Occupational Health Programme annually with the OHS Coordinator / SHE Manager for input and approval by the Occupational Health and Safety committee and Management team.
• Attend the OHS committee meetings.
• COIDA
• Work closely with SHE Managers, HR and Group COID Administrator to coordinate and manage occupationally acquired diseases and/or work related injuries.

Quality Reviews & Auditing

• Participate in Occupational Health Self-assessments, Quality reviews and/or external certification audits.
• Identify risks and opportunities for improvement.

TRANSFORMATION OF OUR SOCIETY
Build and maintain Internal and stakeholder relationships

• Work effectively and co-operatively with others to establish and maintain good working relationships that are mutually beneficial.
• Develop collaborative relationships to help accomplish work goal.
• Maintain and encourage effective communication and interaction within the unit, other members of the multi-disciplinary team and the public.
• Foster good interpersonal relations and public relations while interpreting / applying the philosophy, goals, objectives, policies and procedures.

Education and training facilitation

• Provide health education: e.g. Alcohol abuse, smoking, lifestyle diseases, shift work, HIV, TB, Mental Health etc.
• Implementation of Health Education and Awareness Days or initiatives
• Assist with moving and handling training programmes
• Initiate and coordinate stress awareness and fatigue programmes

Teamwork

• Actively participate as a member of a team to achieve goal.
• Work closely with SHE Manager, Infection prevention control practitioners, Line Managers and HOD’s to support them in Occupational Health related matters.

Personal and professional development

• Active involvement in own professional development to maintain a satisfactory level of skill and knowledge.
• Keep up to date with Netcare’s evolving policies and procedures.
• Attend workshops and seminars related to Occupational Health.

SKILLS PROFILE

EDUCATION
Essential

• Registered as an Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner with the South African Nursing Council or equivalent NQF 6/7 qualification.
• Registration with SANC as an OHNP.
• Registration with SASOHN will be advantageous.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Essential

• Excellent understanding of relevant legislation applicable to OHS.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence others.
• Understanding of risk management processes.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Relevant experience in the following areas is essential: General nursing, public health and/or occupational health nursing, pharmacology, medical nursing, social and behavioural sciences, toxicology, environmental hygiene, ethical and legal compliance, education, risk management, safety and management principles for an effective health service.

KNOWLEDGE
Essential

• Intermediate to advanced computer proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite.