The Role of Occupational Health Nurses in Supporting Mental Well-being

When most people think of occupational health nurses (OHNs), they often associate the role with workplace injuries, compliance assessments, or vaccinations. While these are important roles of the job, one of the most important and often under-recognized responsibilities we hold is supporting the mental and emotional well-being within the workforce.

More Than Just Physical Health

In high-demand environments, for example manufacturing plants, employees often face grueling shifts with long hours, loud machinery, and constant pressure to meet production goals. Over time, this can take a toll not only physically, but also mentally. Chronic fatigue, burnout, and even acute anxiety episodes can show up disguised as physical complaints, such as headaches, muscle tension, or even gastrointestinal upset. That's when occupational health nurses step in to uncover the cause of what's really going on.

A Quiet Room, A Cold Pack, and Compassion

There are times I have realized that upon assessment, an employee doesn't necessarily need a referral or an over the counter medication, but instead 20 to 30 minutes in a quiet, dimly lit room with their feet elevated, distribution of a hydration popsicle packed with electrolytes, and a cold pack for comfort. I've also observed how simple measures like these can de-escalate what feels like a crisis, or how it simply allows for an employee to regain composure, rehydrate, and reset.

Whether their visit to medical is a workplace-related strain or something more personal, I make it a goal to offer other types of supportive care measures. I strongly feel that it is an integral part of my job as an OHN to support on-site employees, regardless of their specific job tasks, and to also promote conservative care measures, while they're at home resting.

Normalizing Mental Health Conversations

As an OHN one of the most impactful ways I can support mental wellness is by normalizing conversations around it. Creating a culture where employees feel safe saying, "I need a break" or "I'm overwhelmed" helps prevent minor stress from becoming possible major health issues.

We can't always fix the root of someone's stress, but we can:

• Recognize the signs early
• Offer safe and supportive spaces
• Collaborate with HR or on-site mental health resource to ensure accommodations and follow-ups
• Educate employees, team supervisors and unit managers about coping tools and resources
• Model empathy and professionalism in every interaction

A Holistic Approach to Health

Mental health IS health and as occupational health nurses, we are in a unique position to bridge the gap between frontline employees and workplace leadership. In the fast pace of industrial settings, even a few minutes of intentional rest, practical care measures, such as rendering cool packs or warm compression, and hydration, can be transformative. These measures are offered to employees not just because we're doing our jobs, or because we want to prevent burnout, but to cultivate a workplace culture rooted in respect, care, and sustainability.