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Health and Wellness Advisor, Industrial Nurse, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in speaking to advise employees about health and safety, and to advise personnel departments of health findings pertinent to employees' work capabilities
Interest in compiling information to keep records of persons treated and to record employees' personal and medical data
Interest in operating medical equipment to perform tests; and in arranging for ill and seriously injured employees to be transported to hospital
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another. In general, occupational health nurses:
Occupational health nurses may work in hospital, government, educational, or industrial settings. They can be exposed to biological and chemical hazards, distractions and noises. They usually work standard weekday office hours but may have to work evening or weekend shifts in industrial settings. Some travel may be required in companies with more than one location.
Nurses are often exposed to contagious diseases. They routinely handle items that weigh up to 20 kilograms.
Occupational health nurses need to have:
They should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 85 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 27, 2021 and Jul 05, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 79 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 79 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 79 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 79 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 79 |
| Assess patients to identify appropriate nursing interventions | 78 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 78 |
| Personal Suitability: Accurate | 78 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 78 |
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 77 |
Occupational health nurses are registered nurses who should have additional education in the field of occupational health. In Alberta, registered nurse status requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing with specialization in a particular field (such as occupational health). Occupational health nurses may also need advanced first aid certification.
Employers generally prefer to hire registered nurses who have:
Some employers require applicants to have a valid driver’s licence with a clean driving record.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
An occupational health nurse is a registered nurse practising in the specialty field of occupational health.
Registered nurses provide professional nursing services, deliver health education programs and provide consultative nursing services to promote, maintain, and restore patient health.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf] and Registered Nurses Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) is mandatory. Only registered members who have an active practice permit may provide the restricted activities specified in the Regulation and call themselves registered nurses or use the initials RN.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Nurse - Registered.
In addition to meeting the certification requirements for registered nurse, those wanting to work as an occupational health nurse should consider a Canadian Certificate in Occupational Health (COHN-C) through the Canadian Nurses Association.
COHN-C certification indicates an advanced level of professional competence in the field of occupational health. While it is not mandatory, it is the preferred standard for employment nationally.
Occupational health nurses work for:
Some self-employed nurses provide services for several employers on a contract basis.
Experienced occupational health nurses may advance to supervisory or management positions responsible for workplace health and safety programs.
Occupational health nurses are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3012: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. In Alberta, 96% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 3012: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 1361 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Incomes for occupational health nurses vary depending on the employer and the nurse’s hours, educational qualifications, experience and responsibilities. For more information, see the Alberta Occupational Health Nurses Association’s (AOHNA) report on the current Canadian Occupational Health Nursing Salary Survey.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $35.47 | $37.60 | $36.48 | $36.86 |
| Overall | $40.00 | $47.05 | $45.40 | $46.38 |
| Top | $46.30 | $56.44 | $53.60 | $56.22 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Public Administration | $85,051 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $70,429 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $70,339 |
College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) website: www.nurses.ab.ca
Alberta Occupational Health Nurses Association (AOHNA) website: aohna.org
AOHNA Occupational Health Nurse video: www.youtube.com
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) website: www.nursesunions.ca
Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) website: cna-aiic.ca
Canadian Occupational Health Nurses Association (COHNA) website: www.cohna-aciist.ca
United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) website: www.una.ab.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 19, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.