Occupational Health Nursing as a Prospect for Nursing Students—A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The occupational health scenario is undergoing a paradigm shift in India due to rapid industrialization. Occupational health services are important to develop healthy and productive work forces. This is to be delivered through occupational health team of which the occupational health nurse is an important member. The gap in demand and supply of this specialist’s service is very significant. Aim: To assess the knowledge about occupational health among the nursing students and find their attitude about the occupational health nurse as a job opportunity. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study among fourth-year nursing students of a Nursing College using an anonymous, self-administered, structured questionnaire. Methods and Materials: A total of 124 nursing students responded and were asked to provide demographic details, knowledge about occupational health, and their views on occupational health nursing as a job opportunity. Results: The respondents had a mean age of 21.5 years. Students had good knowledge about occupational health problems in India and among nurses. About 68% had heard about the occupational health nurse, but only 51% knew that there was a specialized course for it. About 43% felt that a job opportunity was in private sector and 90% felt the need of such course while 63% were willing to enroll, but none of them knew about any institute where the course of occupational health nursing was available. Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness among students regarding occupational health nursing as a course and how to fast-forward their career by choosing occupational health nursing as a job opportunity.