Honoring Montana’s Occupational Health Nurses: Champions of Workplace Wellness

This week, we proudly celebrate Occupational Health Nursing Week (April 6–12, 2025) — a time to recognize the critical work of nurses who keep Montana’s workforce safe, healthy, and supported.

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) are unsung heroes on the frontlines of employee well-being. Whether they’re providing first aid after an on-the-job injury, managing chronic conditions in high-risk industries, or designing wellness programs to prevent illness, their role is vital to the health of both employees and employers across the Treasure State.

Why Occupational Health Nursing Matters in Montana

Montana is home to industries where occupational hazards are part of the job — construction, mining, agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing, to name a few. In these environments, occupational health nurses serve as the first line of defense, addressing both physical and mental health risks.

From Missoula to Miles City, they’re working behind the scenes to:

  • Conduct health screenings and monitor workers for early signs of illness or injury

  • Develop and implement safety protocols

  • Promote mental health resources and substance use support in the workplace

  • Manage worker’s compensation cases and safe return-to-work programs

  • Serve as educators, advocates, and collaborators within employer health teams

The Expanding Role of OHNs in Today’s Workforce

Occupational health nursing is evolving. As more employers across Montana invest in employee well-being, OHNs are being called on to lead initiatives far beyond traditional safety roles. These include:

  • Telehealth and remote worker wellness: Supporting employees who work from home or in isolated locations with ergonomic education, stress management resources, and virtual consultations.

  • Pandemic and infectious disease planning: Nurses were key in developing COVID-19 response protocols and now continue to lead outbreak prevention and response efforts in essential industries.

  • Workplace mental health advocacy: With rising awareness of burnout, depression, and anxiety in the workforce, OHNs are at the forefront of connecting employees with counseling, peer support programs, and crisis intervention.

  • Health equity in the workplace: Nurses help bridge gaps in care, especially for rural, Indigenous, and underserved workers who may face barriers to healthcare access.

Policy and Advocacy: Protecting the Health of Montana’s Workforce

Occupational health nurses are not only caregivers — they are policy advocates. Their experiences on the ground uniquely position them to speak up for safer workplaces and stronger public health protections.

In Montana, OHNs have the opportunity to influence:

  • Legislation on workplace safety standards in industries like mining, agriculture, and oil and gas

  • Access to mental health services and addiction recovery programs for workers facing high-stress environments

  • Support for rural workforce health initiatives, ensuring that geography doesn’t limit care

  • Public health funding for community-based occupational health programs, especially in underserved areas

Montana Nurses Association encourages all nurses to engage with lawmakers, attend legislative sessions, and contribute to conversations that shape the future of occupational and public health.

Thank You, Occupational Health Nurses!

Occupational health nurses stand at the intersection of healthcare and the workforce, quietly ensuring that workers across Montana return home safely each day. Their knowledge, advocacy, and compassion are essential to the state’s economic resilience and the well-being of countless families.

This week — and every week — we honor you.