Allen Plant - Occupational Nurse

Allen Plant - Occupational Nurse

Under the leadership of the Human Resource Manager the Occupational Nurse is responsible for adequate administration of occupational health and wellness activities for the assigned worksites in chemical manufacturing. Also in this role, the occupational nurse is responsible for the coordination, monitoring, and documentation of associates' medical cases, including occupational injuries and illnesses, worker's compensation cases, chemical exposures, medical restrictions, and return-to-work activities. Collaborate with associates, healthcare providers, HR, Safety, management, and other stakeholders to facilitate appropriate treatment, ensure compliance with applicable requirements, and support the safe and timely return of employees to work. The occupational nurse will have responsibilities for multiple worksites to include sites across at least four states. Some travel is required when necessary. The work schedule for this role is Monday Friday, 1st shift.

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Onboarding - Nurse will do all screening for new hires/temps (drug screen, medical history review, vital signs, audiometric exam, pulmonary function exam, hearing conservation and respirator education, etc.) but will work with plant physician for clearance of associate especially those who meet referral criteria according to physician signed standing orders.
• Return to Work - Perform RTW physicals on associates who have been out of work for greater than 2 weeks. RTW physical will consist of a urine drug screen and review of fit for duty form provided by treating physicians.
• Case Management Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Evaluate injuries or illness occurring at the plant. Provide or coordinate initial medical care. Determine whether the associate needs outside medical treatment. Follow the associate's progress until the case is resolved.
• Workers' Compensation Coordination Manage the medial aspect of worker's compensation cases. Communicate with the treating physician and workers' compensation carrier. Track appointments, restrictions, treatment plans, and expected recovery. Ensure required documentation is maintained.
• Return-to-Work Management Review medial restrictions provided by the physician and make sure they are carried out by the associate and plant staff. Determine whether the associate can safely perform their normal job. Work with Operations, HR, and Safety to identify appropriate modified or restricted duty when available. Monitor the associate until they are released to full duty.
• Chemical Exposure Cases The nurse will coordinate care when an associate experiences: Chemical splashes or contact Inhalation exposure Dermal irritation Eye exposure Potential toxic exposure Heat stress or other environmental exposures
• Chronic or Personal Medical Issues Affecting Work The Occupational Nurse may help associates and management navigate situations where a medical condition affects the associate's ability to safely perform their job.
• Documentation and Follow-Up The nurse should maintain accurate, confidential medical records and track: Initial evaluation Treatment Physician visits Restrictions Follow-up appointments Work status Return-to-work dates Case closure
• Occupational Surveillance - Responsible for all occupational surveillance testing and associate recordkeeping, surveillance, and follow-up. Pulmonary - Coordinate referrals to pulmonologists and other physicians as needed and recommended by medical surveillance results.
• Industrial Hygiene Work with the Environmental Team to: Work with environmental, Industrial Hygienist, and HR to address workplace hazards and concerns. Work with environmental and HR to schedule Industrial Hygiene visits as needed for all US Chemical Sites. Addresses associate concerns related to industrial hygiene/occupational health/ergonomic concerns.
• Mandatory Testing - Nurse to adjust work schedule as needed to see off shift associates for mandatory testing.
• Medical Records - Maintain, organize, and audit medical records for all assigned locations. HIPPA - Maintain HIPPA, privacy for medical records, and personally discussed issues.
• Plant Safety Serve as a Plant Safety Leader to promote safety to all associates. Injuries - Available to assess injuries 24/7 as needed. All work-related injuries no matter how slight should be assessed by the nurse. Nurses will be on call 24/7 via phone, and if possible, should return to the plant if the injury warrants further assessment or additional medical care beyond first aid. If injury is severe, the nurse will meet an associate at the hospital and remain with him/her. If injury requires medical care, nurses will report to Workers Compensation Carrier and provide case management. Nurse will also provide telephonic triage and case management to assigned out-of-state sites.
• Drug Screens - Nurse to conduct random urine drug screens within the first year of hire/random and random testing per policy. Substance Abuse Rehabilitations - Nurses will conduct surveillance urine drug screens on associates who have completed substance abuse rehabilitation to retain employment.
• Vaccinations - Sponsor an annual flu clinic to help associates obtain flu vaccinations & update the SCDHEC Vaccine registry for all flu vaccinations administered. Provide tetanus vaccinations as needed for injuries and for wellness. Provide Hepatitis B vaccinations for associates covered under the bloodborne pathogens program.
• Bloodborne Pathogens - Teach bloodborne pathogens annually to all first responders. Teach CPR/First/Aid/AED as needed to keep responders current and to train new responders. First Responder Complete CPR and First Responder Training to sites. Monitor training records for all first responders and ensure that training is current. Emergency Medical Response Training Work with site Fire Brigade Leaders to schedule Emergency Medical Responder Training as EMR's require refresher training and initial certifications. Training for EMR's has been good for 3 years. BLS for 2 years. Nurse able to teach refresher BLS as needed.
• First Aid Audits - Delegate audits of first aid cabinets (If locations use cabinets) and AED units to the first aid and EMR Trained associates.
• Other Audits Liaison for all OSHA, Environmental, Safety Audits (Internal & External), etc.
• Clinic Supplies - Monitor clinic supply needs and will send requested orders to the supply clerk for entry into the SAP Order System.
• Blood Drives - Serve as the liaison for the Blood Connection and the Upstate Chemical Plants to have regular blood drives.
• Health Care Providers - Work with Spartanburg Regional and other health care providers to schedule annual mobile mammography for associates if enough interest. Also, work with health care providers to serve associates needs as it relates to the Company's health of associates.
• Health Fairs - Work with associates to promote health and wellness (health fairs, bp checks, lunch and learn, etc.)
• Associates Health Needs - Be available in clinic to assess associate needs both personal and medical. Education - Educate health and wellness hypertension, diabetes, etc. Provide Resources for Associates Vocational Rehabilitation, employee assistance, tobacco cessation, health advocate, etc.
• Process Safety - Be actively involved in the Plant Safety Process for associates' safety. Standard Operation The nurse will collaborate with the Medical Director to develop, implement, and maintain Medical Directives (standing orders) that support occupational health services. All Medical Directives/standing orders will be reviewed, updated as needed, and signed annually by Medical Director to ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with current clinical practices. The nurse will also develop and maintain Standard Practice Instructions (SPIs) as needed to support clinic operations, medical programs, and consistent delivery of care across US Chemical Sites.
• Certifications The nurse will maintain all required professional certifications and credentials in good standing. At a minimum, the nurse must obtain and maintain certification as a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC), NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Technician, and Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor. Nurses who do not possess these certifications at the time of hire will be required to obtain them within one (1) year of employment. Certification and recertification courses will be scheduled well in advance of expiration dates and reviewed with the Human Resources Manager to ensure ongoing compliance. If additional certifications become necessary to support business needs or job responsibilities, the company will provide and fund the appropriate training, and the nurse will complete the requirements within the established timeframe.
• Documentation Ability to document electronically or manually using the system of the sites or the Company. Work with Human Resources Work with Human Resources for the best practices possible for all associates for general health and safety to include associate safety and environmental practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license with multistate compact privileges.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program.
• Ability to read and prepare a variety of documents and reports including requisitions, Leave of Absence (General and FMLA), Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, & COBRA) and other