Meet Meg Gustafson, Certified Occupational Health Nurse

Or you may have already met her. Oregon native and Southern Oregon University grad, Meg is the Membership Committee for the Oregon State Association of Occupational Health Nurses (OSAOHN.) If you are a member, or even a potential member, Meg may have given you a call. She might have even bought you a cup of coffee if you happen to live in the Medford/Jacksonville area of Oregon. Recently retired after 34 years in nursing, Meg is continuing her role on the OSAOHN Board of Directors.

We asked Meg about her nursing background. Turns out, Meg worked at Asante (Rogue Valley, now Asante Health Services) her entire nursing career, the last ten in Occupational Health. She worked in Critical Care, outpatient Surgical Services and as a nurse Recruiter in HR. Her path to occupational health started with an on-call job in employee health. This eventually led to being backup for a nurse practitioner who was starting an occupational health program for southern Oregon mills of Boise Cascade. Taking the top work place injuries at the mills, the nurses created a first aid “playbook.” It covered treatment of minor injuries that could be handled pre-clinic. They educated the Safety staff, lead workers and supervisors at each mill. Injury-specific, first aid “employee care bags” contained detailed care for rashes, slivers, bug bites, hydration, eye debris, minor burns, scrapes, sore muscles. With the “employee care bags” in place, Meg set up “tele-nurse” for each mill. Since each mill had the same protocols and supplies, Meg could remotely walk them through care and answer questions. She would also follow up with employees on any additional needs they may have. It was a big success and well accepted.

“It was a pilot to create a first aid program on-site at the mills for minor first aid injuries and prevention. I eventually replaced her and expanded the program to on-site clinics at 14 different lumber mills in Idaho, Washington and Oregon.”

Says Meg, “My main duty was to truly “listen” to employees regarding issues physical and emotional that were occurring. I would help them navigate health systems for themselves or family members from helping them get a primary care practitioner, give them resources for insurance information. I worked hard at becoming the nurse that employees would want to come to and see.”

How did Meg learn Occupational Health? “After about 6 months, I reached out to learn about Occupational Health Nursing education, certifications, and conferences. I started with the AAOHN website. I found out about getting certified and this paved the way to the Oregon chapter. Linda Meuleveld (current OSAOHN Secretary, past-president and longtime member) and I met for coffee. I found a great group of occupational health nurses!”

“I worked hard at becoming the nurse that employees would want to come to and see.”

Any advice to nurses looking for a change? According to Meg, “Occupational health is the root of all nursing. If you are passionate about helping people occupational health is rewarding. You are helping working people create their best life at work and at home! Best nursing job I have ever had. Occupational health nurses make a true difference!

” Best nursing job I have ever had. Occupational health nurses make a true difference!”