Occupational health or industrial nurses provide nursing care at work sites to employees, customers, and others with minor injuries and illnesses. They provide emergency care, prepare accident reports, and arrange for further care if necessary. They also offer health counseling, assist with health examinations and inoculations, and work on accident prevention programs. At the advanced level, nurse practitioners provide basic health care. They diagnose and treat common acute illnesses and injuries.
Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in some States.
Other advanced practice nurses include clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse-midwives. Most nurses work in well-lighted, comfortable medical facilities. Home health and public health nurses travel to patients' homes and to schools, community centers, and other sites. Nurses may spend considerable time walking and standing. They need emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.