From retail to resilience: My journey into occupational health nursing

To celebrate our Northumbria nurses this week, we caught up with Laura McKenna, clinical lead in occupational health to discuss the important role OH nurses play in fostering workplace wellbeing.

Laura Mckenna, clinical lead occupational health

Like many people, I didn’t grow up knowing exactly what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I truly felt the pull towards nursing. At the time, my Nan was becoming frail, and watching her navigate the challenges of aging sparked something in me—I wanted to be in a role where I could support people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Nursing also runs in my family. With Nurse Educators, Doctors, and Registered Nurses among my relatives, perhaps it was inevitable! I've always believed strongly in the NHS and the incredible work it does for individuals and communities alike.

Finding My Path to Nursing

My professional journey began in retail management, but after being made redundant, I found myself at a crossroads. I took the leap and joined the Making a Difference nursing cohort at Northumbria University in March 1999. Back then, bursaries were available for retraining, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had that opportunity—it changed the course of my life.

After qualifying, I worked in Cardiology at Newcastle Trust before transitioning to Occupational Health (OH) in 2006. I came across an advert for an OH Nurse position with Newcastle PCT, and it sparked a memory from 1992 when I visited Marks and Spencer as a graduate applicant. There, I met an OH Nurse running a clinic, and I remember thinking how amazing it was to help staff stay healthy and supported in the workplace.

The interview process for that OH role was intense—I had to design and present a poster—but I got the job. I’ve never looked back.

What Does an Occupational Health Nurse Do?

Occupational Health nursing sits at the intersection of healthcare and the workplace. It’s a unique branch of public health where you can directly support people in their daily environments.

The role is incredibly varied. We handle statutory health and safety medicals, workplace assessments, and health screenings. We advise on adjustments to support staff with health conditions and play a vital role in helping people return to work after illness or injury. It’s about enabling people to do their best work while staying well.

Supporting Staff at Northumbria Healthcare

At Northumbria Healthcare, OH Nurses are involved from day one of your employment. We assess your health questionnaire during recruitment and provide guidance on necessary workplace adjustments from induction onward.

We also screen for immunity to viruses, advise on return-to-work plans, and provide daily support through our Duty service—answering queries on infection risks, sharps injuries, and more. We’re often the first point of contact when staff need to access services like physiotherapy, counselling, or wellbeing support.

Our work includes workplace visits and providing individual assessments, so that staff have tailored adjustments to meet their needs. And recently, we launched a menopause clinic to provide knowledge and practical advice for those navigating this life phase.

What I Love About My Role

What I enjoy most is coming up with practical solutions that work for both staff and the organisation. Collaborating with infection control teams, HR, managers, trade unions, and other medical departments keeps the role dynamic and people-focused.

I also love raising awareness about the scope and value of Occupational Health. It’s such a vital part of public health, yet it often flies under the radar.

Why International Nurses Day Matters

International Nurses Day is an opportunity to honour the critical work nurses do around the globe. Nurses play an essential role in health and wellbeing, and it's so important that the profession receives the recognition it deserves—not just on one day, but every day.