Remote resilience: A glimpse into the life of an Occupational Health Nurse – Meet Hannah Taylor!

What does a typical workday look like for you at Medigold Health?

I work as a remote Occupational Health Nurse, so luckily, I don’t have to worry about a commute to work in the mornings. I start my working day at 8 am, and it finishes at 6 pm. I work condensed hours, so full-time over four days, which is another great aspect of my role. 

I work in numerous different areas within the company, so I have a lot of variability, but I always get advanced notice of what I am doing. Some days, I start an hour earlier and cover the Medication Line, which assists safety-critical workers with medication advice when needed. 

On other days, I am undertaking management referral consultations, so I also get to speak to several people a day and complete reports, which I type and send off following a phone call with the employee.

We have a great team, and despite working remotely, I can ask for advice from fellow colleagues on a Teams Chat platform and receive a response almost instantly. I always feel part of a team, albeit working alone.

How do you start your day?

I used to start my day early and prep for the day ahead if working on management referrals; however, following a new system being introduced, I no longer need to do this, so I start my day with a cup of tea and log on ready for 8 am.  Sometimes, I have a little chat with my colleagues on my team.

Are there any specific challenges or exciting aspects of your role that stand out?

I come from a nursing background, so I worked on the wards for 13 years, then in an assessing role, which made me want to move into the occupational health world. It was the best move I made!

There are challenges, as I come across new things daily; however, I have my colleagues and manager to assist me. Every day is a ‘school day’, and I am happy to learn new things. I think the stand-out aspect of my role is purely helping and assisting people back to work, which a lot of the time is where they want to be, but they just require some additional support in getting there. Speaking to a lot of lovely people on the phone who are grateful for your assistance and guidance gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

Can you share a memorable or rewarding moment from your recent experiences at Medigold Health?

I have had a lot of memorable moments, and every day can be rewarding. When the patient you are speaking to wants to be back at work following a long period of absence and, working alongside their employer, you help get them there, they are forever thankful!

How do you maintain a work-life balance while working in the occupational health sector?

I fulfil my working hours over a period of four days, so this allows me to have a day off in the week, which helps with the work-life balance. I also think working from home does help as I don’t have to worry about the early commute to work or the traffic coming home, which can add another 50 minutes to your journey. I literally switch off my computer at 6 pm and the evening is mine 😊

Are there any specific tips or advice you would give to someone interested in a similar career path?

I would say “Go for it!”. I was nervous to begin with. I wasn’t an occupational health nurse by trade, but you come with the knowledge you have gained over the years, which can be useful in any sector of nursing. 

I have now been in this role for two years, and I don’t look back; I am happier, I am not stressed and I feel more supported now than before when management was in the next office. My current manager is located at the other end of the country; however, I can pick up the phone or go onto chat, and the support is there on tap.  Medigold is a great company to work for, and I would happily advise anyone considering a career in occupational health to take the leap.