Professional Practices of Occupational Health Nurses in Tertiary Institutions in Cross River State

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) play a pivotal role in protecting the health and productivity of institutional workforces, yet their professional scope and practice quality in Nigerian higher education settings require systematic evaluation. This study examined the professional practices of occupational health nurses in tertiary institutions in Cross River State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 60 nurses deployed in occupational health or staff clinic roles across five institutions. Data were collected using an adapted Occupational Health Nursing Practice Tool, covering health surveillance, hazard assessment, health promotion, and emergency preparedness. Results indicated that routine health surveillance was performed by only 46.7 percent of OHNs, while hazard identification and workplace walk-through assessments were conducted by 31.7 percent. Health promotion activities were the most consistently implemented domain (71.7%). Critical competency gaps were identified in ergonomic assessment, chemical hazard management, and occupational disease reporting. Role ambiguity and understaffing were the most frequently cited barriers to full-scope practice. Only 28.3 percent had received post-basic occupational health nursing training. The study recommends institution-specific occupational health nursing guidelines, mandatory continuing professional development in occupational health, and clearer role definitions for OHNs within Nigerian higher education health management frameworks. Keywords: occupational health nursing, professional practice, tertiary institutions, health surveillance, Cross River State.