Yolanda Koorzen
Summary
Registered Nurse / Certified Occupational Health Nurse Dedicated and experienced Occupational Health Nurse with over 10 years of experience in managing and implementing comprehensive health and safety programs within industrial and corporate settings. Expertise in medical surveillance programs, flu and wellness initiatives, hearing conservation programs, and risk assessments. Skilled in project management, employee health education, and regulatory compliance in line with the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act and CSA standards. Proven ability to oversee multiple satellite clinics, manage occupational health projects, and provide strategic guidance to enhance workplace health and safety. Strong interpersonal skills, a compassionate approach to patient care, and a commitment to promoting a healthy work environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
OHS Nurse Manager
ECMM
Dartmouth, Canada
08.2022 - Current
- Oversee the occupational health departments for multiple locations, including Dartmouth, Moncton, Charlottetown, Mount Pearl, Shoal Harbour, and Lab City
- Coordinate and standardize health and safety protocols across all sites to ensure consistent and high-quality occupational health services
- Provide leadership and guidance to on-site occupational health staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies
- Ensuring equipment across all locations are maintained, calibrated and consumables ordered
- Conduct comprehensive pre-employment and periodic health assessments for employees at all managed locations, ensuring compliance with medical surveillance programs
- Administer and interpret audiometric screenings, pulmonary function tests, and other relevant health assessments to monitor employee health
- Implement and manage flu and wellness programs to promote overall employee health
- Plan, organize, and manage vaccination clinics across all company locations
- Develop, implement, and monitor hearing conservation programs to protect employees from noise-induced hearing loss
- Develop and deliver a 3-day audiometric technician training course, including curriculum development and instructional delivery
- Certify participants upon successful completion of training, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices
- Coordinate logistics for training sessions, including scheduling, materials preparation, and venue arrangements
- Provide ongoing support and mentorship to newly certified audiometric technicians to ensure proficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements
- Act as a liaison and intermediary between clients and their employers to facilitate effective disability management processes
- Coordinate and manage disability cases, ensuring timely communication and collaboration between all parties involved
- Advocate for clients' needs and rights while promoting employer understanding and compliance with disability policies and regulations
- Provide guidance and support to clients throughout the disability management process, including education on rights and responsibilities
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare providers and insurers, to facilitate holistic client care
- Maintain accurate documentation and records of disability cases, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with privacy regulations
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of disability management interventions, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
Industrial OHN
Wheetbix
Cape Town, South Africa
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Initiated first aid, completed necessary documentation and reports, and followed up to ensure effective case management
- Responded to employee inquiries regarding health concerns, and return-to-work (RTW) processes
- Collaborated with managers and healthcare providers to promote timely and appropriate interventions
- Identified and facilitated appropriate accommodations for early and safe RTW plans
- Monitored and coordinated RTW efforts, evaluating outcomes and effectiveness
- Partnered with managers, HR, and Health and Wellness Services to establish sustainable RTW success factors while maintaining confidentiality
- Utilized the nursing process to assess and provide primary healthcare, education, and counseling
- Facilitated referrals to internal and external services (e.g., occupational physician, physiotherapy, rehab)
- Managed health screening and periodic medical examinations based on identified hazards and risks
- Interpreted and communicated health surveillance results, ensuring appropriate follow-up
- Conducted health risk assessments and implemented health surveillance programs
- Coordinated and supported follow-up actions in collaboration with occupational physicians and hygienists
- Facilitated referrals to external healthcare providers as necessary
- Communicated surveillance results to workplace stakeholders while maintaining employee confidentiality
- Provided guidance on safe work practices to reduce exposure and promote health and well-being
- Participated in committees or projects that promote employee wellness and safety strategies
- Adhered to established practice protocols, medical directives, and company policies
- Complied with confidentiality best practices and guidelines as per company privacy policy and relevant legislation
- Actively participated in medical team meetings and contributed to overall team objectives.
Clinic Manager
Indusmed
Cape Town, South Africa
06.2014 - 08.2021
- Developed, implemented, and managed comprehensive occupational health and safety programs to ensure compliance with South African health and safety regulations and industry standards
- Conducted regular medical surveillance programs, including pre-employment health screenings, periodic health evaluations, and fitness-for-duty assessments to monitor and promote employee health
- Led risk assessments to identify workplace hazards and developed mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of occupational injuries and illnesses
- Managed the reporting, investigation, and follow-up of workplace injuries and illnesses, ensuring proper documentation and implementation of corrective actions
- Organized and executed health promotion initiatives, such as vaccination programs, wellness workshops, and health fairs, to encourage healthy lifestyles among employees
- Conducted ergonomic assessments and provided recommendations to improve workplace ergonomics and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders
- Designed and delivered training programs on health and safety topics, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response procedures, hearing conservation, and occupational hygiene
- Developed, reviewed, and updated occupational health and safety policies and procedures
- Coordinated emergency preparedness drills and ensured readiness for potential workplace emergencies
- Maintained accurate and confidential health records, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Developed and managed return-to-work programs, coordinating with healthcare providers to create appropriate accommodations for injured or ill employees
- Worked closely with internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare providers, safety officers, and regulatory bodies, to enhance the effectiveness of health and safety programs
- Regularly evaluated the effectiveness of health and safety programs and implemented improvements based on feedback and new regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Health Nursing
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
South Africa12.2017
Diploma - Nursing Management
University of Stellenbosch
South Africa12.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of The Western Cape
South Africa12.2012
Skills
- Disability Case Management
- Hearing Conservation
- Occupational Health Nursing
- Audiometry
- Spirometry
- Psychiatric nursing
- Risk assessment
- Management
- Client Care
- Physical assessment
- Patient counseling and Health Education
- Phlebotomy
- Emergency Care
- Health and Wellness programs
- Return-to-Work programs
- Staff Supervision
- Quality Improvement
- Critical Thinking
- Department management
- Policy Development
- Staff Leadership
- Clinical Supervision
- Patient education and advocacy
- Direct Patient Care
- Conflict Management
- Performance Improvement
- Staff Coaching and Mentoring
- Clinical expertise
- Task Delegation
- Workload Management
- Motivational Skills
- Quality Assurance
Accomplishments
Ian Webster Silver Trophy
December 2018 issued by SASOHN
•This is a shared award for being the Occupational Health Nursing Degree student with the highest marks in South Africa.
https://www.cput.ac.za/newsroom/news/article/3725/cput-alumna-scoops-national-award
The Gorvalla Trophy
December 2012 issued by Dr. P Gorvalla
The criteria for this award were:
Consistently displayed a special quality of caring for patients throughout the B Nursing program; Developed highly specialized skills to promote healthy interpersonal relationships with patients, families, communities, and colleagues.
Capable of integrating theory and practice throughout the B Nursing program.
Transferring acquired knowledge into a practice in a meaningful way.
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
November 2012 issued by Tau Lamdba-at-large Chapter
Achieved academic excellence (at schools where a 4.0 grade point average system is used, this equates to a 3.0 or higher).
Ranked in the upper 35 percent of the graduating class and met the expectation of academic integrity.
Certifications & Additional Training
- Registration with the NSCN #41464
- Addiction Care and Treatment Online Course, 07/2021
- Substance Use and Addiction Nursing Certificate Online Course, 07/2021
- Working with abilities Online Course, 08/2021
- Motivational Interviewing Online Course, 09/2021
- Certified as an Audiometric Technician #093008, 09/2022
- Certified as an Occupational Health Nurse with the Canadian Nurses Association #22OH62504, 12/2022
- Diploma in Spirometry, 12/2022
Awards
- Ian Webster Silver Trophy, SASOHN, 12/2018, This is a shared award for being the Occupational Health Nursing Degree student with the highest marks in South Africa., https://www.cput.ac.za/newsroom/news/article/3725/cput-alumna-scoops-national-award
- The Gorvalla Trophy, Dr. P Gorvalla, 12/2012, The criteria for this award were: Consistently displayed a special quality of caring for patients throughout the B Nursing program; Developed highly specialized skills to promote healthy interpersonal relationships with patients, families, communities, and colleagues. Capable of integrating theory and practice throughout the B Nursing program. Transferring acquired knowledge into a practice in a meaningful way.
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Tau Lamdba-at-large Chapter, 11/2012, Achieved academic excellence (at schools where a 4.0 grade point average system is used, this equates to a 3.0 or higher). Ranked in the upper 35 percent of the graduating class and met the expectation of academic integrity.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Afrikaans
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary
Certification
Registration with the NSCN #41464
Addiction Care and Treatment Online Course (July 2021)
Substance Use and Addiction Nursing Certificate Online Course (July 2021)
Working with abilities Online Course (Aug 2021)
Motivational Interviewing Online Course (Sep 2021)
Certified as an Audiometric Technician #093008 (Sep 2022)
Certified as an Occupational Health Nurse with the Canadian Nurses Association #22OH62504 (Dec 2022)
Diploma in Spirometry (Dec 2022)
Timeline
OHS Nurse Manager
ECMM
08.2022 - Current
Industrial OHN
Wheetbix
08.2021 - 04.2022
Clinic Manager
Indusmed
06.2014 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Health Nursing
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Diploma - Nursing Management
University of Stellenbosch
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of The Western Cape