The OSHA Graduate Nurse Internship Program is a designed experience for registered professional nurses pursuing a graduate degree in occupational health nursing or public health with an occupational health focus. The internship facilitates a professional relationship between the graduate nurse student and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The intern will be provided research and/or project opportunities and educational experiences in worker safety and health. The internship, located in OSHA's Office of Occupational Medicine and Nursing (OOMN), integrates occupational health theory with professional practice.

Program Objective

To develop a cadre of occupational health nurses with experience in occupational health and safety policy and regulatory affairs at the national level. This group is prepared to enter the occupational health community as worker advocates with direct, hands-on knowledge of OSHA's mission.

Internship Learning Objectives

At the completion of the internship the intern should be able to:

• Identify the major components of OSHA's organizational structure and function.
• Describe the role of the occupational health nurse and other health and safety professionals in carrying out OSHA’s mission.
• Depending on the length of the internship, at completion, the intern should be able to:
  • Analyze a specific occupational health or safety issue and/or
  • Develop a related project of use to the agency.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to participate in the OSHA Graduate Nurse Internship Program, individuals must be:

• A registered professional nurse pursuing an advanced degree in occupational health nursing or public health with an occupational health focus at an accredited university.
• Enrolled in an accredited university providing graduate education in occupational health nursing or public health with an occupational health focus.

Application

See How to apply.

Selection

Selection is solely based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, lawful political affiliation, marital status, age or disability.

• OOMN will evaluate each candidate based on academic performance, professional presentation, qualifications, experience, and demonstrated technical writing skills. In addition, candidates may be asked to participate in a telephone interview.
• The Director of the Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management will make the final determination of the number of interns to be selected for intern positions. The number will be based upon the current needs of the agency. Both virtual and hybrid opportunities will be considered.
• OOMN will notify each candidate and their faculty advisor of the candidate’s selection or non-selection as soon as possible.
• Selected candidates must accept or decline the intern appointment in writing within 7 days of the selection notification.
• An offer of an internship does not constitute an offer by the Department of Labor (DOL) or its subsidiaries for a permanent position within the Federal service.

Performance Criteria

Ethical and professional behavior is expected throughout the internship. The intern must abide by all the rules and regulations that have been established for the United States Department of Labor (DOL) employees.

The graduate nurse intern is expected to complete specific program objectives and assist in the evaluation of the program. This requires the intern to:

• Complete DOL online training requirements, e.g., computer security awareness training.
• Complete a selected project(s) of significance to OSHA as time permits.
• Participate in the evaluation of the internship. At a minimum, this will include a mid-point and final conference with the preceptor.

Funding

• Depending on funding, an OSHA stipend may be available to defray part of travel and lodging costs during hybrid rotations. US citizens with a valid US passport or REAL ID documenting US citizenship are eligible. Virtual internships are options for interns who are not eligible for funding, such as non-US citizens and current federal government employees, or if funding is not available.
• Interns are not Federal employees and the internship does not count toward Federal service.