Working in Occupational Health at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. It’s a role that blends clinical skill, people‑focused care, and the satisfaction of supporting the wellbeing of our workforce. But my journey here didn’t begin in a clinical uniform — it began behind a desk.

How It All Began

When I first joined CDDFT, I started in an administrative role back in 2002. At the time, I didn’t imagine that this would be the first step toward a clinical career.  What I did know was that I enjoyed being part of a team that played such an important role in staff wellbeing. I loved the environment, the purpose, and the sense of community that came with working in Occupational Health.

Over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to the clinical side of the service. I was fascinated by the assessments, the health promotion work, and the way the team supported staff through everything from routine checks to complex health conditions. That curiosity eventually grew into ambition — and that ambition became the start of my clinical journey.

Joining the Clinical Team: From Admin to Nurse Assistant to Nurse Associate

Transitioning from admin to a clinical role was both exciting and challenging. I had to learn new skills, build new confidence, and step into responsibilities that felt worlds away from my original job. But the support from the team made all the difference.

As I trained and developed, I began to understand just how varied and impactful Occupational Health can be. It’s not just about ticking boxes or completing assessments — it’s about helping people stay healthy, safe, and supported in their working lives.

In 2013 I became a Nurse Assistant this allowed me to gain hands‑on clinical work experience while still drawing on the organisational understanding I’d gained in my admin role.  Then in 2019 after a lot of support from my colleagues, I took the next step and applied to do the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship through CDDFT, I was successful and started my two years of training.  

My Current Role: A Day in Occupational Health

No two days in Occupational Health are ever the same, and that’s one of the things I love most about it. My role now includes a wide range of clinical responsibilities, such as:

• Blood tests — ranging from routine health monitoring to specific occupational requirements. This includes advising team colleagues on the types of blood tests performed and the clinical or occupational reasons behind each.
• Blood Born Virus (BBV) monitoring — leading on blood-borne virus monitoring, ensuring appropriate testing, follow-up, and compliance with relevant protocols.
• Pre‑employment screening — ensuring new starters are fit for their roles and supported from day one.  Carrying out education and updates on training for colleagues.  Liaise with Recruitment to ensure a streamlined and efficient process.  Carrying out regular audits to ensure colleagues are processing pre-employments accurately and booking essential appointments to the appropriate member of staff.
• Drivers’ medicals — supporting the development of new processes and overseeing training for colleagues. This includes conducting routine audits to ensure procedures are carried out correctly and efficiently, as well as overseeing drivers’ medical reviews.
• Flu vaccinations — administering vaccines across the Trust and playing a key role in protecting staff and patients during flu season. This includes supporting the organisation’s flu vaccination campaign.
• Health condition reviews — supporting colleagues who have reported short term sickness absences, allergies and anyone coming to the Trust on a short-term basis.
• Promoting health and wellbeing – signposting colleagues to helpful links and valuable information.  Deliver wellbeing sessions for training for Matrons.

• Duty nurse – needle stick support for colleagues, general queries from colleagues including questions and advice on health or infection control matters.
• Health surveillance – e.g., skin assessments.  I lead on ensuring all follow up assessments are completed.
• Oversee day to day supervision of Nurse Assistants – Support and educate daily, ensuring work is efficient and meeting the standards of care and deadlines.

Each task contributes to the bigger picture of keeping our workforce healthy, safe, and able to deliver the best care to patients.

What I enjoy most about the job

There’s so much to appreciate about working in Occupational Health, but a few things stand out:

The variety – every day brings something different — new people, new challenges, new opportunities to learn.

The impact – we support staff at some of the most important moments in their working lives. Knowing that my role helps someone feel safe, supported, or reassured is incredibly fulfilling.

The team – Occupational Health is a small but mighty service. The teamwork, encouragement, and shared purpose make even the busiest days enjoyable.

The growth – coming from an admin background, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. This role has allowed me to grow professionally and personally, and I’m still learning every day.

Looking ahead

My journey from admin to Occupational Health Nurse Associate has shown me how many paths exist within the NHS and how rewarding it can be to follow one that truly inspires you. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve worked with, and the chance to make a difference in the wellbeing of our staff.

And the best part is, I know there’s still so much more to learn and achieve.

Helen Frankland is an Occupational Health Nursing Associate for County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Occupational Health Service