Jeanne Brueggemann

What is your position at UNC-Chapel Hill, and how long have you been associated with the University?

I am a registered nurse working at the UNC Employee Occupational Health clinic. I have been working here a little after the pandemic had started. This would be my third year at the University.

How did you initiate your career in this field or what led you to your current position?

I was always intrigued with working in business combined with nursing. I think Occupational Health Nursing best ties both industries together. I want a safe environment for the patients while also getting them back on their feet to help the company (our University) prosper and being able to provide their many talents; employees come to work to provide; either through their research, maintenance, teachings, etc.

Which sectors of the University does your role impact, and in what ways does it contribute to those areas of work?

My role impacts the safety and well-being of the University employees. We want the employees to know they are working in a hazardous-free environment and their safety is our top priority. If they happen to have an accident, they can come seek help at the occupational health clinic or if they have any concerns with the work environment; for example, animal shavings or dust causing them to have an allergic reaction, they can come and discuss their concerns with us.

Describe what you love most about your job.

I love sending employees off to work after they have successfully completed their fit test on their approved respirator. It gives me the satisfaction that when they use their respirators correctly at their workplace, they would less likely be exposed to any airborne contaminants that would cause them significant harm. Also, we give many important and necessary vaccinations to our employees. This gives me the satisfaction; the employees have immunity towards the many viruses we have around us.

What advice do you have for those interested in entering a career in your line of work?

My advice to those nurses that are seeking occupational health is that it is a very rewarding career. You will learn many things about workplace safety and how employees are affected psychologically and financially when they experience work-related injuries or illnesses. We want them to be healthy so they can be productive and have a good sense of being which will increase morale and help with mental health. This job also helped me with work-life balance. And we are lucky to have a great manager who cares and listens to the team.