We had the opportunity to sit down with Kerry Heffelfinger, an Occupational Health Nurse who joined OnSite Health on January 3, 2024. With over 20 years of experience, Kerry obtained her nursing degree and license in 2001. She is currently serving as an Occupational Health Nurse at Thermon in San Marcos, Texas. As a part of OnSite Health, Kerry plays a vital role in promoting employee safety, health, and well-being at Thermon. We are an organization that provides health and wellness services to various companies and organizations, and Thermon is one of our accounts. Her commitment to creating an environment conducive to health and wellness is immensely rewarding as she contributes to improving the overall health and well-being of the employees at Thermon. During our conversation with Kerry, we had the chance to ask her a few questions about her experience and role.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became a nurse?
I started volunteering as a candy striper at the local hospital when I was in seventh grade, and I continued to do so until my senior year of high school. Since volunteering at a young age, I’ve had a passion for the healthcare field. I knew it was the right career path for me. This experience fueled my passion for nursing and my desire to continue helping people. After graduating, I took a course to become a Certified Nurses Aid. Then, I earned my associate degree in nursing and became an L.P.N. Additionally, I am a certified EMT and volunteered with ARC while overseas.
2. Can you tell us a little bit more about Thermon, what does the company do?
Thermon was founded in 1954, so this year it will celebrate being around for 70 years. Thermon has an innovative and long-standing history of providing safe, environmentally responsible solutions for customers’ industrial heating needs. They are a global leader in the heating process.
Thermon’s values are the 3 Cs; Care, Commit and Collaborate. They really care for their employees, customers and communities by showing they are continually looking for innovative ways to improve health and safety and protect the environment.
3. Can you tell us a bit about your role as an Occupational Health Nurse and what a typical day looks like for you? What are the responsibilities?
I greet everyone when I first get on the plant. Every day, I’m responsible for proactively promoting and ensuring the safety, health, and wellness of all our employees collaborating with HR & Safety and Managers and other resources that will benefit the employee. I can take care of any immediate first aid needs. Once a year I will be doing wellness checks, including blood draws and health coaching if needed, once the results are in. Be available as a resource for emergent injuries and provide help in providing care. Additionally, offers resources to take care of employees’ physical wellness. Be inclusive by including mental wellness, providing a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. I also will be providing ongoing training for the emergency response teams to include CPR/First Aid/AED. I will be providing lunch and learning throughout the year.
4. What do you find most rewarding about being an Occupational Health Nurse for OnSite Health and serving the employees at Thermon?
I can be helpful to the employees and create an environment conducive to focusing on health and wellness and promoting its benefits for improving the employee’s overall health and well-being.
5. What is your favorite aspect of the healthcare industry?
I love to help people and, working here, I get to collaborate with team members for the benefit of all the employees.
6. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to be outdoors in my free time. I like to take nature walks, kayaking, bike riding, and bowling to name a few.
