[ldrn09]

I just started working in an OB/GYN clinic that is federally funded. I have 1.5 years of labor and delivery experience. I was hired in a supervisor role and am expected to be working on BSN. Let me know if you have any questions!

[PegJS]

Part of the problem with Public Health Nursing is that we have no "identity". Not from our nursing organizations nor ourselves. There is a growing group of us who are beginning to explore the idea of being our own specialty ... separate/different from community health. We would like to see our own certification, special interest group, etc. Part of the challenge is the different requirements and different focus' of each individual state. Here about 10 years ago we were told we were becoming obsolete ... Now we find we are back in fogue, and now is the time to build on it. What do you all thing?

[Quickbeam]

separate/different from community health

Note that the specialty threads here are combined! And yet the fields are so different.

I'm a community health nurse. My state requires a BSN minimum for both CH and PH. I'm now grandmothered in with my BSN but the last 20 hired in my state all had MSNs. In my role I plan for a large population (the entire state) and I also work 1:1 with residents and their families. It was a field I always wanted to get into. Jobs are often not easy to find or people (like me) sit in them for a career.

I have a great schedule....4 ten hour days, no weekends...and very enjoyable work. It is the most independent role I've ever had in nursing, something I craved. It took me many years to find this job...I interviewed for many similar jobs until I got this one. Patience helps as does a long view of being aware of all government jobs in your field.

[PegJS]

So, what services do you provide? You cover the whole state ... what state? Those similarities that you mention are part of the problem with defining PHNs. Depending on where you are there can be many overlaps in services ... even within one state. For example, jail nurses are part of the public health system on the west side of the state but here on the east side they are county employees and the Public Health Nurses are employed by an independent Public Health District that is overseen by the Board of Health .... an 11 member panel made up of mostly politicians. The one universal is the total lack of funding. The erosion of services performed by PHNs are also a fairly constant theme.

[RNBelle]

I had 8 months post partum experience and I have been working as a PHN for about 3 months now. I have a BSN. It depends on the state, but most require a BSN. I have been hired into a supervisor's role. It's interesting to say the least. I work for the state. My closest RN in the same role I am in is 1 hr away and I am in charge of 5 people. I live in a very rural area. Check state websites for job postings. Some health depts are county or city run, so check those websites too for job openings.