MSN Public Health

[HChristineRN]

I am in the process of working online towards my MSN with an emphasis in Public health. I am a bit overwhelmed trying to find an MSN prepared nurse in public health to precept with in August. Any tips for finding someone? There are very few requirements, I just can't find any Master's prepared nurses working in public health. I am looking specifically at Salt Lake City, Utah but am open to going almost anywhere in the country.

[3peas]

Have you reached out to the nurses at the county health department? Nurse supervisors at school district? I know the director has to have an MSN right??? I hope so in large city. Look for public health clinics that treat HIV, homeless, refugees or any other public health matter or population; many are started by nurses or operated by public health nurses with an MSN. That's just a jumping point but think outside the box and it will come to you. Public health nurses are passionate about serving the community and training new nurses with the same passion. You will find your mentor. Remember it's not just what can the mentor teach you, but what can you bring her or him. That would be passion and most likely sweat equity because it's rough out there with little funding. Good luck!

[terfernay]

I second looking at your county/state health departments. Most of the PHNs I work with are only bachelors prepared nurses but all of our management and upper management nurses are required to be masters prepared or working on getting the masters degree completed. We have MSN students that shadow our public health nurse managers at our public health dept but every county varies greatly between the requirements for nurses. One of my friends works as a public health nurse manager at her local health dept and only has her bachelors. Most PHNs are happy to let students shadow because they are passionate about the work they do and want to spread the word that public health is a great place to work as a nurse!