Can you be a PHN if you are a new grad?

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I went straight into public health nursing as a new grad. I do have a Master's, but it is a generalist degree designed for entry into practice (CNL Program). There are BSNs who went straight into public health nursing following graduation from nursing school at the local health departments where I have been employed. 5 nurses come to mind. I have worked in Colorado & Virginia. According to the ANA's Public Health Nursing: Scope & Standards of Practice,"The baccalaureate degree in nursing is the educational credential for entry into public health nursing practice." Nothing is mentioned regarding prior experience. I think it will depend primarily on individual employer requirements.

loriangel14, RN

6,931 Posts

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
I went straight into public health nursing as a new grad. I do have a Master's, but it is a generalist degree designed for entry into practice (CNL Program). There are BSNs who went straight into public health nursing following graduation from nursing school at the local health departments where I have been employed. 5 nurses come to mind. I have worked in Colorado & Virginia. According to the ANA's Public Health Nursing: Scope & Standards of Practice,"The baccalaureate degree in nursing is the educational credential for entry into public health nursing practice." Nothing is mentioned regarding prior experience. I think it will depend primarily on individual employer requirements.

I am in Canada to so I think that makes a difference.

I am in Canada to so I think that makes a difference.

Gotcha. I somehow managed to overlook that fact when reading the various comments. :)

MandaRN94

185 Posts

Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

When I worked as a PHN our county did hire new BSN/PHN grads and also new grads hired into the NFP program at our office.

nurseteee

21 Posts

I am a new grad and was just hired as a PHN for the county in California. I have a BSN, as well as my PHN license. I have yet to start, so not sure how much training I will be getting, but I will be working with chronically ill children coordinating resources and making sure they are getting the proper attention needed.

Hi! I recently read that you were hired as a new grad straight into a CA county as a PHN. I, too, am very, very interested in entering the public health field. I graduated with a BSN in 2010, worked less than a year in a hospital setting, and now am looking for a PHN job. It's where my true passion is! I've applied to every county in my area (LA, Riverside, Orange County, San Diego, and San Bernardino). My application status says "placed on eligible list" but it's been over a month and still no response. What do you suggest I do at this point? How can I make my resume "shine" with the little RN experience I have? In the meantime, I've resorted to studying for the GRE in order to apply to MPH programs for the Fall of 2013, in case that may help me. Thanks for your help!

MandaRN94

185 Posts

Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

There are PHN I openings in the central valley of CA. PHN I is a new grad, no experience.

nurseteee

21 Posts

There are PHN I openings in the central valley of CA. PHN I is a new grad, no experience.
Do you mind providing a link for a particular PHN I job in the Central Valley? I can't seem to find anything. I'd really appreciate it!

MandaRN94

185 Posts

Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

Look under Stanislaus County website. They have PHN and also staff nurse openings in the community clinic for new grads. Also just a FYI AB 2348 (access to birth control) was signed by Gov Brown -expect A LOT of RN community nursing and PHN positions opening soon in CA.

laogirlinSD

29 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics.

[TABLE=width: 100%]

[TR]

Job Title:[TD=class: maroon]Public Health Nurse-Aging & Independence Services Option-12456510AIS[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

Closing Date/Time:[TD]Continuous[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

Salary:[TD]$61,027.20 - $74,193.60 Annually

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

Job Type:[TD]Regular - Full time[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

Location:[TD]County of San Diego, California

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

This can be found on County of San Diego Website and click on Job and then current job opening. The above position is currently open as of today.

I am a new grad with a BSN. I've applied for a PHN with my county in June, and it takes a long time to hear back. That's how the process is. I have an interview next week for the PHN position I've applied for since June!

I hope i am not violating any posting rules of posting the job posting. If I do Administer pls remove/ edit my post as needed.

AdkNurse

4 Posts

In NY, only Bachelors prepared nurses can officially consider themselves Public Health Nurses.

I work for public health department run by the county.

I've been employed there for 8 yrs this January.

Used to be, they wouldn't even consider a nurse with less than 2 years experience in an acute setting.

They hired me 8 yrs ago with only 1.5 yrs experience as a nurse in on a med/surg unit.

I was hired into the Long Term Home Health Care Program, which was mostly case management, and I really could have performed my job better with a BSN (am currently pursuing BSN and can see the benefit).

The problem with public health departments seems to be that the pay is much less than what a nurse can earn in the private sector.

MandaRN94

185 Posts

Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

Same in CA -you have to have a BSN and a PHN cert from the BRN. I agree about the pay. One of the reason I left my county PHN job was every year we had pay cuts. The PHNs are now making what they made 10 years ago due to 6% pay cuts every year! I still work as a PHN as I love the job but would not not go back to a county job again.

%63theend

400 Posts

Specializes in ER.
Same in CA -you have to have a BSN and a PHN cert from the BRN. I agree about the pay. One of the reason I left my county PHN job was every year we had pay cuts. The PHNs are now making what they made 10 years ago due to 6% pay cuts every year! I still work as a PHN as I love the job but would not not go back to a county job again.

What do you do as a PHN that is not done in a county setting?

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