Day in the life of a PHN??? Please respond.

Specialties Public/Community

Published

I'm through with the stress of acute care inpatient nursing. I've been told by my doctor it's time to take care of myself. I've got arthritic knees that can't handle 12 hours on my feet, no lunch and constant multitasking. Time for some decisions. I've got about 10 more years before retirement. I have gone through the hoops and have landed myself a position in the top 10 on the for hire list for my county health department. We have a TB clinic, an ID clinic, a mother/baby clinic and an STD clinic.

I'm attracted by the 8-4:30, no nights, weekends or holidays aspects. No codes. Ambulatory patients and hopefully more autonomy. I love to educate and feel I have a solid general background in nursing that will serve the population well. I'm hoping for less time on my feet.

I would so appreciate some feedback on how you, the PHN's, spends your day and your insights.

Thanks!

BTW, if you see any "m"s missing, it's because the key is not working well.

Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

It's been a while. For those interested, an update. After 2 years with WIC, I will be transferring to our maternal/child health division. Unfortunately the WIC program's funding has been slashed and they can no longer afford a nurse. They use nutritionists and nutrition assistants. For me this is a good move.

I lost my autonomy working with the WIC clinic and I was utilized within a very narrow scope which was more suited for a technician than a nurse. In other words, they wanted the credentials but that was it. They never knew quite what to do with me other than run hemoglobins. Now it's time to spread my wings again and take up the profession I hold in high esteem. I'm happy to be staying in public health. My heart has always been with my moms and their children. I wish I could do more for them.

I'm the child health nurse at my health department. I do not miss acute care. I help out in Adult Health, STD clinic, Family Planning and Maternity whenever I can. We do a lot of education which I love.

There is more to the working in the health department than many people realize. I never realized until I started working for one.

I love my job. The pay sucks but the hours and work environment make up for it!

We have a WIC nurse. She does WIC certifications and signs referrals for PHRM/ISS. I wonder if they will eventually phase out her position. We have two Nutritionist and I do my own WIC for my patients.

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