How can I combine OBGYN nursing with Public Health Nursing as a career?

Specialties Public/Community

Published

I am a mother baby nurse. I recall falling in love with public health nursing in nursing school. Does anyone out there know how the two can be combined? What would this job consist of? Is there anyone out there who is working in public health and concentrating in OBGYN nursing? If so, what does your job consist of? Thanks a lot!!!:cool:

Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

Queen

I also would like to combine labor and delivery with public health nursing. I am considering becoming certified as inpatient ob nurse so that i could get a step up on teaching some childbirth education classes. Ultimately I plan to return to school but can't decide if I should get a master's in public health or a master's in nursing with a community health specialty - the latter one is a much more difficult program to find! Especially one that is on-line and doesn't require me moving across state.

Anything that would help me get into one of these positions would be key.

Did you ever find a way? I would be happy to pm you the info I have as well.

Specializes in Postpartum, L&D, Mother-Baby.
Queen

I also would like to combine labor and delivery with public health nursing. I am considering becoming certified as inpatient ob nurse so that i could get a step up on teaching some childbirth education classes. Ultimately I plan to return to school but can't decide if I should get a master's in public health or a master's in nursing with a community health specialty - the latter one is a much more difficult program to find! Especially one that is on-line and doesn't require me moving across state.

Anything that would help me get into one of these positions would be key.

Did you ever find a way? I would be happy to pm you the info I have as well.

Right now I am trying to get into an MPH program and I will use that to be a public health nurse. I know its not necessary and my public health certificate should be enough, but this economy is changing and in no tike they may want everyone practicing to have a masters degree so why not, lol. I should find out from one of the schools early November. What info have you found?

Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

I went back and forth on whether or not to get a masters in public health vs a masters in nursing with a community health/ public health focus. I want to run my own programs and seminars and teach community programs, childbirth education, maybe some staff development. I always wanted to be independent and see this as a way. Right now I am in the process of getting ob certification, after that I will tackle school so you are ahead of me.

How did you decide on an mph vs msn - public health. Maybe there isn't much of a difference. I will need to find out because mph was my first choice but I wanted to go as far with a nursing degree as possible so msn seemed like a better option. Confusing.

Specializes in Postpartum, L&D, Mother-Baby.

I read lots of entries here where people talk about getting their MPH vs MSN-MPH and lots of them say the latter is a waste of time. I just felt like I wanted to get in and out of school and not have to complete a dual degree. I already have a degree in Nursing so since I want to go into public health I figured I would just get my advanced degree in that. I went about selecting a program by researching those that had a concentration I could see myself enjoying studying. I narrowed them down by places I could see myself living for a long time because I am not looking to relocate for several years after graduation.

Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

Hi Queen

You know I was also a mother baby nurse. Lots of teaching there but the problem is that it is repetitive. I wanted to expand that teaching that is why I am considering public health, plus I once worked for a public health agency - administratively, and got to go out with a few nurses. Really intrigued me.

The program I am looking into is not a dual degree msn/mph. It is a masters in nursing with a community health focus. It does not offer mph but the classes are related. The program is offered at the University of South Alabama and is on-line. It is expensive but at this time I am only in the comparing stage. They will also let you add on nurse educator for extra credits but I'm not sure how that works. Been so busy lately this has moved down a notch on my list but thank you for your input. All is helpful.

Keep in touch, it seems we are heading down the same yellow brick road!

Specializes in Home Care, Peds, Public Health, DD Health.

Anyone interested in volunteering (even if it is just a way to get familiar with the local health dept) can look up Medical Reserve Corp and sign up as a volunteer. We used our MRC volunteers in the recent hurricane to help with medical shelters for those that had medical needs but were forced out of their homes in Sandy and others were called to go help with the direct needs of those still without homes. You cannot volunteer once the need arises as their is no way in middle of an emergency to verify your license and qualifications but if you volunteer ahead of time, then you can be ready to go when they need you, even if it is just right in your neighborhood. And it can be something as simple as giving flu shots but it looks great on a resume! We also provide free training and the training usually offers CEU's!

Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

Thanks for the info! Is very useful.

I went from working in Womens Health in a hospital setting to working as a PHN in maternal-child health. There are also family planning programs and other services dedicated to women and children. OB/GYN and PHN is a good combination, and certainly doable. Best of luck!

Tmarie75

+ Add a Comment