How difficult is it to transfer public health jobs?

Specialties Public/Community

Published

Hello, I recently interviewed for a great foster care public health position in the same county I attended school. It's a great opportunity but my boyfriend lives about 2hrs away in a different county. I eventually want to settle down with him possibly in the next year but I'm not sure if I should accept this job now or just wait and try get a job closer to him. I've been currently working in Med-Surg for about 8months now as a new nurse so I'm anxious to get out. My question is how difficult is to transfer from one county to another when it comes to public health jobs? What would you do? Any other advice would be appreciated too. Thank you.

Specializes in Public health nursing.

Nurzelady,

I truly understand the predicament you're in. I'm a new RN myself and was recently hired as a PHN in an area that's 1 1/2 hours from my bf. My bf is unable to relocate with me because of his work, but he understood and supported my decision to take the PHN position; he knows how passionate I am of public health. It's a sacrifice not being as close to each other, but he and I will still plan to see each other over the weekends. You need to know what your priorities are and where your happiness lies, and of course talk it out with your bf. I wish you the best in your decision and hope you get the job :crosses fingers:!

Thank you so much for replying. I really appreciate your comments. Tell me, how long ago were u hired and how has it been going for you so far with everything?

Specializes in Public health nursing.

I was hired last month and start orientation in two weeks so I can't quite comment on what my typical day is like as a PHN. The background and references took longer than I had expected, but it is a government position after all. It will be my first RN job and it is a part of nursing I have longed to pursue so I'm pretty stoked about it.

Specializes in Public Health.

Hi Elle, do you have any previous PH experience/certifications? I'd really like to be a PHN someday, and I have an MPH degree. I am surprised to hear that a new grad was able to get a PHN position; I haven't heard of many PH depts. hiring new grads (but that's just from what I've heard, don't have any facts to back it up).

Congrats on your position! It sounds exciting!:yeah:

Specializes in Public health nursing.

Troop949,

Thank you! I had my first bachelors in Public Health education, so much of my public health experience I obtained was during my senior internship and when I was a volunteer for a community clinic's health education department. I am also a volunteer health care disaster worker for my County. I am currently in an MPH program and do have a PHN certificate. It is possible for new grads to secure a PHN position, but I'm sure it depends on the area. I'm from California by the way. Even when I was interviewing for both bedside new grad RN and PHN positions, the interviewers were pleased that I was working on my MPH so I can only imagine how they would respond with someone who already has the degree; it will definitely open doors for you.

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