PHNs at the Health Dept...please read

AlaBro2010 · Mar 18, 2013

My director called me the next day since I had applied 30 minutes before the deadline (applied Thursday, heard back Friday). I interviewed on a Tuesday and heard back one week and 3 days later on a Friday. It's a small department though. The wait killed me but they had interviews two Tuesdays so they had to interview the second set of people before I heard back.

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2013

Okay. Thanks. I had an interview...wasn't so great. Don't really expect a call back, but was just wondering in case. Waiting for decision for grad school--depending on that result, I may have to move. Somewhat heartbroken because I was planning on stuff that could really be an asset to the area in which I live (in regards to mental health support and education/advocacy, etc.) I live in a rural area. :unsure:

MandaRN94 · Mar 25, 2013

Don't stress yet. It took 2 weeks to hear back and I got the job. The county works painfully slow in the hiring process. Good luck!

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2013

So, I didn't get the job; but, either I was the only candidate or no one was good--the position was withdrawn. I didn't get into grad school either. Disappointed about PHN job; relieved about grad school (the loan debt or ability to pay scared me so much! There's later...when I have money) However, I have a big task ahead of me--I am getting NAMI stuff going in my area. Excited. I think it is a big step in the right direction for my community. :up:

I am realizing that I can do public health like things (education and advocacy) without having a public health nurse position. I am also realizing that I want to be more open and outspoken about my mental health struggles and getting that mental illness (and suicide) conversation going. To be honest, I am not sure if I will ever get hired as a nurse; but, I think God put me in this position for a reason--maybe He realized that something had to be done about something as taboo as mental illness/suicide and knew I was a headstrong little chick that has the ability to get it done!

AlaBro2010 · Mar 28, 2013

Don't be discouraged! I doubted myself also and highly doubt I would've been hired at a larger health department but I love my somewhat rural small health department. Don't give up!

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2013

Thanks! But, I am absolutely falling in love with the idea of educating the public about mental illness and advocating and supporting my peers (that have mental illness as well). Health depts don't have mental health nurses. I would love for them to create that position and overlap it with testing for STIs.

I went to a NAMI training this past weekend and I absolutely adore the other people who were in my class. They were so nice (and guess what...all of them had mental illness). My co-facilitator pointed out to me (and it touched my heart because it was so true) that if it weren't for the NAMI logos and info., just looking at everyone, you would have thought it was a business meeting.

The health dept. just can't give me that--I wish they could because mental health support, education, advocacy, and in terms of environmental triggers, prevention, is so important...

I am going to look for hospital positions. And do public health things on the side and educate people about mental illness and such. I just want to find acceptance and understanding for myself and everyone living with a mental illness. I think I have found "holes", so to speak, that need to be filled. I want to try and tackle the problem, not run from it. I came up with something that I tell myself, especially when I feel defeated...

Commitment. Hope. Ambition. Negotiation. Goals. Empowerment.

sourapril · Aug 7, 2013

Hi, just want to dig this up. Did you finally find a job in Public Health Nursing? If so, can you share your story?

Thanks! But, I am absolutely falling in love with the idea of educating the public about mental illness and advocating and supporting my peers (that have mental illness as well). Health depts don't have mental health nurses. I would love for them to create that position and overlap it with testing for STIs.
I went to a NAMI training this past weekend and I absolutely adore the other people who were in my class. They were so nice (and guess what...all of them had mental illness). My co-facilitator pointed out to me (and it touched my heart because it was so true) that if it weren't for the NAMI logos and info., just looking at everyone, you would have thought it was a business meeting.
The health dept. just can't give me that--I wish they could because mental health support, education, advocacy, and in terms of environmental triggers, prevention, is so important...
I am going to look for hospital positions. And do public health things on the side and educate people about mental illness and such. I just want to find acceptance and understanding for myself and everyone living with a mental illness. I think I have found "holes", so to speak, that need to be filled. I want to try and tackle the problem, not run from it. I came up with something that I tell myself, especially when I feel defeated...
Commitment. Hope. Ambition. Negotiation. Goals. Empowerment.

malestunurse · Aug 16, 2013

Thanks! But, I am absolutely falling in love with the idea of educating the public about mental illness and advocating and supporting my peers (that have mental illness as well). Health depts don't have mental health nurses. I would love for them to create that position and overlap it with testing for STIs.

Sounds like a youth clinic would be perfect for you that is the majority of what they do.