by ARRR10

I found out almost 2 weeks ago that the state I am living in is seeking public health nurses. They were also accepting new BSN graduates, so I submitted my job application to give it a try. I just wanted to find out what the pros and cons are to public health nursing?

Re: Pros and Cons of Public Health Nursing?

Hi, i can't answer your queston, but i also want to go into public health nursing beut not sure if i should get some hospital experience first. do you want to go directly into community health?

Re: Pros and Cons of Public Health Nursing?

Pros- work schedule. Cant beat M-F 8-5 w/ no holidays, being in the community versus being confined to a hospital, autonomy.
Cons- PH is constantly being cut when the budget is bad, this is very stressful. paperwork can be daunting.
If you go straight into PH w/ no hospital experience you will not have that to fall back on if you get cut someday. Dont get me wrong, people do it and its fine but make sure its a stable position that will not get cut in 6 months. I love PH and cant recommend it enough but like all specialties, it not for everyone. Make sure you list your pros/cons of this position especially if you are right out of school. Good luck.

Re: Pros and Cons of Public Health Nursing?

Originally Posted by youknowho

Pros- work schedule. Cant beat M-F 8-5 w/ no holidays, being in the community versus being confined to a hospital, autonomy.
Cons- PH is constantly being cut when the budget is bad, this is very stressful. paperwork can be daunting.
If you go straight into PH w/ no hospital experience you will not have that to fall back on if you get cut someday. Dont get me wrong, people do it and its fine but make sure its a stable position that will not get cut in 6 months. I love PH and cant recommend it enough but like all specialties, it not for everyone. Make sure you list your pros/cons of this position especially if you are right out of school. Good luck.

Thank you so much for replying back. I have done almost 2 months in the med/surg unit during my preceptorship and have found it to be one of the most stressful environments to work in; however, I have learned a lot from this experience and also am fortunate to have such caring coworkers.