Anyone start out in public/community health?

I spent 8 months on a surgical floor before getting a job in public health. I work with young families - mostly pregnant teens and their babies. I took the position because of the hours. I am trying like heck to get my old job back. Thank God for public health nurses, they serve a vital role in our communities, but it is not for me. I would suggest you spend some time getting your basic skills before entering public health. Public health is very emotionally draining, I have spent a lot of time beating my head up against a wall to try to help people but progress is very very slow. Anyway, good luck and I hope you find success regardless of your choice!

Hey everyone! I am thinking about going straight into public health when I graduate with my BSN next year. The more I do clinicals in the hospital and also by working there, I know more and more that my heart is in prevention and maintenance of health. Anyone of you out there start out in public health or currently work in the speciality? If so, where do you work, what do you do, and what are your likes and dislikes? Thanks in advance!

Renee

Hi Renee,

I went straight to a community Health Center after graduation due to hospital hiring freeze. I did my clinicals there and nurse manager hired me. It seemed ideal..mon-fri 9-5 one sat a month. However after 4/5 months I really started to miss the skills I learned and was not using. I agree with other post that it was emotionally draining, a lot of paperwork, I gave shots all day long from vaccinations to shots for std's. I did enjoy diabetic teaching but found I reached a plateau of sorts. So I applied to a community hospital and love it. I feel community health will better suit someone who is burnt out from hospital nursing.

ps: there is a community/public health board under specialty....you will probably get more response.