Can you be a PHN if you are a new grad?

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Can you be a PHN if you are a new grad? Do new grads get hired in the public health nursing or do you require 1 year of exp as a RN. I am RN BSN. Thanks for any input!!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Where I live you need a Masters to work in public health.

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Where I live you can start in public health with the state as a new BSN, I think it's very dependent on state and agency.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I think you only a need a BSN to work in public health in California, so it may be possible as a new grad. But that's something you may want to double-check with employers or the CA BRN.

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I met a new nurse at my LTC facility in CA several years ago. She was a new grad. She did not stay long at our facility before she was hired into a PHN position. So I would have to say it is possible to get a PHN job in CA as a new grad. At least it was in that instance. As a matter of fact, a few years later, I met another new grad RN who did the same thing in another area. She was only at our facility for a few days before she took the new PHN position.

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Thanks everyone!! I am based in seattle WA so will check with the department. I am sure there is huge # of applicants since it seems like everyone wants to be a PHN.:) but will try my luck out!!

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Specializes in Public Health.

From what I've seen on job postings here in Georgia, you need 5 years experience as an RN or you can have a master's in PH plus 1 year RN experience.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I am a new grad and was just hired as a PHN for the county in California. I have a BSN, as well as my PHN license. I have yet to start, so not sure how much training I will be getting, but I will be working with chronically ill children coordinating resources and making sure they are getting the proper attention needed.

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Thank you so much for all the respone. I am trying to re-enter nursing after 13 years and would like to work in public health setting only..:)

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Yes! I am getting ready to apply for a couple of public health positions and I was told to go ahead. My heart soared upon hearing that because that is where my heart lies. :heartbeat

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Where I live you need a Masters to work in public health.
Really? In Ontario? I have seen Ontario postings for public health nurse positions that did not stipulate as much.If I focus my schooling in public health while doing volunteer/paid work in the same field, would that increase my chances of being hired as a PHN, or am I shooting myself in the foot by de-emphasizing hospital-based/LTC nursing in my education?
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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

No I wouldn't think so. If PHN is what you are aiming for then focus on that. I work with a couple of BSNs that are going for their Masters so they can work in PH.

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