Career Path for Community Health Nurse

Specialties Public/Community

Published

I am a new grad with a BSN, and may be offered a position as a community health nurse working for the state in a county health office. I was unable to find a hospital job, as the market is saturated with new grads, and hospitals want experienced nurses. The job seems very interesting- TB and STD case management and disaster preparedness, as well as whatever other communicable diseases may crop up. Some field work, office work with occasional clinic work would be involved. It sounds like there will be some autonomy :), and it's 8-5 M-F, with good bennies. Of course the salary is about 5,000 a year less than the lowest paying hospital job :(. My biggest concern is the career path. I would like to continue my education, and wonder what opportunities may lie ahead for a community nurse. My original plan was to work in a hospital, and eventually become an NP. I am so torn about this decision. I am not money-hungry, but I need to be able to pay back loans, and support myself. (including save for retirement- in ~ 15 years, I'll be 65!) Any insights or advice will be so appreciated! I have learned so much from all of you on this message board! Thanks!!:bow:

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Congrats to you!!! Sounds like a sweet job... YOU could always go the hospital at a later date. Who knows you might find the PH is where you want to stay... GOOD Luck!!!!!!!!!

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Congrats to you!!! Sounds like a sweet job... YOU could always go the hospital at a later date. Who knows you might find the PH is where you want to stay... GOOD Luck!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much! I do feel excited and lucky to have a possible offer in this job market! It isn't what I had evisioned for myself, but I am sure I will enjoy the work. Now, I just have to figure out how to pay my bills and save for retirement on the salary! Surely, it must be doable, right? :confused:

Are you in public health? From the posts here, it looks like everyone loves their jobs! It's funny, but you never know where life is going to take you...."Life is what happens while you are busy making plans!" or something like that- LOL! :chuckle

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