Community/ Public Health Nursing in Ontario

Just apply. It's a hit or miss. It all depends on whether you meet their needs. There are some who require a certain amount of experience but there are also some positions that don't care.

A friend of mine just graduated from the BScN program in May, wrote her CRNE in July and just got hired as a public health nurse. I'm not sure what experience she had or whether she did her clinical there...but she is a new grad and got in.

Just to be clear... what kind of community/public health nursing are you interested? Do you want to work in a clinic, government or do you want to be a visiting nurse etc.? Toronto Public Health and other GTA public health are difficult to get into unless you did your placement there or/and you have some experience in community program implementation/research/policy and/or years of experience in the clinical settiing. Most of the positions require you have a valid G licence in ON. Community visiting nurses, at least those that are advertised don't really require you to have experience in the hospital. I have a few friends that have gone that route as new grads. If you want to work in a clinic (e.g., IVF, endoscopy, oral surgery), you usually have to have some hospital experience plus ACLS.

As Jane has stated there are different areas within community/public health. As a visiting nurse (considered community) you have a good chance to obtain employment as a new graduate. Positions within public health, community health centres, case management etc typically require at the very minimum 1 year experience as an RN (Hospital/LTC etc). I have worked within the community while a nursing student in the office setting, developed great relationships with the nurse managers and HR but was still told that I would need 1 year of RN experience as strong assessment and facilitation skills are required. A friend of mine aspires to be a Public health nurse and had her consolidation at Toronto Public Health and was told the same thing, she would need 1 year RN experience. It's extremely tough to crack as a new grad. Not saying it's impossible.

Just saw your recent reply: Looks like your describing the side that I thought and they usually require experience (1 year min. as stated). Many public health and community health centres need volunteers so I would definitely volunteer if you are able to. As far as credentials go - you could look at employment listings to see the qualifications of positions you're interested in. Positions usually require a BScN and experience. For management a masters. For a specific area it is usually stated a certificate in the area is preferred (Certified geriatric nurse, certified diabetes educator etc..) and experience with the specific population.

Good luck! :)

Out West, Public Health is very competitive. The only easy area is the School Health Programme and that's leaning more towards LPNs. Can't really face immunization day at multiple schools or I'd be all over it.

That is interesting. What does school nursing entail?

What is wrong with immunizations?

You visit a set number of schools in your catch area. Provide all the basic hygiene lectures and do all the immunizations.

Ever given an injection to a 5yo that is less than happy to see you? Dealt with jr. high kids that tell you which muscle they want the injection in because they had an anatomy class in biology?? Good times.