Community/ Public Health Nursing in Ontario

CCAC (Community Care Access Centres) are always hiring across the GTA, but they require 1-2 years nursing experience. So hospital nursing, ltc, psych....some related nursing experience. You need to be able to work with minimal supervision and have good assessment skills for these positions.

I don't think you'll have problem getting into community nursing here in on. They always seem to be hiring. However these jobs are more hands on then public health, but you can get experience as you work toward public health.

I would also sudgest looking into working at the univesities. There would be lots of teaching and prevention involved.

Hi again,

Well, I seem to be happiest when I am playing the role of a consultant to patients -- that is, educating and advising them on their health and teaching them how to make positive lifestyle choices. I also like the art of designing, administering, managing, and evaluating a plan of management (i.e treatment plan). I could see myself working in an STD clinic, community health centre, or doing in-home consults. I do not see myself doing well in a hospital environment and so I hope to avoid it beyond what is absolutely necessary.

I had worked in community clinic before as student nurse and gained some experience. What you've stated is exactly what I like doing. I see myself as a public health nurse in future. Although the pay is much lower than the floor nurses, I believe the job satisfaction is much higher for person like me. Just two months ago, I received a certificate from University of North Carolina Chaper Hill on public health introductory course. I want to do my MPH some time after gaining experience in public health.