Exp. RN wants to enter public health

peaceful · Sep 11, 2004

Your question is a good one. I feel there are great benefits to being a PH nurse. Each day unfolds differently, i am never bored, work independently, solve problems constantly. I work 40 hrs a wk/usually 5 days, monday thru friday, occasional week-end on-call. I did work in the hospital environment, but was bored, each day felt the same plus working nights was hell on my family. Now each night i am home to cook dinner and guide my children in their homework efforts. I am less exhausted than when i worked in the hospital, my life feels more balanced between home and work. I actually have a life now. My pay is excellent compared to my counterparts in the hospital. I get paid for all holidays not just if my shift lands on one like in the hospital. Which area of PH nursing are you interested in? There is such a wide range, such as case managment or pediatric or adult health, mental health, substance abuse, working for the state, educational? I hope other PH or community nurses respond to your question. Want to hear from others in the field!

Genista, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2004

Thank you Peaceful. Yes, I am ready and excited about making the change. Public health has always interested me, especially the educational aspects.I'm not sure what career options I would have as a newcomer to the field. It seems many public health departments want a PHN II, which I am not, so I can't be too picky. There are some places that hire a PHN I (in other parts of the state), but the hubby & I can't afford to move right now, so I am looking at county health depts in the surrounding counties.

If I had my pick, I would love to work in an educational capacity. I might enjoy doing some case management too, as I like wholistic thinking and critical thinking/problem solving. It just seems like a really interesting and diverse field.Also, I am getting a little tired of shift work, and would love to have more normal daytime hours so I could see my family.

I hope other PHNs reply as well! I would love to hear any tips on how to enter this field or learn more about it. Helpful hints on how to get my foot in the door would be appreciated (i.e. Should I submit my application to a hiring manager in addition to HR?). If anyone knows of any professional organizations or periodicals to recommend, that would be great too! Thanks!

Euskadi1946 · Sep 16, 2004

Your question is a good one. I feel there are great benefits to being a PH nurse. Each day unfolds differently, i am never bored, work independently, solve problems constantly. I work 40 hrs a wk/usually 5 days, monday thru friday, occasional week-end on-call. I did work in the hospital environment, but was bored, each day felt the same plus working nights was hell on my family. Now each night i am home to cook dinner and guide my children in their homework efforts. I am less exhausted than when i worked in the hospital, my life feels more balanced between home and work. I actually have a life now. My pay is excellent compared to my counterparts in the hospital. I get paid for all holidays not just if my shift lands on one like in the hospital. Which area of PH nursing are you interested in? There is such a wide range, such as case managment or pediatric or adult health, mental health, substance abuse, working for the state, educational? I hope other PH or community nurses respond to your question. Want to hear from others in the field!

Peaceful, I'm an ADN who has lots of OB experience both In Patient and outpatient. I'm also bilingual in English and Spanish. Any chance for me even though I don't have a PHN Cert???

peaceful · Sep 17, 2004

Apply to all nursing jobs that appeal to you, their ideal canidate may be someone certified in PH but usually can not find that. I was never PH certified, just had to have a RN, and willing to learn on the job.