Good Job for New Nurse?

[purplegal]

I saw this public health nursing job posted and was wondering if it would be a good fit for a new nurse:

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[TD=class: jobdetail]Under general public health nursing supervision, is responsible for patient care in a public health nursing program, such as Disease Prevention and Control, Clinic Services such as immunizations, Tuberculosis and Refugee Health, Parent/Child/School health, or Adult/Disabled health. Works with personnel in schools, local hospitals, other County departments and other agencies providing public health nursing services to individuals, families and the community. Performs case management in the clinic, community and/or home, instructs individuals and groups in the care of the sick, prevention of illness, and maintenance of individual, family and community health. Performs related work as assigned. Must be available to support the department during emergency situations.

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[TH=class: jobheadings] Examples of Work: [/TH]

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• Works in an area, such as Clinic Services, Parent/Child/School health or Adult/Disabled Health, providing nursing services and education
  
• Provides screening, immunizations and case management of refugees
  
• Compiles case findings through contacting physicians, nurses, social workers, schools, clergy and others
  
• Gives nursing care to individuals and families
  
• Assists families and individuals to recognize their health needs or problems and guides them in making plans to alleviate them
  
• Assess and screen clients and interpret findings to individuals and families the implications of medical diagnosis and helps them to carry out the treatment
  
• Interprets public health nursing and coordinates agency programs with others to achieve effective and efficient services
  
• Consults with physicians, school personnel, social service personnel and other agencies in the promotion of optimum health practices and referrals
  
• Facilitates community groups and coordinates county meetings in the assessment and education of citizens
  
• Conducts screening programs for target groups, makes appropriate referrals and provides follow-up
  
• Provides appropriate health promotion and education information to clients and target groups
  
• Assists in epidemiology disease surveillance and investigation activities
  
• Provides clinic services for immunizations, tuberculosis, refugee health, and well child exams
  

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[TH=class: jobheadings] Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: [/TH]

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• Prefer experience in clinical nursing duties or community health nursing
  
• Prefer experience in epidemiology disease surveillance and investigation
  
• Considerable knowledge of the application of nursing practices
  
• Considerable knowledge and practice of public health nursing theory
  
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and meaningful relationships with agency staff members, representatives of other agencies, patients and the general public
  
• Ability to give skilled nursing care to patients
  
• Ability to apply previously acquired knowledge and skills to new situations
  
• Ability to use supervision and guidance
  
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  
• Ability to make independent decisions
  
• Ability to assess nursing needs and to develop and carry out nursing care plans
  

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[~Shrek~]

I work in a similar job and I am a new nurse. I am pretty happy, and I would say it is a good place to work. I want to build my career in public health, and I don't plan to work in the hospital environment in my life. If your dream is to work in the acute care world, Public Health is not the way to start.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Dream job. Seriously.

[SiwanRN]

That sounds awesome. If public health is where you want to be, then you should apply for the position. New grads can and do succeed in public health, especially if your agency has a good orientation. Good luck!