Got the Job!!! (Health Dept.)

Specialties Public/Community

Published

So I'm floating on cloud 9 bc I was offered the position for the job I really wanted. I was surprised they offered me the job so quickly. There is still a lengthy process to go through, but overall I'm excited and ready to move on to something else. I am taking a significant pay cut, but the benefits and perks of the job outweigh the hourly salary.

Can anyone that works for the health department expand on the job itself, benefits, and overall atmosphere. I've only read good reviews as compared to typical floor nursing that I'm currently doing. I'm very excited, comments, experiences, and opinions are all welcomed.

Thanks in advance :)

Glad you like NFP. We just got funded in Northeastern NC and are recruiting for 4 BSN nurses! I have been to Denver and the program is awesome. Can't wait to get the staff in here!

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I love my phn job, too! I started working here December of 2011. It is my first job right out of college. It is exactly where I am supposed to be. I don't mean to sound like a baby, but I couldn't do 12 hours shifts! The autonomy is glorious. The pay is decent (I probably make about 2 dollars less than a new grad in the hospital). I love no nights, no weekends and holidays off.

Unfortunately, I have been sick recently (pseduotumor, blah), and my supervisors and administration have been SO accommodating. I feel really lucky because I know I wouldn't be able to have taken off as many days as I needed to if I were in the hospital. As a PHN they told me to take care of myself. Since it is just my first year, I don't have very much personal/sick time, but they agreed to let me have leave without pay. That's fine by me, as long as I get to keep my job! I am very lucky and extremely happy to be in this position.

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My co-workers are the best. Like you, I love the autonomy of my position. There is still so much to learn. I love it!!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Hello, I just had my 2nd interview at a county health dept. today and am so excited about the prospect of getting this job! Especially after reading everyone else's comments about how great it is to be a public health nurse!!!

I've always wanted to spend more time educating and actually feeling like I make a difference every day! I think it's going to be the perfect fit for me.

The pay is less than what I've been making, but they sure do make up for it in benefits!

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Hello, I just had my 2nd interview at a county health dept. today and am so excited about the prospect of getting this job! Especially after reading everyone else's comments about how great it is to be a public health nurse!!!

I've always wanted to spend more time educating and actually feeling like I make a difference every day! I think it's going to be the perfect fit for me.

The pay is less than what I've been making, but they sure do make up for it in benefits!

I heard that too. A lot of people who wind up working for the health departments they usually stay a long time for years and I heard that you can retire early. Do you know anything about this? I was told that you can buy into your retirement and retire early. I don't really know. I'm in my early 40's and I just applied for a RN job at the local health department. I am nervous but anxious.

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To get into community health or a health department do you need a lot of exp? I'm in a med surg position that I cannot stand. I don't like all the tasks involved. I love pt teaching.

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To get into community health or a health department do you need a lot of exp? I'm in a med surg position that I cannot stand. I don't like all the tasks involved. I love pt teaching.

I don't think so but you do need to be a RN where I live but some places accept LPN's.

I've been wondering what I need to know for the interview?

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Hello, I just had my 2nd interview at a county health dept. today and am so excited about the prospect of getting this job! Especially after reading everyone else's comments about how great it is to be a public health nurse!!!

I've always wanted to spend more time educating and actually feeling like I make a difference every day! I think it's going to be the perfect fit for me.

The pay is less than what I've been making, but they sure do make up for it in benefits!

What are some things they ask in the interview? I applied and I received my confirmation from the capital of my state so I was wondering what things do I need to be prepared to know for an interview. I really would like to have a job like this. I am 41 going on 42 and I have kids and I've worked in a hospital setting for a few months and I have worked in a long term care center for over 4 years as LPN, but not I just got my RN. I know it's hard to get into the health department but people say they love it.

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Are there any nurses out there that only had 6 months of med-surg experience before getting a job at their local health department?

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I was hired as a PHN with 6 months of med surg as a nurse intern while in school and 6 months of home health

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

I know this is a much older posting, but as an RN who is working towards being a public health nurse, I just wanted to say that it's so great to see so many postings about how much public health nurses enjoy the work they do! Hoping to join all of you as a PHN one day soon :up:

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

What is your MSN on?

Congrats! I've been at the health department since October last year and love it. I work with the Nurse Family Partnership. I work with low income, first time mothers from pregnancy until their children are age 2. I did a internship in public health when I was a student and loved it. I had graduated 2 years prior to finding this position at our local health department, I was excited to find an opening when I did! I don't miss working holidays, nights, or weekends! :yeah:
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