Health Department / DOH jobs for New Grads?

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

So continuing my job search I've seen some openings at the local health departments...yes I'm leaving no stone unturned. I am curious to find out if any new grads started on in their local health department and if they even consider hiring new grads or is it a place with acute care nurses go to when they are fed-up of the hospital grind.

I know most of the nurses at my health department are like 100 years old(exaggeration) because its such a cushy job getting home before 5 and having weekends off. I hope they start training new people soon. Is this a good place for new grads to work? I actually don't mind working their because Public Health was also one of the areas that interest me.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Actually, one of the positive effects of the Ebola frenzy has been a heightened awareness of the role of Public Health services because the local PH dept is a hospital's first line resource if they have a suspected Ebola patient. This has given rise to a level of collaboration and communication that I haven't seen before.... and I was at the bedside at the onset of the AIDS epidemic.

PH may have been characterized as a low-key, cushy gig in the past, but I have a sense that this is changing. It is probably going to be a much more active and engaging area for nurses. Especially those who may be interested in the practical aspects of epidemiology.