HELP: Career Advice for PH or Community Nursing

Hi. I've been an RN for a short time (about 2 yrs) working in Telemetry in a small hospital. Although I love where I work and the people are great, I really don't think the Bedside/Acute Care Setting is where I want to be in Healthcare.

Instead of treating people when they're so ill they need to be in the hospital, I would be more interested in trying to help people either get better access to healthcare services or to live healthier BEFORE they wind up in the hospital. :pumpiron:

I've thought this might fall under the heading of COMMUNITY or PUBLIC HEALTH nursing. I'm not sure though what qualifications are needed for these positions (I got my RN License after finishing an Assoc. Degree Program) or what settings I would be working in (Clinics, or the State's Office of Public Health?). Money is not an issue: I didn't get into nursing to get rich. I would be willing to go back to school (either for a BSN or maybe a Bachelor's in Public Health???) but I wouldn't pursue more schooling if I were to simply continue doing more bedside nursing.

The experience I've gotten doing telemetry has been very valuable. But, for the long haul, I don't think the acute care setting is where I want to be. Any help or advice would Really! be appreciated! Thanks.

Best Regards, Will