Hoping for an Interview/Seeking any advice

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Hi. I have applied to a PHN position & am crossing fingers for an interview. Do you have any advice as far as websites to brush up on PH issues? Any common interview scenario type questions that I can prep for? I interviewed for a position years ago & didn't get it. Maybe they selected someone with more experience (my experience is acute care, not public health but I do have a PHN certificate). I am REALLY wanting to move into public health. The job market is so tight...and I know there will be competition. Just looking for some pointers or good links to help me prep. Also please send any positive thoughts my way. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

Look up basic principles of PH -what is epi, how does PH differ from the medical model, immunizations, STDs and communicable diseases like TB, etc.. What area of PH? Will you be working in a clinic or doing home visits? Look on your county website and be familiar with your county programs. Good luck!

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Thanks MandaRN94. There are openings in several areas/departments, so I am hopeful they might find me a good match for one of them. I would prefer working with kids/families, but am flexible & willing to try anything.

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Specializes in Public Health, Women's Health.
Look up basic principles of PH -what is epi how does PH differ from the medical model, immunizations, STDs and communicable diseases like TB, etc.. /QUOTE']

That and birth control. I was asked questions like do I have an issue working with homeless, low income or HIV positive patients.

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How do you know which area is the best match for you in PH? Did you choose your area, or was it the current job opening you applied to that got your foot in the door? Thanks Belle 1005.

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DOT (directly-observed therapy) is big now with drug-resistant TB around. Check that out.

Do they do networking with parish nursing, VNAs, hospice, etc.?

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Specializes in Public Health, Women's Health.
How do you know which area is the best match for you in PH? Did you choose your area or was it the current job opening you applied to that got your foot in the door? Thanks Belle 1005.[/quote']

I do a little bit of everything and love it. I do immunizations, blood work, pediatrics, OB, family planning, limited adult primary care, etc. I don't know what it's like to do one thing a day. The job opening I went for was just for Public health nurse I.

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How do you know which area is the best match for you in PH? Did you choose your area, or was it the current job opening you applied to that got your foot in the door? Thanks Belle 1005.

It really depends on the size and structure of your health department. If you're in a rural area, you may be wearing many hats. If you're in a metro area, you'll likely be more specialized. I was able to dabble in a few areas to get my feet wet when I entered public health nursing. I quickly found my passion to be communicable diseases, specifically TB. Good luck with your interview, and welcome to public health!

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Thanks Belle1005, GrnTea & mariebailey- I don't know about networking. It's not that rural (though there are rural areas nearby), and they have openings in several departments...maternal/child, children's service, senior program & communicable disease. I'm open to anything! Though, I love to teach and coordinate things. I interviewed years ago for a single maternal/child job opening & didn't get it. It was a 5 person panel interview back then, and I had to write essays to demonstrate my Spanish ability (I speak a little conversational Spanish & can read/write some, but not fluent). I am hopeful they will interview me, as I would be thrilled to try any area that they have open. Just waiting now...waiting for the phone to ring. LOL. Fingers crossed. They will let me know either way, I hear. So, hope to hear something soon. I would LOVE to work in PH. I applied to PHN I. Thanks for the tips. I'll post back whatever happens.

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Sadly, I don't think I'm even going to get an interview. I just received a generic email from the county HR stating I ranked 8 on the employment list and they typically interview for the top 3-5. So disappointed! :( I really think Public Health would be a good fit for me. I have been watching the county website for openings for over 2 years and I had hoped this was my lucky break. Thanks for your feedback. I still find this area very interesting!

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Specializes in Public Health, Women's Health.
Sadly I don't think I'm even going to get an interview. I just received a generic email from the county HR stating I ranked 8 on the employment list and they typically interview for the top 3-5. So disappointed! :( I really think Public Health would be a good fit for me. I have been watching the county website for openings for over 2 years and I had hoped this was my lucky break. Thanks for your feedback. I still find this area very interesting![/quote']

Oh no! Well hopefully you get an interview anyway. My employer had a stack of about 10 prospective employees and I interviewed on the first day, and they had interviews the following week so I had to wait a week and some days to hear back. Don't lose hope!

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Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

Sorry. Keep looking -it will happen!

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