How to get my foot in the door...

[hellooonurse28]

I know this question is kind of along the same lines of others, but I am a RN (BSN) with about a year and a half experience as charge. I had a clinical rotation of community health in college, and I LOVED it. We worked with the homeless in shelters, did school nursing, education,seminars, flu shot clinics..many other opportunities that I grew to love. I am SOOO burned out by my current job and know I need a change...and to get out of the hospital. I feel like public health nursing would allow me to combine nursing with my love of feeling like I'm helping others. My question is, where do you look for these kind of jobs? Is it just through health departments? What kind of places hire PHN's? I know I'm not certified, is that something I should do? Is there enough job demand to make it worthwhile? I feel lost in my career and unhappy and really would appreciate any help. Thanks so much!

[Aneroo, LPN]

Local health dept. is probably the best route to go to start with. You can usually work your way up to a mgt. or a state public health position later if you desire.

[mizfradd, CNA]

I agree with Aneroo as the best route to start with.

But, with the economy the way it is right now, please be aware that

there is a nationwide hiring freeze in public health.

State/county govt. jobs are practically frozen at this time.

p.s. Go ahead and apply by filling out an application on www.ohio.gov for the job you are seeking. The govt. will send you a notice of how many other qualified applicants are in line for the same opening and will send you a rating of your qualifications and will keep your application for a designated length of time.

It's your responsibility to keep your application updated in order to be kept in the pool of applicants.

Good luck! Oh, and something else, I don't believe you would need any further certification...you're an RN and the health dept. would train you with inservices in any extra skills that you would need as a PHN.