How to get into Preventative Care

[preventativecare]

Hi, I am a nursing student.

I am working on my BSN. I am in my 2nd year. I am an "adult" student (not that old), but I do have life experience and a family. So... because of it, I know I am interested in doing research in nursing or preventative care/education to students.

I am wondering, can anyone tell me ways to get fieldwork in research (health specific), or work in preventative health before graduation?

Thanks!

preventativecare

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

To be honest, this type of service is just not a very well defined segment of the US health care infrastructure. 3rd party reimbursement is based on an "illness" model and I don't imagine this is going to change very quickly. So - other than poorly funded public health departments which only provide the bare minimum outpatient services and childhood immunizations, most 'wellness' initiatives are funded by some sort of private grant or limited to membership groups who can afford the services.

Bottom line - if there is no funding, there are no jobs. Maybe this will change as we sloooooowly move into a more holistic model for health care, but since our basic social model is "Darwinian" (if you're poor, it's your own dang fault) I have my doubts. If you're interested in research rather than practice, you will probably need to obtain additional education/credentials in Public Health.