Interview on Mon

sarah123 · Jan 7, 2005

I can't offer advice, only encouragement. Good Luck.

I am just starting in pre-nursing after finishing my CNA. Public health is really where I want to go, especially rural. Would love to hear how you interview goes.

Best Wishes, Best of Luck,

Sarah

Jayla · Jan 7, 2005

Hi Allie!

Considering how similar our situation is (from previous postings), you'll get the job! I interview with the Balto County PHD about 3 weeks ago, and yesterday I was scheduled for my physical...so I think that's a good sign!

My interview was with the Nursing Director of the health dept. It was pretty informal--she asked basic information about my education and previous experience, and of course why I want to work in public health. My situation may be different than usual considering I worked there for 7 weeks during my leadership rotation. I was expecting something a lot more formal, considering it is a government position. But it was very informal and laid-back. I'm almost positive I have the job (sure hope so, cause I just quit my miserable med-surg job yesterday--couldn't stomach that abusive place anymore!).

If things don't work out, there are ALWAYS PHN positions here in Balto city and county! You could move back!

Just have confidence and be yourself! You graduated from a great school and, at least here in Baltimore, I don't believe there's a ton of competition for PHN positions.

anc33 · Jan 7, 2005

Hi Allie!
Considering how similar our situation is (from previous postings), you'll get the job! I interview with the Balto County PHD about 3 weeks ago, and yesterday I was scheduled for my physical...so I think that's a good sign!
My interview was with the Nursing Director of the health dept. It was pretty informal--she asked basic information about my education and previous experience, and of course why I want to work in public health. My situation may be different than usual considering I worked there for 7 weeks during my leadership rotation. I was expecting something a lot more formal, considering it is a government position. But it was very informal and laid-back. I'm almost positive I have the job (sure hope so, cause I just quit my miserable med-surg job yesterday--couldn't stomach that abusive place anymore!).
If things don't work out, there are ALWAYS PHN positions here in Balto city and county! You could move back!
Just have confidence and be yourself! You graduated from a great school and, at least here in Baltimore, I don't believe there's a ton of competition for PHN positions.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Jayla, Congrats on your interview. I am sure that if they are putting you through the physical you've got it in the bag. So bold to quit before securing something. Wish I could have done that but I've got a hubbie to feed!

I feel pretty good about it but I want to make sure I am prepared in case they throw me any curveballs. If it doesn't work out I might be back up Balto way!

Allie - gotta get out of med-surg

Genista, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2005

Congratulations on the interview Allie. I'm an RN working med/surg too, and wanting to move into public health. I have the BSN/PHN, but only med/surg experience the past 6 years. I interviewed with my county a few months ago, but sadly didn't get the job. It is very competative here, where I live. I was applying against PHN IIs, where I would have been a PHN I.

Well, I can't say what your interview will be like, but for my interview, I was met with a 3 person panel and case study questions.This was for a field position, however in maternal/child. They were tough questions, and nothing I could have prepared for (believe me I did try and prep for it). I think I did well, considering, and the manager urged me to apply again. So, in the meanwhile I am going to do some PH CEUS while I wait for another opening.

How wonderful to get an interview! Just use your common sense, and I'm sure you'll do great! Best of luck. Hope you come back and post with some good news. :balloons:

anc33 · Jan 11, 2005

Had the interview today, not so sure how well I did. It was with two supervisors. They asked me scenario questions and scribbled down all of my answers. Some of it I had no idea about but gave it my best shot. I explained that I am a med-surg nurse and that if given the chance I could relearn OB, etc. Hopefully they base the decision on potential over current knowledge. Well I will know by the end of next week...

sarah123 · Jan 11, 2005

Can't wait to hear ... Fingers crossed,

Sarah

Genista, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2005

Allie- I'm rooting for you! Good luck.

Jayla- It sounds like the job is in the bag for you. Congratulations! I hope you'll come back and share your good news.

Sarah- Good luck in school. You can go right into PH at graduation if you want to.

It's exciting to read about others who are heading into the field. I hope to be there sometime this year too. ;-)

Kona

susanmarie · Jan 22, 2005

Hi, I'm thinking about switching to Public Health too (and welcome any advice from other PH nurses). I'm a new grad RN (June 04), working on a Peds HemOncBMT unit, and the hours are basically killing me and my family. My real passions are OB/Peds/Public Health, I've done some mission work abroad and am really happiest when I'm doing the primary care thing. There's an opening at my city health dept for a maternal-child public health nurse. Any advice? Can a new grad really do the public health routine??? thanks.

Jayla · Jan 27, 2005

I just got hired by the local health department as a PHN. I loved my community health rotation in school, and knew that's what I wanted to do when I graduated. Unfortunately, the hiring process was really long, and I panicked and took a med/surg job. Hated that! I quit that after about 5 months and now I'll be doing public health.

The health department also has extensive training (like any hospital should), and you are still functioning as an RN. A lot of people think PH is "easier" which I think is baloney! I think it's just as challenging as hospital nursing, but in a different way.

If the health department is willing to hire a recent grad, I don't see why you couldn't do it. Sounds like you have lots of good experience under your belt anyway. I say go for it!

Not only are the hours better, but you're doing a real service for some of the most disadvantaged and marginalized people in our society. Keep us posted!