LVN wants career in public health

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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I am an Lvn and I decided I would really love to get into public health nursing for my career specialty versus doing any bedside patient care. My question is should I go back to school for my RN and then look into public health jobs or should I just go back to school for a mph degree since I'm already a nurse as an Lvn and can just add a public health degree to it? I know every public health job doesn't always require a nurse and just goes by a public health degree so I don't know if I should just focus on that degree instead so I can have more job opportunities in that field. I hope my question is not too confusing. Thanks

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Your question is clear, and it's great that you're contemplating your options. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

RN Pathway

Pros

  • Nursing experience. You'll build on your existing nursing experience and expand your clinical skills.
  • Flexibility. An RN license opens doors to various roles in public health, clinical settings, and community health.
  • Higher salary potential. RNs typically earn more than LVNs.

Cons

  • Time and cost. Becoming an RN requires additional schooling and clinical hours, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
  • Overlap. Some public health roles may not require nursing-specific skills, making the additional RN training less relevant.

MPH Pathway

Pros

  • Specialized knowledge. An MPH provides in-depth understanding of public health principles, policies, and practices.
  • Career opportunities. Public health roles, such as epidemiologists, health educators, and public health analysts, often require or prefer an MPH.
  • Broader scope. An MPH allows you to work in various settings, including government agencies, non-profits, and global health organizations.

Cons

  • Different focus. MPH programs are less clinical and more focused on population health, which may not utilize your nursing skills directly.
  • Credential limitations. Some public health nursing roles specifically require an RN license, and holding one garners more credibility.

Recommendations

 Some nurses choose to get their RN and then pursue an MPH. This combination is highly marketable and provides both clinical and public health expertise.

Job market research. Look into job postings for public health positions that interest you. Note the required qualifications and preferences.

Long-term goals. Consider where you see yourself in the long run. An MPH might be more beneficial if you want to influence public health policy, work in epidemiology, or lead public health programs. An RN might be better if you prefer roles that combine direct patient care with public health initiatives.

Final Thoughts

If your primary interest is public health and you don't see yourself in bedside care, pursuing an MPH might be the best route. However, if you want the flexibility to work in both clinical and public health settings, obtaining your RN first and then an MPH could offer the most opportunities.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth.

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