Non-clinical opportunities for new graduates?

[shastasheen]

Hello everyone,

I looked around for situations similar to mine, but didn't find anything.. so my apologies if my questions have been answered...

I am currently in a pretty great nursing program, and if I indeed get my RN/BSN, it would be wise to stay where I'm at. However, I'm just not sure if I should stay or not.

Ultimately, I want to do Public Health (specifically community or international health and development) in some way, without a doubt. Now the most traditional path to this is getting my MPH eventually. However, right now I am 25 and have at least 2 more years to go in undergrad. Because of my age and the fact that time is money for me right now, I feel I need to have a functional/specific bachelors degree (not something general like sociology), just in case I don't get into an MPH program, or I don't or can't be in school anymore when I am in my late 20s.

Nursing seems like the perfect thing to do: It's a GREAT degree to have in preparation for Public Health, my program has so many benefits, and once I'm out I'll be able to get a good, stable job if I do need to work for a while. There's just one major problem......

I don't like nursing. :imbar

Let me rephrase this: I don't like the idea of clinical nursing. I don't like the thought of blood, vomit, mucous and other bodily fluids... I could get over it but I'm not looking forward to that. While I have a GREAT deal of respect for the people who do this work, clinical nursing is not the way I want to make a difference. I don't want to make sick people better, I want to find out why certain things occur within populations, and find out why and how to make it better. I want to educate people, I want to make existing health care structures better, and share what I have learned in a way that people can make improvements in their own lives, etc.

MY question is this:

What are the non-clinical opportunities for new nurse graduates???

I know there are nonclinical positions out there, but I am afraid that these go to nurses who have been in the field for a while, who have had years of clinical experience first. If I stick it out through the next 2 years of the program and get through all of my clinicals in school, would I be able to find something (ideally public health-related) non-clinical straight out of school if I didn't immediately go on to an MPH program?

I just really don't want to get a degree in something like Sociology or Psychology because while they would relate to Public Health, I don't want to be left with a BA that I can't do anything with.

I would REALLY appreciate any feedback on this.

[elkpark]

Well, you're right; there are few non-clinical opportunities for new grads. Most of those type positions require/expect some significant amount of clinical experience to be considered qualified.

Given all that you said, the most obvious choice would be to pursue a PHN position; is there some reason that you're not already thinking of that?? (You didn't mention it in your post.) A BSN is considered appropriate preparation, and that's your area of real interest (that, in itself, should be a strong point in your favor when applying and interviewing). That would also give you an advantage of getting public health experience now and starting to work your way "up through the ranks" even before taking an MPH.

[shastasheen]

Thanks for the feedback. To be honest, I have a lot to learn about PHN's and Community Health nurses. I've tried to research online, but have yet to come across a clear explanation of how to obtain such a career. Don't these positions require a masters degree as well? In this case, what would be the difference in getting this sort of specialization vs a regular MPH?

[shastasheen]

Hmm, I just found that speciality forum, looks like I have a lot of reading to do... :nuke:

[elkpark]

Hmm, I just found that speciality forum, looks like I have a lot of reading to do... :nuke:

Best wishes for your reading! :) Have you had your public health ("community health" seems to be the more "PC" term these days, but they refer to the same thing) rotation in your nursing program yet? I'm sure that will also give you a clearer idea of what public health nursing is about.

No, you do not have to have a Master's to work as a public health nurse, although you can certainly get one ... A BSN is considered the basic preparation (since it is BSN curricula that include public health content, while ADN and diploma program curricula do not), but, in some localities (depending on how desperate they are for staff -- more common in rural areas) public health departments don't even require BSNs, but will take anyone with a license (I disapprove strongly of this, but I also sympathize with their predicament ...)

While the job responsibilities of an entry level public health RN might not be your ultimate, "dream" job, you would at least be in the field you want, and be starting your way "up the ladder" (which, of course, is how most of us started out in nursing -- few of us walked out of school into our "dream" job.) From there, you might decide to go on to take an MPH, or you might decide you're doing just what you want to do -- in any case, you would have the time and "space" to make a thoughful decision about your next step.

Public health nursing is one of those specialties (psych, my field, is another) which tends to attract people who aren't all that interested in "regular" nursing, and, typically, the true, "hard-core" public health (and psych) nurses would rather go hungry than do any other kind of nursing. :) Again, best wishes!

[HealthyRN]

You are right that it is difficult to find non-clinical positions as a new graduate. But not entirely impossible. Most nursing programs dedicate one semester to a "leadership" rotation where the student chooses the clinical site where he/she is considering practicing. If you choose a public health nursing site, this may help you get a leg up on finding a public health job after graduating.

From what you describe, I really think that you will want to go on for the MPH. I do think nursing is a great background for public health. Good luck in what you decide.