PHN Certificate- is it worth getting it?

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I graduated lastyear and my school will process PHN certificate. Debating whether to get it or not?
 

My questions:

1. Is it worth getting a PHN certificate?

2. Will it help me land a job? 

3. For those with PHNs, where do you currently work?

 

Thank you 

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Is that a Public Health Nurse?  I think we are confused by your acronym

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If nothing else it would add an entry to your resume.  Why not?

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Yes, I meant Public Health Nurse?

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I got a Masters in Public Health and it didn't help me much.  I can get a job with the health dept but they pay about $20k less a year compared to hospital pay.  

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Are you in MN, by chance? MN is the only state where I've been licensed (and I've been licensed in 7 different states) that has a separate application for a PHN designation, and that you are required to get that designation/certification in order to work in public health. It's bizarre, to say the least.

No, it won't help you land a job, unless the job you're trying to land is in public health. The only thing it does is show that you've taken coursework in community/public health (which is required as part of all BSN programs I'm aware of). 

I applied for it when I was job hunting and had been applying for a few community health jobs that require it. Otherwise I wouldn't bother.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

California also requires PHN certificate to work for city. county and state health  clinics and departments, state prisons etc.  I would obtain credential if interested in working outside hospital-- show you took initiative to learn /verify training in this area of healthcare, a plus in my Home Health Managers hiring eye.

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I am interested in working in the public health department of my county. I live in CA as well but the BRN has taken 5+ months to process my application. Their website does not upload my documents - even though I've tried multiple times.I know we're in the midst of COVID, so I've been patient, but yeesh! I finally got the email of my evaluator and emailed him my application directly but am still waiting almost a week later...

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Specializes in OR Circulator RN- CNOR.

Hello,

I have my PHN (in California) and am very glad I did it. I believe it has shown employers that I am open to working with different populations, and did the little extra to earn the certification. It also comes in handy in jobs that are funded by government grants, who often require PHN certified nurses to qualify for funding. The license fee is nominal and gives one more distinction on your resume so your can stand out. Just my two cents. ?

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