PegJS

So, what services do you provide? You cover the whole state ... what state? Those similarities that you mention are part of the problem with defining PHNs. Depending on where you are there can be many overlaps in services ... even within one state. For example, jail nurses are part of the public health system on the west side of the state but here on the east side they are county employees and the Public Health Nurses are employed by an independent Public Health District that is overseen by the Board of Health .... an 11 member panel made up of mostly politicians. The one universal is the total lack of funding. The erosion of services performed by PHNs are also a fairly constant theme.

Part of the problem with Public Health Nursing is that we have no "identity". Not from our nursing organizations nor ourselves. There is a growing group of us who are beginning to explore the idea of being our own specialty ... separate/different from community health. We would like to see our own certification, special interest group, etc. Part of the challenge is the different requirements and different focus' of each individual state. Here about 10 years ago we were told we were becoming obsolete ... Now we find we are back in fogue, and now is the time to build on it. What do you all thing?

Hi! Well, most of what you list sounds like you are a good fit for Public Health ... at least here in Spokane, Washington. It appears, however, the public health pays fairly low no matter where you live. After 15 years at my agency I am making only about $5 than a new grad in a hospital. However, I wouldn't trade the work I do for love nor money! During my years in public health I have had the opportunity for a tremendous amount of personal and professional growth and untold learning opportunities! Best of luck to you!

I can't speak for other states, but in Washington state the BSN is typically the requirement to be a PHN. That being said, here at Spokane Regional Health District we do have PHNs that are RNs, but not BSNs. Those nurses are restricted to clinical work. I have been at public health for 15 years and have no desire to work elsewhere. During the last 15 years I did work a couple a weekends a month at a small rural hospital for 3 years, and for the last 6 years have been working every other weekend as a community health/home health nurse. I do this insane schedule because I don't want to get totally away from the clinical type skills, and because public health agencies do not pay well ... after 15 years I am making about $3-5 more than a new grad in a hospital. The work is challenging and the skill set that is used is intense, but different than that of a more clinical focus. I work with the First Steps program which is a program that is focused on maternal-child health (pregnancy through either 2 months postpartum or the child's 1st birthday depending on risk factors). In public health I have done TB, immunizations (child & adult), counseled, tested, and treated STDs, counseled and tested for HIV, lived through a Hep A epidemic (now that was intense!), trained for disasters, become an expert witness and testify in court on child abuse/neglect issues and a myriad of other experiences. It offers a level of autonomy that is lacking in other settings. It is not for everyone, but in my experience those of us who stay are passionate about what we do. Probably the best way to figure out what the requirements are for the state you live in are is to contact either a school of nursing or a public health agency and ask. Best of luck to you!

I am a Public Health Nurse in Washington State. Here it is required (in most cases) that Public Health Nurses (PHNs) have their BSN. It is usually better to have at least a year's hospital experience before taking most jobs as it is an extremely autonomous practice. Med Surg is not necessarily the best practice to be in, however. Much of what we do is Maternal Child and so perinatal and peds are important knowledge to have. I have worked in big hospitals, long term care, and home health ... but Public Health is absolutely my passion. It is emotionally and psychologically challenging and you have to have good boundaries and a strong support system ... but I believe it is nursing at its core ... holistic. However, you have to believe (and sometimes use it as a mantra) that all people have the ability for growth and change!

I have worked in Public Health for about 13 years. I had some hospital and some long term care experience when I applied. Mostly what Local Health Jurisdictions (at least in Washington State) seem to want is just that you have some clinical experience because depending on where you work you have tremendous amounts of autonomy. I have worked in clinical services and in a Maternal Child position. The most important thing is the ability to be non judgmental (or at least hide your judgments), work independently, flexiblity, and a willingness to learn. In my case I had been working in clinical services (STDs, TB, Imms, HIV testing and counseling) and had applied a couple of times for a field position (going into peoples homes to teach them) and had always lost out to a more experienced nurse. One supervisor said it would help if I had some CEUs more focused on pregnancy/parenting and so I went out on my own time and took some. They were so impressed with my motivation and desire that the next time a position came open I got it. I would just go for it and if you don't get the job, listen to what they say - or inquire as to why - and then try again. Good luck to you! I know I wouldn't want to do any other kind of nursing.