getting into PH

Min · Aug 9, 2003

It most likely depends on where you live. I am the DON at a county health department. Due to the retirement of four Public Health Nurses and promotions I currently have five positions open (between my Public Health Nursing Division and my Clinics Division). We only hire BSNs. I have to compete with five large hospitals that pay RNs much higher than I am able to. I have not received many qualified applicants with BSNs. Your PH certification definately gives you an advantage. Public Health Nurses tend to stay in their positions. This definately says something for the profession! Try looking at health departments within your area and attempt to determine if they are expecting retirements to happen in the near future. This would give you an idea of when to expect openings. Send your resume even if there is not a current opening. They may keep it on file. Good luck. Public Health allows you to practice in an autonomous environment. You could move to Indiana and join my team!!

jjjoy, LPN · Aug 10, 2003

Tempting... but I've got to pass. Still I appreciate the feedback and am trying to find out more about local opportunities. I'm in southern California, the LA area, which is why budget cuts and second languages are such critical issues. Thanks again for your input!

SCNuttyMeg · Feb 17, 2004

Hi Yall,

Im really interested in public health. I graduated in May and im working on a cardiology floor. I know I wanted to get a couple years of hosptial setting under my belt before venturing out. Im really interested in the PH certificate. Could yall provide me with how I may obtain this. Should I wait to obtain it after I get a PH job or before. I was thinking of going for my CCRN but I think my heart and efforts belong in the community. Thanks for any tips

Meg

Rn Stuff · Feb 19, 2004

What do PHNs do? Where do they practice?

phn92 · Feb 21, 2004

I can only speak for myself, but this is a little of I do! We have the Immunization program, handle Comminicable disease problems, and health promotion. Communicable disease is usually follow-ups and paper work. TB is one of those that I handle! Now our dept has a Home Health dept, not too many of the health dept do this. We only have two RN's in our dept. We are very small! We work out of our local courthouse. I have a ADN and the other RN is a diploma grad. She has been there for about 25 years and I have been there for 11 years. You tend to see PHN stay in their positions for long periods of time.

Rn Stuff · Feb 23, 2004

Interesting. Do you work weekends and on-call as well? I know, I heard PHNs stay put, must be a good practice. I'm in CA and I'm researching on how to get started and actually where to look for positions. Thank you for sharing. :)

phn92 · Feb 25, 2004

I usually don't work weekends. But I am on-call for my home care pts. So there are times when I do get phone calls and may have to do a visit on the weekends. Most of my pts are very considerate and respect my off-time! I can usually work it out with no problems.

gamecockrn · May 19, 2004

There are many opportunities for public health nursing practice in South Carolina. Contact your local county health department and ask for the county nurse supervisor. Good luck!

:)

Hi Yall,
Im really interested in public health. I graduated in May and im working on a cardiology floor. I know I wanted to get a couple years of hosptial setting under my belt before venturing out. Im really interested in the PH certificate. Could yall provide me with how I may obtain this. Should I wait to obtain it after I get a PH job or before. I was thinking of going for my CCRN but I think my heart and efforts belong in the community. Thanks for any tips
Meg