Public Health in Florida

[roma4204, BSN, RN]

I have wanted to go into public health nursing for a while now. I currently work as a med/surg staff nurse at a hospital. I don't know if I want to stay in Florida or start to look in other states.

I was wondering if there was any information anyone could give me on the reputation of different counties, health departments, etc. Currently I live in Polk county. Are there any counties in Florida that have a good reputation in terms of employment? Which ones offer the most programs to the community? I didn't go to school in Florida so I didn't get to do my rotation anywhere in the area.

Thanks in advance!

[itsmejuli]

Considering the massive budget deficits of the counties and state I doubt any county in FL is any better than another for its public health programs. Also note that the pay for county and state employees is not good and that most haven't had raises in years.

Start by reading this recent news article http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/state-department-of-health-plan-would-cut-1600-jobs/1154994

[roma4204, BSN, RN]

I think the state of the economy is pretty obvious. And no county health department is alike, especially in the types of programs they have. I was hoping to find out which ones have a reputation for being better than others. Thanks for your input.