Public Health Nursing

[DidiRN]

Education Requirements

Most public health nurses have a bachelor's degree in nursing. Some may continue with graduate studies focusing on a masters of public health or other relevant graduate degrees. Education in public policy, epidemiology and health administration can be helpful if the nurse wishes to continue their education.

Work Environment

Public health nurses primarily work for government health departments and community health centers. Nonprofit organizations can also employ public health nurses. An office environment is primarily where these nurses will work. Many times they will also go out into the community. They may work alone or with other public health nurses or on a multidisciplinary teams/committees.

Skills / Qualities

Public health nurses must be knowledgeable of population health and diseases. They must be comfortable speaking to small and large groups since many times they hold educational seminars in communities. They must be culturally sensitive if they live in areas of diversity; bilingual is a plus in these areas as well. Extensive travel is possible in certain positions. Good communication skills imperative since these nurse collaborate with other disciplines and public health nurses. Knowledge of pediatrics health including immunizations and specific local health concerns are important as well. Another important area is knowledge of public policy and the local political arena.

Duties / Responsibilities

Public health nurses focus on population health. They will be involved in reviewing data on areas such as the incidence of infectious diseases, chronic health conditions, mental health, smoking and drug use rates, and general community health trends. From that data, they can develop plans to improve public health. Many public health nurses need to become involved in the political arena in order to push for laws for community health. They occasionally may need to assist in monitoring environmental issues such as local landfills that may become a threat. Other duties of public health nurses include:

- Access to care. Coordinating care with low income individuals and families and the uninsured.

- Responsible for education of other public health personnel.

- Training of new public health nurses

- The development of community education programs in order to improve population health.

- Assist with child health clinics including vaccinations.

- domestic violence services

- Preventative health campaigns that focus on community trends

- Working with local schools to improve pediatric health

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Job Outlook

Demand varies per region. There is a demand for this specialty particularly in low income and/or underserved communities. Some areas may not have shortages in this field of nursing.

Salary

According to Discover Nursing, the average salary for public health nurses range from $44,000 per year to $55,000 per year.

Resources

American Public Health Association

http://www.apha.org/membergroups/sections/aphasections/phn/

Discover Nursing/Public Health Nursing

http://www.discovernursing.com/specialty/public-health-nurse#.Uppk_MRDvng

Association of Public Health Nursing

http://www.astdn.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=470

Explore Health Careers/Public Health Nursing

http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/149/Public_Health_Nurse#Tab=Overview