Rewards of Public Health?

[areeve01]

I am a RN and found that hospital nursing just did not make me happy. I found myself drawn to more of a community health/public health direction. Those type of jobs are difficult to find and some do not pay well.

I am currently working with 2 Physicians about developing a new concept thru a couple different programs.

One of them provides nurse advocacy services to others in need. There is no direct medical care given. The nurse educates and helps their clients/their family navigate through the complex health system. A second portion of this, involves working with businesses to manage/decrease their health risk and address growing healthcare costs. If you are in New York, Alabama, Missippi, Indiana or Georgia and are interested or have a background in this type of concept nursing.

Please email me, I'd love to hear your ideas! This is such a new exciting way for nurses to provide public health education and feel rewarded, without having to work weekends/holidays!

[Quickbeam, BSN, RN]

I urge anyone thinking about alternatives to hospital nursing to look at their state/local government job listings. You'd be amazed at the odd ball RN jobs that lurk out there. Niche jobs, sometimes one of a kind. You'll only find out about them if you read the postings faithfully. Some states make these listings available by subscription.

Re: community health/public health salaries.....yes, they are lower than hospital work. You do need to look at the whole package, though. When I went to community health from hospital work, I took a 20% pay cut (which I've since made up in raises). HOWEVER, the pension and benefits were vastly better than what I had been receiving as a hospital nurse. I also get sabbatical and other unique benefits. And my schedule? M-R, 6 AM to 4:30 PM, no nights, weekends or holidays.

Do be aware that a lot of community health/public health jobs require a BSN. Mine did. Not all do so check your regional requirements.