- Make a difference: Public Health Nurses can make a real difference in the lives of people by improving health outcomes and preventing disease. They can do this by working with individuals, families, and communities to promote healthy lifestyles and preventive care.
- Variety of career options: There are many different career options available to Public Health Nurses, including Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Registered Nursing (RN), and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). Those in nursing can work for a variety of different agencies, including state government agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, and businesses. They can also work in a variety of settings, such as local health departments, schools, hospitals, private clinics, and adult care facilities.
- Education Pathway: Depending on the career path that you choose in nursing, will determine the exact educational requirements you will need complete in order to serve the public. All the nursing career fields require a high school diploma. If you are seeking a career field as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), gradation from a state accredited program of practical nurse education would be required. If you are seeking a career to be a Registered Nurse, you will need to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university.
- Opportunities for growth and advancement: With the right skills and experience, public health nurses can move into leadership positions or specialize in a particular clinic, such as children’s clinic, family planning, and adult health. With additional education, those with BSN’s can serve in mid-level provider roles, such as nurse practitioner.
- Work-life balance: Public health nurses typically work regular work hours from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., with some overtime required, for educational events and vaccination programs in the community. This can be a good option for people who want a good work-life balance and a different schedule from other clinical nurse settings, such as in hospitals, and adult care facilities.
“I chose to work in Public Health because it provides such a broad range of services to my local community. As a Public Health Nurse, I have the opportunity to serve a variety of populations by providing preventive health care services, such as vaccinations and health screenings. I enjoy my role as a Public Health Nurse because I can help people in the community maintain their health.”
Ava, Public Health Nurse
Here are some of the tasks that Public Health Nurses do:
- Conduct health assessments and screenings
- Assesses client’s total health needs utilizing nursing skills in all clinics
- Provide counseling and support to individuals and families
- Advocate for public health policies
- Interviews and obtains client’s history, assists with physical examinations
- Develops individualized patient care plans
- Conduct research on public health issues
- Manage public health programs and services
If you are interested in a career that combines nursing, public health, and community service, then a nurse public health career may be a good fit for you. It is a rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of people.
Here are some of the skills that are essential for Public Health Nurses:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with diverse populations
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of public health principles and practices
- Knowledge of nursing theory and practice
- Ability to use technology to deliver health care
- Knowledge of available resources and organizations and the ability to coordinate these
- General knowledge of current social and economic problems present in the community
- Ability to deal tactfully with others and to exercise good judgment
- Ability to work in partnership with patients and with other service providers
- Ability to record accurately services rendered and to interpret and explain records, reports, and medical instructions
- Adequate computer skills to allow communication, patient record documentation, and accessing of information
