I’m in my final year of nursing school and I’m interested in public/community health nursing, but I’m not sure how to become one? how much experience is required? public health programs? full job details? any info would be helpful? i don’t think i’ve ever even met a public/community health nurse.
The first question is if you are graduating from a BSN RN program. The US Public Health Service requires a BSN for all RNs who are hired into the job position as a Public/Community Health Nurse.
Most BSN programs I have worked with in the past, have had, at least short rotations, to introduce the students to the roles of the Public Health Nurse. Many decades ago, when I was an undergraduate student, I spent almost 6 months working with the Public Health Nurses, on various elective rotations, such as the Public Health STD Clinic, the WIC Clinic, and many other areas, including the Public Health Motor Home which took the clinic to neighborhoods for screenings and infant/child immunizations.
Contact your local US Public Health Service Office.
I suggest you talk to a counselor at your nursing school. Their
job is to help you find a job.
References :
The first question is if you are graduating from a BSN RN program. The US Public Health Service requires a BSN for all RNs who are hired into the job position as a Public/Community Health Nurse.
Most BSN programs I have worked with in the past, have had, at least short rotations, to introduce the students to the roles of the Public Health Nurse. Many decades ago, when I was an undergraduate student, I spent almost 6 months working with the Public Health Nurses, on various elective rotations, such as the Public Health STD Clinic, the WIC Clinic, and many other areas, including the Public Health Motor Home which took the clinic to neighborhoods for screenings and infant/child immunizations.
Contact your local US Public Health Service Office.
References :
RN, Ph.D., CFNP