Is becoming a public health nurse right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do public health nurses do?

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How to become a Public Health Nurse

Here are the general steps you can take to become a public health nurse:

  • Obtain a nursing degree: To become a public health nurse, you need to obtain a nursing degree. You can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. A BSN is the most common path for nurses who want to become public health nurses because it provides a more comprehensive education in nursing practice, leadership, and research.
  • Pass the NCLEX-RN exam: After completing a nursing program, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure as an registered nurse. The exam measures your knowledge and skills in areas such as safe and effective care, health promotion and maintenance, and psychosocial integrity.
  • Gain experience in nursing: Most public health nursing positions require at least one to two years of clinical nursing experience. This experience helps you develop the skills needed to provide direct patient care, manage health conditions, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. You can gain this experience by working in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.
  • Obtain a public health nursing certification: Certification is not always required for public health nursing, but it can help you demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers a Public Health Nursing board certification exam. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have a current RN license and a minimum of two years of full-time experience as an RN.
  • Apply for public health nursing positions: Public health nurses can work in a variety of settings, such as local health departments, community clinics, schools, and government agencies. Check job postings online or with your local health department to find available positions. In addition to providing direct patient care, public health nurses may also be involved in developing and implementing health promotion programs, conducting research, and advocating for policies that support public health.
  • Continue your education: To stay up-to-date with the latest developments in public health, it's important to continue your education and training. Consider earning a Master's of Public Health (MPH) degree or pursuing continuing education opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and online courses. This can help you develop new skills, expand your knowledge of public health issues, and improve your career prospects.

Certifications
Public health nursing certifications can vary depending on the specific area of focus within the field. Here are some examples of certifications that may be relevant for public health nurses:

  • Certified Public Health Nurse (CPHN): This certification is offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) and is designed for nurses who have a broad knowledge of public health nursing practice.
  • Community Health Nursing Certification (CHN): This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and focuses on community health nursing practice.
  • Occupational Health Nursing Certification (COHN): This certification is also offered by the ANCC and is designed for nurses who work in occupational health settings.
  • Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification (PHCNS): This certification is offered by the ANCC and is designed for nurses who have advanced knowledge and skills in public health nursing.
  • School Nurse Certification: This certification is offered by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses and is designed for nurses who work in schools and have a focus on health promotion and disease prevention.

Associations
The following are just a few examples of the many professional associations that are relevant to public health nurses. Joining a professional association can be a great way for public health nurses to stay current with the latest developments in their field, network with other professionals, and advocate for policies that promote public health.

  • American Public Health Association (APHA): The APHA is a professional organization for public health professionals, including nurses. It provides resources and support for public health professionals and advocates for policies and practices that promote public health.
  • National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC): The NACHC is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports community health centers and the health care professionals who work in them. Many public health nurses work in community health centers.
  • Association of Public Health Nurses (APHN): The APHN is a professional organization for public health nurses. It provides resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education for public health nurses.
  • Public Health Nursing Section of the American Nurses Association (PHN-ANA): The PHN-ANA is a professional organization for public health nurses. It provides resources and support for public health nurses and advocates for policies that promote public health.
  • National Association of School Nurses (NASN): The NASN is a professional organization for school nurses, many of whom work in public health settings. It provides resources and support for school nurses and advocates for policies that promote the health and well-being of students.