If you have a concern for the public at large and would like to look beyond one patient at a time, you might want to think about becoming a public health nurse. As a public health nurse you may be able to help prevent the spread of disease to many, many people.
Public Health Nurse
A public health nurse has a larger scope than just one patient; instead they focus on entire populations. A public health nurse will educate the community in which they live or focus about health issues. The nurse will also work to improve the health and safety of all of those in the community and make access to healthcare easier.
Public health nurses have many jobs such as monitoring the health and risk factors of a specific community, set health related priorities for the community, and stage health related interventions. In addition, the public health nurse works with the local, state and government to improve access to health care for their community residents, implement health education plans, and educate the public about their risks for certain diseases.
Working Conditions
Public health nurses may work with many different agencies or companies. For instance, public health nurses may work with government agencies, non profit groups, community health centers, and other organizations that are excited about improving the health of the community. Public health nurses may or may not travel and may or may not serve in a supervisory capacity.
The demand for public health nurses is high because there are many different agencies working to improve the health of their communities. As such, public health nurses are being sought to help educate the community and promote good health and access to health care services. Those that are in public health nursing do it for the reward found in a healthier community rather than the average salary of $51,000.
Academic Requirements
Most positions will require that you are a registered nurse to be a candidate for a public health nursing position, but some will hire a nurse with an associate’s degree. Once you have worked in the role for awhile, you may begin to apply for and receive more supervisory positions within public health care settings.