What does a Public Health Nurse do?
Published 3 min read
A public health nurse is a registered nurse who works to promote and protect the health of communities. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and public health departments. Public health nurses typically have a broad range of responsibilities, which may include providing care to individuals and families, conducting community outreach and education, and participating in research.
Public Health Nurse job duties include:
- Promote and protect the health of the public through education and advocacy
- Conduct community health assessments to identify health needs and develop health plans
- Provide immunizations and screenings
- Educate individuals and groups about health topics such as disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, etc.
- Develop and implement community health programs
- Collaborate with other health care and social service providers to coordinate services
- Advocate for individual and community health needs
- Provide direct patient care in a variety of settings
- Maintain confidentiality of patient information
- Keep abreast of current trends in public health
Public Health Nurse Job Requirements
A Public Health Nurse (PHN) is a registered nurse who has specialized training in population-based care. PHNs work with individuals, families, and communities to promote and protect the health of the population. They may work in a variety of settings, including public health departments, community health centers, and schools. To become a PHN, one must first earn a bachelor's degree in nursing and obtain a registered nurse license. After working as a registered nurse for at least two years, PHNs can then pursue specialized training through a master's degree or certificate program in public health nursing.
Public Health Nurse Skills
- Public speaking
- Writing
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Research skills
- Critical thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Patience
Related: Top Public Health Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Public Health Nurse
A Public Health Nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized training in public health. They work to promote and protect the health of populations, using their skills in education, policy, and research.
If you're interested in becoming a Public Health Nurse, you will need to first complete a registered nursing program. Once you have your RN license, you can then pursue a public health nursing specialization. There are many online and campus-based programs available.
As a Public Health Nurse, you will work to improve the health of communities by providing education and services. You may also work on policy initiatives or conduct research to further our understanding of public health issues.
If you're passionate about improving the health of others and want to make a difference at the population level, then a career as a Public Health Nurse may be for you!
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