Public Health Nurse Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What is the difference between an Public Health Nurse I and II?? Hi, I am a registered nurse who has worked in the hospital setting for almost two years. I am looking to enter the public health setting. I applied for a public health nurse II job. The only qualification is that you have your BSN which I do. Just wondering what the difference is between the two titles.

Answer: II is an elevated level, a promotion based on merit and proficiency.

Question: What do I need to do to become a Public Health Nurse? I am currently working on a degree for medical assisting and was thinking about becoming a public health nurse in the future, what would I need to do become one? Since I will already have a degree in MA will I not need to take all the nursing classes? Do you have to take extra classes after you get a nursing degree? Any advice?

Answer: There is such a HUGE need for public health nurses - so, its a good career choice. I'd suggest contacting a local college to see if your credits will transfer to an RN program. You should not need to take some of your core courses over again because there is most likely overlap. After you get the nursing degree, you most likely don't need additional classes, although it would be good if you could start working in a public health setting so you can network with people and transition right into a position right after you get your RN degree. Good luck!

Question: Do i have to take physics in high school in order to be a Public health nurse? i am not good at physics this year, so i have a feeling that this means i can't be a public health nurse or a pharmacist... Can you tell me if i have to take physics to be either of those 2 jobs? Can I do those jobs without physics?

Answer: What courses you take in high school doesn't affect your career, more or less your grades affect whether or not you get into college. Physics is not really needed for a nurse or a pharmacist. The sciences you should be most concerned about are biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Chemistry especially to be a pharmacist. Most people I know who go into nursing have to take biology, microbiology, and anatomy. Most pharmacists have to take chemsitry. Those are the sciences you should be most conerned about.

Question: What education do I need to become a Public Health Nurse? I have always been interested in this field. I am currently in college studying mass communications and would love to get my masters in public health. What qualifications do I need to get a job in this field? I would appreciate detailed information!

Answer: You will need to become a registered nurse first (RN). If you want to work in public health for a governmental agency you will need a bachelors in nursing (BSN). Most universities offer an accelerated program for students who have a bachelor's in another field. You may also want to consider becoming an advanced practice nurse which requires a Masters (MSN). The university I attend has a dual major in public health and nursing you may want to look at to give you some ideas. Here is a link to the page at the Univ. of South Florida in Tampa http://health.usf.edu/nocms/nursing/Prog… Hope this helps - Michael

Question: • You are a public health nurse on a reservation for American Indians. Your patient has type I diabetes.? You are a public health nurse on a reservation for American Indians. Your patient has type I diabetes. When you arrive for a visit, the shaman is also present. 1) describe how you would assess the patient for health practices and beliefs that are outside the biomedical and scientific model, 2) describe the possible impact of these practices on the care that might be indicated, 3) identify any age or socioeconomic considerations, and 4) discuss whether nursing should support the practices and beliefs of the patient.

Answer: In many places, Native American traditional healers are an intrinsic part of the Native Health Care System. Like any health care practitioner patient relationship, it is private. You would be excluded. Like many of the doctors who work within the Native Health Care System, you would be aware that some of your patients use traditional health care. But, you would have little influence. .

Question: can I work as a public health nurse with just an associates degree (RN) in nursing? I am 48 and have to start a new career, but I don't want to work in a hospital. I like the thought of working with the public. I should also add that I am trying to pick between becoming an Occupational Therapist Assistant or RN. This is the most serious decision I have ever had to make and with my age, I need to make it as soon as possible.

Answer: A person can become an RN, Registered Nurse, after a graduating from a program that prepares him/her to function as an entry–level practitioner. In most cases this is a two year program - when attending a public school like a community college. An LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse, is normally a one-year program at a public school. Both programs will require that you pass an exam from National Council for Licensure Examination. This is a huge decision and as you know should not be taken lightly. Talk to local nurses or members of the medical community in your area and ask questions about what the situation is like in your area. There are also private schools you can attend, but in most cases they are much more expensive. My brother and I are currently both going back to school to become RNs, him at 33, me at 36. We both have 'business' careers him in retail me in healthcare and have to continue to work full-time while we go back to school. Our mother and grandmother both became nurses in the late 1960's and worked in various positions hospitals, emergency care, medical offices, private duty, social work and industrial nursing over their careers. So, your choices are varied and you never know where you will end up. I can't share any real information on being an Occupation Therapist except that is can also be lucrative and rewarding. Again, I suggest you find people locally maybe through your church or talking with people at local schools or find out who your friends know who are in these fields and ask lots of questions before making a decision. Take into consideration that you can always go beyond being an RN and receive a BSN or become a Nurse practitioner or Physician’s Assistant. So, how far you want to go is only limited by you. Good Luck!

Question: How many years of being at a college/university does it take to be a Public Health Nurse? Basically, what degree does someone have to earn?

Answer: basically you have to have a nursing degree first. that can take anywhere from 2-3 year up to 4-5 years. all depending on whether or not you have you pre-reqs out of the way. if not i suggest you take it one semester at a time it is alot of hard work but worth it in the end. alot of people get masters in health science but you dont always have to. you dont have to get a bachelors so dont worry so much you can get an associates degree of science in nursing. it works the same out here. my suggestion go to your college or university and request information, they have a full list of all the courses you need to have completed to get into nursing then talk to a counselor about when to apply what all you need. this will help as it is hard to get in some places. good luck i hope this helps some.

Question: what are some typical job interview questions for a public health nurse position?

Answer: how do you relate to people? are you a good communicater? what are your good points and what do you feel you could improve on.. what do you think you could bring to the position? do you have any ideas on improving the community ? good luck

Question: how do I get a public health nurse certificate with a associate in nursing?

Answer: Requirements for a PHN certificate vary by state. In California, I was required to have a certain number of hours of my nursing program devoted to community health nursing. This, plus the state registration fee, was all I needed. Check with your local nursing board for the requirements for your state.

Question: why does civil svce distinguish betwn grad nurse & public health nurse ? civil svce defines a graduate nurse as one who has not yet passed her state exam.

Answer: A graduate nurse just means you graduated. Just because you graduate doesn't mean you passed the state exam and are a legal nurse. Public health nurse is the position you can apply for when you graduate and pass the exam.