Public health nurses combine disease, clinical, and preventative care all in one community facing role. They frequently conduct clinics, monitor and case manage illnesses, and serve to connect clinical and public health best practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Public health nurses play a key role in advancing health equity by providing effective, equitable, respectful, and quality care to the culturally and linguistically diverse communities within their service area.
Skills, Education, and Experience
Many of the skills which public health nurses have are acquired through their degree programs. Some nurses enter into local public health directly, while others come from hospital or other healthcare settings. Interning with a public health nurse, or getting transferrable experience in healthcare settings, can prepare someone for this role. Someone who is an outstanding clinician and communicator and who understands the role of social determinants of health in a community's health and well-being will thrive in this role.
Sample Job Titles
- Shared Regional Public Health Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Public Health Nurse Manager