How to Be Public Health Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Poor health outcomes can be caused by a lack of adequate access to public health services. Public health nurses play a vital role in providing these services, by providing education to the public on disease prevention, helping to screen and treat illnesses, and providing home visits to families in need. As a result of their work, communities can benefit from improved health outcomes, such as a reduction in the prevalence of communicable diseases and improved health care access for vulnerable populations. Furthermore, public health nurses can help to reduce health care costs by providing preventive services that can reduce the need for more costly treatment down the road.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a public health nurse, you must first complete a bachelor's degree in nursing. You can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Obtain a Licensure. After completing a nursing degree, you will be required to obtain a registered nurse (RN) licensure in order to practice as a nurse. This is done by taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Pursue Specialized Training in Public Health. After obtaining your RN licensure, you can pursue specialized training in public health. Many universities offer graduate degrees in public health nursing, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Obtain Certification. Once you have obtained your MSN degree, you will be eligible to take the certification examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Upon passing the exam, you will be awarded the Certified Public Health Nurse (CPHN) credential.
Obtain Employment. After obtaining your CPHN credential, you will be ready to seek employment in public health settings, such as community health centers, government agencies, or hospitals.

Staying ahead and qualified in the public health nursing field requires dedication and continual education. In order to remain competitive, nurses should look for opportunities to stay current on trends in the field, such as attending conferences, taking continuing education courses, and subscribing to professional journals. nurses should look for ways to expand their knowledge and expertise, such as participating in research or enrolling in a specialized certification program.

The more education and experience a nurse has, the more desirable they become to potential employers and the better equipped they are to provide quality care to their patients. By staying ahead and qualified in the public health nursing field, nurses can ensure that they are providing the highest level of care possible to the communities they serve.

You may want to check Clinical Nurse, Geriatric Nurse, and Nurse Practitioner for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement public health assessment and surveillance programs.
Monitor and evaluate health trends in the community.
Educate the community about health issues and risks.
Provide health counseling and guidance to individuals, families, and groups.
Develop and implement programs to address identified health needs.
Conduct research and data analysis to inform public health initiatives.
Collaborate with other health professionals to provide care.
Advocate for health policies to improve public health.
Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities.
Provide case management services for vulnerable populations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of public health principles and practices
Ability to assess and evaluate public health programs
Ability to develop, implement and evaluate public health interventions
Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics
Knowledge of healthcare systems
Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
Ability to collaborate and work effectively with a variety of stakeholders
Knowledge of community resources and services
Knowledge of legal and ethical principles related to public health practice
Proficiency in the use of computers and electronic health records
Ability to provide culturally competent care
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

Public health nurses are essential members of the health care team, and the most important skill they possess is their ability to assess and analyze population health needs. They use their knowledge and experience to identify patterns in health service delivery, identify potential health risks, and form strategies to improve population health outcomes. By being able to evaluate existing public health programs, public health nurses can recommend changes that may better serve the needs of their community.

They also play a key role in preventative healthcare and can help reduce the burden of chronic illnesses in their communities. Through their work, public health nurses contribute to improved access to healthcare, greater equity in healthcare delivery, and better outcomes for those in need.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in public health?
How would you address a health issue in an underserved community?
What methods do you use to stay current on public health topics and trends?
Describe a successful public health program that you have worked on in the past.
What challenges have you faced as a public health nurse?
What strategies do you have for communicating complex public health information to diverse audiences?
What strategies do you have for building relationships with community members and organizations?
How do you ensure that public health initiatives are culturally appropriate?
How would you respond if a patient was resistant to receiving public health care?
How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your public health initiatives?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Record (EHR). A digital record of patient health information including medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and test results. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Health Education Materials. Materials to help educate patients about health topics and how to maintain and improve their health. (e. g. brochures, pamphlets, videos)
Disease Management Software. Software to help manage chronic diseases and monitor patient progress. (e. g. Wellcentive, Healthedge)
Immunization Tracking Software. Software to track immunizations and alert providers when a patient is due for an immunization or booster. (e. g. ImmunizeMe, ImmunizeNet)
Home Visitation Tools. Tools to help public health nurses make home visits more efficient and effective. (e. g. tablets, smart phones, remote care monitoring devices)
Telemedicine Platforms. Platforms to connect public health nurses with patients in remote locations for virtual care and monitoring. (e. g. Teladoc, Vidyo)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Public Health Association (APHA)
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Association of Public Health Nurses (APHN)
International Council of Nurses (ICN)
American Academy of Nursing (AAN)
National League for Nursing (NLN)
American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
National Organization for Public Health Nursing (NOPHN)

We also have Nursing Supervisor, Urology Nurse, and Nurse Educator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Public Health. Public health is a field of study focusing on the health of populations, including the prevention and control of disease and the promotion of health and well-being.
Epidemiology. The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases in a population.
Community Health. The practice of promoting and protecting the health and well-being of a community through education, policy development, and service provision.
Health Promotion. The practice of encouraging healthy behaviors, such as physical activity, proper nutrition, and avoiding risky behaviors.
Disease Prevention. The practice of preventing or reducing the incidence of diseases through public health interventions.
Disease Surveillance. The systematic collection and analysis of data to track the occurrence and spread of disease in a population.
Health Education. The process of providing information to individuals and communities to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Public Health Nurse?

A Public Health Nurse is a type of nurse who focuses on promoting and protecting population health. They work to prevent illness and injury, and to promote health and well-being through education and policy.

What qualifications are needed to become a Public Health Nurse?

To become a Public Health Nurse, you must have a valid nursing license and a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing with a focus on public health or community health.

What are the duties of a Public Health Nurse?

A Public Health Nurse's duties may include providing healthcare services to individuals and families, conducting health screenings and assessments, developing health education programs, advocating for public health policies, and collaborating with other healthcare providers.

What types of environments do Public Health Nurses work in?

Public Health Nurses may work in a variety of settings including public health clinics, hospitals, schools, communities, and other healthcare organizations.

What are the benefits of being a Public Health Nurse?

The benefits of being a Public Health Nurse include the opportunity to make an impact on the health of a community, the satisfaction of making a difference in people's lives, job security, competitive salaries, and the potential to advance in the field.