Public Health Nurse or Community Nurse

Public and community health nurses are registered nurses whose primary duties are to educate the public about health and safety related issues. Nurses in this specialty address the specific needs of many different communities.

Inside Public and Community Nursing

Public health nurses and community health nurses are registered nurses who work with a variety of communities to address their specific health and safety concerns. In addition to health and safety education, public and community health nurses assess and prioritize health and safety concerns, as well as create and implement healthcare and safety plans. Additional duties can include administering healthcare services and advocating for healthcare improvements. Public and community health nurses are typically employed by the government, businesses and educational institutions. Those who are compassionate, enjoy educating others and have an aptitude for science may enjoy working in these occupations.

The first step to working in the field of public and community health nursing is to become a registered nurse. Becoming a registered nurse involves completing an approved nursing program, usually resulting in a bachelor's degree in nursing, and passing a national licensing exam. Nursing courses typically include health, physical science and behavioral science. Programs typically include clinical experiences that can be completed in a public or community health setting. Specialization in public or community health nursing can also be obtained by completing an advanced degree program or a specialty certification program. Nurses can expect to take continuing education courses throughout their career.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 22% growth in employment for registered nurses from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). As of May 2010, the middle-half salary range for registered nurses was $52,980-$79,020. Employment rates for registered nurses typically vary by industry, specialization and geographic setting.

Learn More About Public and Community Nursing

Degree programs for aspiring public and community health nurses range from associate to the doctoral level. Learn all the education and career information you need about these occupations at Education-Portal.com.

Degree Options

Nursing degree programs offer a variety of educational levels. Click on the links below to learn more information.

Career Options

To help decide if a career as a public or community health nurse is right for you, links to salary and career information are posted below.

Distance Learning Options

Many nursing degree programs are offered online. Distance learning is a convenient way to earn a degree while juggling a busy life. Below are links to nursing degree program information.

Certification Requirements

See the links below for more information about certification requirements to for public and community nursing.

Continuing Education Requirements

Regardless of specialty, nurses are typically required to complete continuing education. Click on the links below for more information.

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