Health Careers Spotlight:
Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nursing is a specialized form of registered nursing (RN) that combines nursing and public health principles. Public health nurses work to promote, maintain, preserve and improve the health of large populations. They work in the areas of prevention of disease, injury, disability and premature death. Public health nurses work as a team with other public health professionals such as environmental health specialists, health educators, epidemiologists, public health physicians and nutritionists. They work with local communities to assess and prioritize the major health problems and work on a plan to eliminate these problems.

Where you might work: Public health nurses work in a variety of settings, including schools and the workplace. They also work in local government health departments. According to the 2006 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, about 2.5 million people were employed as registered nurses, making this the single largest occupation in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook: According to the Department of Labor, employment of registered nurses is expected to grow "much faster than average" during the upcoming decade. Typically registered nurses earn a salary of $42,020 to $87,310 per year.

Education, Licensing & Certification: For those interested in a career as a public health nurse, high school course work should include an emphasis on math and science. Public health nurses have, at minimum, a master's degree or an RN (Registered Nurse) degree. Once a student has graduated from an approved nursing program, they must then pass the NCLEX, a national examination, in order to obtain a nursing license. In addition, nurses must be licensed by the state in which they will practice.

For general information on a career as a public health nurse, visit the American Nursing Association website at www.nursingworld.org.

For more information on a career as a public health nurse or another health career in Vermont, please call 802-527-1474.

(updated 3/11/09)

Destiny Cadieux, RN, PHNS, is the Public Health Nursing Supervisor at the Vermont Department of Health (VDH). Destiny received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Vermont. We spoke with Destiny to discuss her experiences working in the field of Public Health Nursing.

We interviewed Destiny for the Fall 2008 version of The Convener to discuss her experiences working in the field of Public Health Nursing.

Q How did you become interested in becoming a Public Health Nurse?
A Actually, I started to work for the Vermont Department of Health because the hours and physical location fit into my life. I'm the mother of three kids and it just worked for me. I knew very little about Public Health before I started working here.

Q How long have you been working as a Public Health Nurse?
A For seven years.

Q What other alternatives did you consider?
A I had thought I'd work as a labor and delivery RN. I did that for a short time at Fletcher Allen Health Care while I was in school and then when I was newly graduated. They did not have a full-time job to offer at the time and I needed the job security. I always knew I wanted to get into the health field. I thought about being an obstetrician at one time but wasn't ready for the long educational commitment. Then I thought about nursing. I very much appreciated the more personal touch of this professional. The nurturing aspect speaks to me.

Q Did any person influence your decision to become a Public Health Nurse?
A Professionally, yes. The administrative assistant, Karen, here at the office recruited me. I had been doing a community health rotation in my last year of school here at Family Services. I needed to borrow a cart from VDH to transport some materials. I was bringing the cart back when Karen asked who I was and why I had their cart. When she found out, she asked if I needed a job as they had an opening and the rest is history.

Personally, my mom. She is a labor and delivery RN at Northwestern Medical Center. I loved hearing the stories about what was happening that night on the floor when she'd get home. There is just something wonderful about bringing new life into the world.

Q What personal needs are satisfied by your occupation?
A Although I never would have picked this aspect of registered nursing for myself originally, I truly love it. I work in a wonderful office, with wonderful people and my days never look quite the same. I also work in  my community, which is important to me. On a large scale, everyday the work I do impacts my global environment. I'm helping prepare for local and national emergencies; I'm participating in initiatives to address chronic health concerns like obesity and substance abuse; I'm working with community stakeholders to support and promote breastfeeding; I'm working with a diverse community team to reconstruct our system of care. On a more intimate level, I'm working with a mom whose infant is in state custody find success with breastfeeding. I'm also helping to mentor a new generation of nurses entering the workforce and this is just the tip of the iceberg. All of this being said, the number one need that is met for me is that I get to participate in improving the environment in which my children live, play and grow.

Q In what ways has being a Public Health Nurse changed you as a person?
A It helps me to understand that even though I have struggles, there are those who have it worse. It challenges me to see the world through another's eyes. It shows me that there are worlds of possibilities that lie just around the corner.

Q If you could have chosen any occupation (no limits) what would it be?
A Knowing what I know, I would have chosen this.

Q If you didn't have to work, would you anyway? If not, what would you do?
A Yes, on a more part-time basis.

Q Describe the demands of your job...
A I work 40 hours per week. I supervise six positions and seven different programs. I also participate in numerous community meetings.

Q What personal characteristics are desirable to be a good Public Health Nurse?
A To be a successful Public Health Nurse you should have the following characteristics: flexibility, patience, open-mindedness, good communication skills, resilience, persuasiveness, articulate, savvy, optimistic, and be a quick learner.

Q What kinds of people do you work with? Coworkers, clients...?
A All kinds - doctors, other RN's, lab specialists, social workers, domestic violence prevention staff, police, teachers, first responders and politicians. I work with low, middle and upper class folks from all races and ethnic groups. Basically, I work with everyone and anyone.

Q What do you like best about your job and what aspects cause you the most frustration?
A The thing I like best is that every day is different and I get to help people. The most frustrating aspect is the politics.

Q What are the career ladder possibilities in this field?
A You can be a Public Health RN, District Director, Public Health Specialist, Director of Field Operations, Division Chief, Deputy Commissioner of Public Health, Commissioner of Public Health, and others.

Q How does the economy impact Public Health Nursing?
A It is directly impacted as we are funded through state and federal funds. In times of prosperity we thrive and in times of economic hardship we are asked to cut budgets while trying to continue to provide quality services. Tough balance!

Q Do you encounter any problems combining your job with your family life?
A Yes, but for the most part my hours and manager are flexible enough that I can juggle both.

Q What advice would you give someone who is planning to enter the Public Health Nursing field?
A Get at least a bachelors level degree. This offers far more maneuverability within the field.