Public health nurses help communities receive vital healthcare by systemically addressing population needs, resources and health trends. They have a significant impact on their communities, assisting underserved populations to lead healthier lives. Additionally, their findings can influence local policy and healthcare procedures, allowing them to make a widespread positive impact.
Public health nurses help bridge the gap between healthcare services and communities. They are essential in promoting population health and preventing disease and injury. Public health nurses are committed to community service, helping others achieve better health through community programs and education.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits, you can launch your nursing career through our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). The ABSN track curriculum will prepare you for any nursing specialty and allow you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months.
Consider the role of public health nurses, their importance and how you can become one.
What is a Public Health Nurse?
Public health nurses help promote and protect population health. They study communities and identify population health needs, then work with community leaders and organizers to implement plans.
Their findings promote health across populations by influencing delivery of care procedures, improving access to resources and helping develop policies. Public health nurses work in various settings, including community health clinics, schools and health agencies.
Public Health Nurse Roles and Responsibilities
The role of public health nurses is to promote population health and health equity and to address health needs through research. Their daily responsibilities can vary, depending on where they work and other factors.
Tasks can include:
- Design health education campaigns
- Review aggregate medical data
- Develop disease prevention initiatives
- Improve access to healthcare resources
- Monitor patients’ health progress
Job Outlook and Salary for Public Health Nurses
Registered nurses are in demand as the national nursing shortage continues. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect data for public health nurses, but it projects the registered nursing profession will grow 6% between 2023 and 2033.
Registered nurses also have high earning potential. As of May 2023, RNs earned a median annual salary of $86,070, while wages at government agencies had a median salary of $99,840.
How to Become a Public Health Nurse
To become a public health nurse, you must first become a registered nurse. Steps include:
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
You will need either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to qualify for the NCLEX-RN. While both degrees allow you to kickstart your nursing career, earning a BSN has additional benefits, such as high job offer rates.
Earn a BSN Through an Accelerated BSN Program
While BSN programs are typically four years, ABSN programs allow students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or pre-existing college credits to earn a BSN on an expedited timeline. At UIW, our ABSN track allows students to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
First, students complete nursing coursework online. They then apply learned concepts in skills and simulation labs held at our Accelerated BSN learning center, where they practice nursing skills and participate in simulated clinical scenarios.
Finally, students complete clinical placements at healthcare facilities throughout the San Antonio, Texas, area. Students will build their professional network and provide supervised care in a variety of nursing specialties and facilities.
Clinicals are the point in your nursing education where all you have learned comes together. Learn more about what to expect during nursing clinicals.
2. Pass the NCLEX
After earning a nursing degree, you can sit for the licensing exam, NCLEX. This rigorous test assesses takers’ clinical judgment, utilizing computerized adaptive testing (CAT). Each question and the number of questions are generated based on previous answers, making each exam unique.
After passing the exam, you can register with your state’s nursing board to obtain your license.
With proper preparation, you can feel confident on exam day. Learn 5 Pro NCLEX study tips here.
3. Obtain Optional Certifications
Once you earn your license, you can apply for entry-level positions in public health. After acquiring a few years of experience, you might be eligible to pursue certification through the National Board of Public Health Examiners.
Launch Your Nursing Career with UIW
Whether you wish to work in public health or explore other nursing specialties, UIW can help launch your career. Contact our admissions team to learn more about the ABSN track.