The Role of Nurses in Public Health
Opportunities to Make a Difference in Community Health
The desire to foster health and well-being in communities goes beyond hands-on healthcare. Many individuals aim to make substantial contributions on a broader scale, focusing on public health policy and healthcare management, addressing public health issues, and shaping strategies that elevate the overall quality of health in different communities worldwide.
Public health professionals serve our society in countless ways, from influencing health policy to coordinating community health assessments, pop-up clinics, and health education programs. In this article, we’ll explore the role of nurses in public health and how they improve community health outcomes, prevent illnesses, and promote wellness.
Exploring the role of nurses in public health is just the first step in your journey toward a rewarding career. To better understand the available nursing paths, you might want to explore the highest paying nursing jobs. Learn how to become a Registered Nurse so you can be equipped with the knowledge to plan your educational path effectively.
What is a Public Health Nurse?
Public Health Nurses are medical professionals who help prevent disease and promote public safety and well-being. These nurses also help the community prepare for and recover from public health issues, such as natural disasters or disease outbreaks (i.e., COVID-19).
While focusing on preventive care, Public Health Nurses lead efforts in vaccination programs, health screenings, and chronic disease management. They play a key role in health education, which allows them to better assist their communities and teach them how to adopt healthy lifestyles. In addition, these nurses address mental health concerns.
In this role, Public Health Nurses work alongside government agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations to influence healthcare policy. According to Public Health Degrees, these professionals meet ten primary needs while serving others:
- Advocacy
- Assessment
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Diversity
- Education
- Intervention
- Leadership
- Management
- Treatment
Public Health Nursing Specializations
There are various specializations for Public Health Nurses. For instance, School Health Nurses help ensure student health by providing them with screenings, managing chronic conditions, and promoting wellness in educational settings. You also have Occupational Health Nurses who focus on workplace safety, injury prevention, and health promotion. These nurses operate within the business sector.
In addition, there are Environmental Health Nurses. They strive to prevent illnesses caused by environmental factors like pollution or exposure to toxins. Community Health Nurses are perhaps the most commonly known of the bunch. These professionals provide care and support to underserved populations through outreach programs and clinics.
According to Herzing University, other common specializations include Maternal and Child Health Nurses, Nurse Case Managers, and Nurse Consultants. They also focus on positions like Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs). Think about it like this: Public Health Nurses treat entire communities rather than individuals, which means they can work in a variety of public settings.
The Impact of Public Health Nursing
Public Health Nurses are truly unsung heroes in healthcare. Not only do they work with marginalized and underserved populations, but they reduce health disparities while improving access to medical services. This is why we can’t overstate the importance of cultural competency in Public Health Nursing. If they understand and respect cultural differences, Public Health Nurses can lead to better care outcomes for everyone.
Additionally, these nurses advocate for health equity by addressing the social determinants of health, such as income, education, and housing. In a similar vein, Public Health Nurses help address issues around mental health awareness and proper nutrition. Did we mention they are heroes in healthcare?
How to Become a Public Health Nurse
Before you can become a Public Health Nurse, there are several steps you must take first. Some students complete a general nursing degree and then pursue a Public Health Nursing specialty.
Below are the common steps to becoming a Public Health Nurse:
- Complete an Accredited Nursing Program: Enroll in a program that’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Typically, students pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: To receive your nursing license, you must pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized test was developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which you can learn more about here.
- Gain Experience in Nursing: It’s recommended that you gain two or more years of experience in nursing before you seek certification as a Public Health Nurse. During this time, you can further develop your skills in the areas of communication, collaboration, and leadership.
- Pursue Certification in Public Health: The primary certification for Public Health Nurses is offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE). Learn how you can become Certified in Public Health (CPH) and keep an eye on the NBPHE website—they’re currently in the process of creating an even more specialized program for Public Health Nursing certification.
- Seek Continuing Education and Training: According to Public Health Degrees, it’s recommended that all Public Health Nurses complete continuing education courses. This ensures the safety of the public as well as the nurse. If you’re Certified in Public Health (CPH), you must complete at least 30 recertification credits every two years. Once you enter this field, you can pursue positions in government health departments, non-profit organizations, community clinics, and more.
The Future of Public Health Nursing
The most impactful public health initiatives depend on collaboration between multiple stakeholders like healthcare networks, public health authorities, and local community organizations. Bringing together various parties in pursuit of a common goal helps maximize a community’s health resources, prevent duplication of efforts, and continue long-term progress toward addressing complex issues.
The best health partnerships are built upon trusting relationships and shared interests and are guided by a clear strategy and action plan. Public health professionals interested in facilitating these partnerships can make connections by reaching out to community organizations with similar goals, attending volunteer or fundraising events, and networking with healthcare providers.
Currently, there are various trends that will likely impact the future of Public Health Nursing. Some of these trends include an increased focus on mental health, telehealth, and global health crises. The expanding roles of Public Health Nurses includes their involvement in leadership and policy-making positions that can help shape the future of healthcare. Not only is there a growing demand for Public Health Nurses, but they are sure to play a crucial role in addressing health challenges like climate change and the aging population.
Advance Your Healthcare Career at Unitek College
Embarking on a career in public health is often fueled by a deep, intrinsic passion for fostering healthier communities and championing wellness across expansive urban landscapes. It’s a path carved out by individuals driven by the noble cause of alleviating ailments and paving the way for a healthier tomorrow.
In this role, nurses address various health disparities and improve the overall well-being of communities. They serve specific roles in advocacy, assessment, collaboration, communication, education, intervention, leadership, treatment, and more. If you are someone harboring a profound desire to contribute towards the well-being of others, this sentiment will resonate profoundly with you.
To transform this aspiration into reality, your first milestone is to earn a robust academic foundation. Unitek College offers several nursing programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. By enrolling, you will embark on a journey that blends academic rigor with real-world applications. Make the choice today to pave a path where your passion meets purpose, fostering a brighter, healthier future for communities worldwide.
