Community Health Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the role of community health nurses has never been more crucial.

As public health concerns continue to mount, there is an escalating demand for knowledgeable, compassionate professionals who can navigate, foster, and safeguard our community health structures.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a community health nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker seeking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to draft the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of community health nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable community health nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Community Health Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Community Health Nurses are responsible for providing medical care to members of specific communities, advocating for health promotion, educating patients on disease prevention, and providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a Community Health Nurse:

• Conduct health assessments in the community to identify health risks and needs
• Develop and implement health plans for individuals, families and the community
• Administer vaccinations and medications
• Educate community members about preventive care, nutrition, fitness and hygiene
• Provide pre- and post-natal care to expectant mothers and newborns
• Facilitate health-related workshops and seminars
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive healthcare services
• Document patient care and maintain accurate records
• Respond to health emergencies within the community
• Advocate for health policies that benefit the community

 

Community Health Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Community Health Nurse to join our team.

The Community Health Nurse will be responsible for providing care and health education to members of the community, assessing health risks and needs, developing care plans, and coordinating health services.

This role requires an individual who is passionate about public health, possesses excellent communication skills, and is able to work in various community settings.

 

Responsibilities

• Providing direct care to patients within homes, schools, and community settings.
• Assessing health needs and risks of individuals and populations.
• Developing and implementing care plans in conjunction with other healthcare professionals.
• Teaching individuals and groups about health maintenance and disease prevention.
• Coordinating and managing public health intervention programs.
• Providing advocacy and resource linkage for individuals and families in need.
• Documenting patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of care plans and making recommendations for changes.
• Complying with public health legal requirements and professional standards.

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
• Current nursing licensure in the state of practice.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in community health nursing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in electronic health records and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Continuing education allowance
• Reimbursement for licensure and certification

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Health Nurse
• Work Environment: This position will involve travel to various community settings including homes, schools, and community centers. Office work may also be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Public Health Nursing Supervisor or Director of Public Health.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Health Nurse Do?

Community Health Nurses typically work for public health organizations, hospitals, nonprofit groups, or government agencies.

They can also work independently as consultants or educators.

Their primary role is to promote wellness by educating individuals and communities about health-related topics, such as disease prevention, nutrition, and child care.

Community Health Nurses conduct research to identify trends or risk factors in a community, and then implement health education campaigns or make policy recommendations to address those risks.

They also provide direct care to patients within the community, including screenings, immunizations, and treatment for a variety of health conditions.

In addition to treating patients, Community Health Nurses often collaborate with local organizations, schools, and health departments to improve health services within the community.

They also play a critical role in disaster response, including preparing emergency plans and providing care during and after a disaster.

Community Health Nurses focus on the big picture of health in their communities – they recognize the relationship between individual and community health, they strive to reduce health inequalities, and they advocate for public policies that promote and protect the health of populations.

 

Community Health Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Community Health Nurse should possess a combination of technical knowledge, soft skills, and a deep understanding of public health principles to effectively serve their community.

These include:

• Comprehensive medical knowledge and nursing skills to provide quality healthcare services in a community setting
• Understanding and knowledge of public health principles and community health issues
• Strong communication skills to effectively educate individuals and groups about health issues and preventive measures
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships and interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Organizational skills to manage multiple patients, maintain records, and coordinate community health programs
• Problem-solving skills to identify health issues in the community and develop appropriate intervention strategies
• Ability to work independently and in a team, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals and community leaders
• Empathy and compassion to provide emotional support to patients and their families
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of field work and home visits in the community

 

Community Health Nurse Experience Requirements

To begin a career as a Community Health Nurse, an individual is typically required to have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

Entry-level Community Health Nurses may have 1 to 2 years of clinical experience, often gained through placements during their undergraduate degree, internships, or working in entry-level nursing positions in hospitals or health centers.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience often have a breadth of experience working with different patient populations and familiarity with community-based healthcare models.

They may have worked in roles such as Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse, or Home Health Nurse.

Those with more than 5 years of experience as a Community Health Nurse may have leadership experience and are often ready for roles such as Community Health Nurse Supervisor or Program Manager.

They may have obtained an advanced degree such as a Master’s in Public Health or a Master’s in Nursing, with a focus on community health, health promotion, or health education.

All Community Health Nurses should show a commitment to continuing education and professional development to stay abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in community health nursing.

 

Community Health Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Community Health Nurses generally require a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program.

The core curriculum in these programs will typically cover areas like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences.

It also includes supervised clinical experience in different areas such as pediatrics, psychiatry, and community health.

After obtaining a BSN, candidates must become a Registered Nurse (RN) by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

This is a mandatory step before proceeding to specialized roles such as community health nursing.

Following the RN licensure, aspiring Community Health Nurses often need to gain some experience in general nursing before they can specialize.

They may then choose to pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Health or Community Health Nursing, although this is not always required.

Additionally, many Community Health Nurses also seek certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which offers a certification for Public Health Nursing.

This certification typically requires a BSN, an active RN license, and a certain number of hours of work experience in public health nursing.

Community Health Nurses need to have strong communication skills, cultural competence, and a deep understanding of public health principles.

Continuing education and professional development are also important as the field of community health is constantly evolving.

 

Community Health Nurse Salary Expectations

A Community Health Nurse earns an average salary of $67,493 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as the nurse’s level of experience, specific certifications, location, and the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Community Health Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a community health nurse need?

Community Health Nurses should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with the community members.

They should possess strong clinical skills to provide necessary care and treatment.

Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cultural competence are important as they serve diverse communities.

Knowledge about public health principles and practices is also crucial for this role.

 

Do community health nurses need a degree?

Yes, Community Health Nurses are required to have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at minimum.

Some roles may require a Master’s degree in public health or nursing.

They must also be registered nurses, which requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

 

What should you look for in a community health nurse resume?

Look for evidence of the required education and licensure, as well as experience in community or public health settings.

Any additional training or certifications, such as in emergency response or health education, would be beneficial.

Multilingual ability can be an asset in diverse communities.

Also, look for soft skills like compassion, patience, and cultural sensitivity.

 

What qualities make a good community health nurse?

A good Community Health Nurse is empathetic and patient, able to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

They should be proactive, able to identify health concerns before they become serious issues.

They should also be passionate about promoting health and wellbeing in the community.

Strong organizational skills are important as they often have to manage multiple cases at once.

 

What are the daily duties of a community health nurse?

Community Health Nurses typically spend their day visiting patients in the community, providing health education and preventive care, administering medications, and monitoring patient’s health progress.

They may also be involved in organizing community health programs, advocating for health policy changes, and conducting health screenings and immunizations.

In between visits, they document patient’s health status and communicate with other healthcare providers as needed.

 

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap.

Today, we’ve cast a spotlight on what it truly entails to be a community health nurse.

Guess what?

It’s not just about administering care.

It’s about nurturing the wellbeing of communities, one patient at a time.

Armed with our indispensable community health nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make strides.

But why put a full stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards meticulously tailored listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a patient contributes to the larger health narrative.

Let’s cultivate that narrative. Together.

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