Public Health Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s world, the importance of public health nurses is increasingly recognized.

As public health issues evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can address, manage, and improve our community health needs grows stronger.

So, what is really expected from a public health nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the complexities of public health nursing,

You’ve come to the right spot.

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

Let’s delve into it.

Public Health Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Nurses are responsible for promoting and protecting the health of populations using knowledge from nursing, social, and public health sciences.

They achieve this through direct patient care as well as by implementing educational programs, recommending policies, administering services, and conducting research.

Here are the main duties and responsibilities of a Public Health Nurse:

• Evaluating the health needs of community populations and creating individualized care plans
• Providing direct health care services to community members, including immunizations and screenings
• Developing and implementing community health education programs and workshops
• Advising and collaborating with other health care professionals and community members to ensure optimal care
• Participating in infectious disease control and prevention, including surveillance and outbreak response
• Advocating for policies that improve community health and reduce health disparities
• Maintaining accurate records and reports to track health trends and identify potential areas of concern
• Referring individuals and families to appropriate health services, social services, or other resources as needed

 

Public Health Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Public Health Nurse to provide comprehensive care and education to our community.

As a Public Health Nurse, your responsibilities include administering vaccinations, conducting health screenings, providing health education, and implementing public health programs.

Our ideal candidate is a compassionate individual with excellent interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of public health issues.

You should have experience in community health and preventative care.

The role of a Public Health Nurse is to prevent disease and promote community health through education, advocacy, and direct patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Providing direct patient care and health assessment
• Administering immunizations and conducting health screenings
• Identifying community health needs through observation and research
• Developing, implementing, and assessing public health programs
• Providing health education to individuals and groups
• Communicating with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure quality care
• Maintaining accurate records and reporting any unusual occurrences
• Participating in disease prevention activities
• Adhering to local, state, and federal health regulations

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) with valid nursing license
• Experience in community health, public health, or related field
• Strong understanding of public health principles
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Ability to provide health education to diverse groups
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or public health preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Health Nurse
• Work Environment: Community settings with some office work. Travel may be required for home visits or community health programs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Public Health Nursing Supervisor or Public Health Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $87,000 maximum
• 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 Public Health Nurse Do?

Public Health Nurses play an important role in the healthcare sector, primarily working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, community health centers, and other similar institutions.

They may also work in schools, businesses, or homes depending on the needs of their communities.

Their primary responsibility is to design and implement strategies aimed at promoting health and preventing disease within the community.

This involves educating the public on various health matters, providing direct health care services, counseling, and supporting vulnerable individuals and families.

They often administer immunizations, conduct health screenings, and provide referrals for further medical care when necessary.

They also play a key role in responding to public health emergencies, such as epidemics or natural disasters, by providing immediate care and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

Another crucial part of their job is to collect and analyze data to identify community health needs and to develop programs addressing these needs.

Public Health Nurses serve as an advocate for patient rights and ensure patients have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their socio-economic status.

They collaborate closely with policymakers, educators, and other community members to improve health equity and wellness in the community.

 

Public Health Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Public Health Nurses employ a blend of nursing knowledge, interpersonal skills and public health understanding to provide care and education to communities.

The necessary qualifications and skills include:

• Medical and nursing knowledge in order to provide health education, vaccinations, and basic medical care to the community.
• Excellent communication skills to educate the public about health issues and preventative measures, and to work effectively with other healthcare professionals.
• Compassionate interpersonal skills to connect with diverse populations and understand their unique health needs and concerns.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess community health concerns and develop effective strategies and programs to address them.
• Organizational skills to manage patient records, prepare reports, and coordinate community health programs.
• Adaptability and flexibility, as public health nurses often work in various settings and with diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, often coordinating with other healthcare professionals and community leaders.
• Knowledge of public health principles and practices to effectively contribute to improving community health and implementing health policies.

 

Public Health Nurse Experience Requirements

Public Health Nurses usually hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Many also hold a master’s degree in public health (MPH) or a similar field.

Entry-level public health nurses will usually have between 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through practical rotations during their schooling, internships, or work in a clinical or community health setting.

These professionals may also have some experience in roles such as Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse, or Community Health Worker.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their patient care and public health skills and knowledge through working in public health departments, community health centers, schools, or non-profit organizations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership or managerial experience in their background.

They may have been involved in program development, policy creation, or department leadership, and are often ready for a supervisory or managerial role in public health nursing.

Specialized roles in public health nursing may require additional experience and certification.

For example, a Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) typically requires at least 3 years of experience in occupational health nursing.

Continuing education is also crucial for public health nurses, as the field is constantly evolving with new research and health threats.

As such, many public health nurses pursue additional training and certifications throughout their career.

 

Public Health Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Public Health Nurses generally need to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

This program should be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

In addition to their degree, Public Health Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

This examination ensures that a nurse is ready to begin working safely and effectively in an entry-level nursing position.

Many employers prefer Public Health Nurses to have a Master’s Degree in Public Health or a related field.

This provides a more comprehensive understanding of public health issues, health education, and health policy, which are necessary for this role.

Public Health Nurses are also required to have a valid nursing license in the state where they intend to practice.

The requirements for this license vary by state but often include completion of an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

It’s also recommended that Public Health Nurses obtain certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Certification is not always required but can demonstrate a nurse’s competence in the field of public health, making them more attractive to potential employers.

Furthermore, Public Health Nurses should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they will often be educating communities about health issues.

They should also be compassionate and patient, as they will be working with diverse populations, often in challenging circumstances.

 

Public Health Nurse Salary Expectations

A Public Health Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $63,263 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary based on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, and the location of employment.

 

Public Health Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Public Health Nurse need?

Public Health Nurses need strong communication skills to interact with diverse populations and promote health awareness.

Clinical skills are also important, as they often provide primary care, especially in under-served communities.

They must also have a strong knowledge of community resources to aid in patient care.

Additionally, problem-solving, critical thinking, and empathy are essential traits.

 

What education is required for a Public Health Nurse?

A Public Health Nurse is required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

They must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.

Many Public Health Nurses also choose to earn a Master’s in Public Health to increase their opportunities and knowledge in the field.

 

What should you look for in a Public Health Nurse resume?

A resume for a Public Health Nurse should show a completed bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing and an active RN license.

Experience in community healthcare or another public health setting is also valuable.

Look for demonstrated knowledge in public health issues, health education, and primary healthcare.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Nurse?

A good Public Health Nurse has a strong sense of empathy and is passionate about helping others, especially vulnerable populations.

They need to be culturally sensitive and able to communicate effectively with diverse groups.

They should also be self-driven, capable of working independently and making informed decisions to implement health programs.

 

Is it difficult to hire Public Health Nurses?

Hiring Public Health Nurses can be challenging due to the specific skill set and experience required.

This field requires a balance of clinical nursing skills and understanding of public health issues.

Therefore, finding a candidate who possesses both can be difficult.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there it is.

Today, we’ve unmasked the reality of being a public health nurse.

Surprised?

It’s not just about taking vitals.

It’s about sculpting the future of health and wellness, one patient at a time.

With our ready-to-use public health nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re well equipped to make your next move.

But why limit yourself here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your guiding tool to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every patient interaction is a piece of the larger health care mosaic.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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