Public Health Nurse
Tasks & duties
Public health nurses may do some or all of the following:
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provide health assessments in schools, private homes and the community
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refer clients to appropriate specialist or community services
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take self-referrals from clients and referrals from paediatricians and other health professionals
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liaise and work with other health professionals
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provide education and information about issues such as preventing disease
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run sexual health clinics in schools, and provide information about contraception
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promote health issues and take part in health campaigns
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monitor school and community health issues and concerns
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advise schools and community groups about health matters
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provide immunisation programmes in schools and the community during a health campaign, such as Year 7 immunisations for measles, mumps and rubella
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work with and provide follow-up appointments for clients who have had notifiable communicable (contagious) diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB) and meningitis
Specialisations
Public health nurses may specialise in a particular area of public health, such as communicable disease control, caring for refugee families in New Zealand, housing project work, or as a de-sac nurse (with sexually abused children).
Skills & knowledge
Public health nurses need to have:
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excellent nursing skills and knowledge of different nursing methods
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knowledge of how the human body works
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knowledge of different diseases and illnesses
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knowledge of medicines and treatments, and the effect these have on patients
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an understanding of nursing law and legislation, health policies, and the health system
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understanding of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, and the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion
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knowledge of community and family support services
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oral and written communication skills
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interviewing and assessment skills, including good listening skills
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good time management, planning and organisational skills
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decision-making and project management skills
Entry requirements
To become a public health nurse you need to have a Bachelor of Nursing. You also need to be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, and have a current Annual Practising Certificate. Postgraduate work experience and a current driver's license is also required.
Secondary education
At least four years of secondary education is required to enter tertiary training, although five years is preferred. Useful subjects include English, maths, chemistry and biology.
Training on the job
Public health nurses take part in regular training courses, workshops and seminars. If they are working in a specialised area, such as immunisation, public health nurses need to have the relevant certification.
Useful experience
Useful experience for public health nurses includes hospital and community-based nursing, health promotion or other health-related work. Teaching skills or the ability to speak another language may also be helpful.
Related courses
Community Client Care
Hauora (Maori Health)
Nursing
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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