Public Health Nursing

Public Health nursing jobs provide long term and satisfying careers to nurses who want to combine their desire to make an impact at the community level rather than one patient at a time. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were nursing shortages in public health; a field where much of the work is done behind the scenes.

Public health nurses play a critical role instituting policies and strategies to protect the public from infectious diseases. As evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic, public health nurses were critical in slowing the spread of disease in long-term care facilities and other congregate settings, schools, and the community. They served as educators, testers, vaccinators, and investigators. While the pandemic may be slowing, these roles fill a critical need to ensure the health of our Fairfax community.

Public health nurses:

• Work to promote a healthy environment
• Improve the lives of others
• Learn about diverse cultures
• Collaborate across programs and community partnerships to creatively solve problems
• Enjoy leadership and growth opportunities
• Participate in a culture of teaching and educating clients
• Make a difference in the community

Being a Public Health Nurse at the Health Department has its benefits! 

• Predictable schedules, Monday – Friday
• Comprehensive benefits, like paid time off and retirement (full time)
• Opportunities to grow and learn
• A supportive team environment 
• Making a difference in this community