Employers

Approximately 3.1 million registered nurses (including community health nurses) are employed in the United States. Schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, elder care facilities, maternal and well-baby clinics, hospitals, managed-care facilities, long-term care facilities, clinics, industry, private homes, camps, and government agencies all employ community health nurses.

Starting Out

Registered nurses may apply for employment directly to hospitals, nursing homes, companies, and government agencies that hire nurses. Jobs can also be obtained through school career services offices, by signing up with employment agencies specializing in placement of nursing personnel, or by applying through online ads. 

Administrative and supervisory positions in the nursing field go to nurses who have earned at least the bachelor of science degree in nursing. Nurses with many years of experience who are graduates of a diploma program may achieve supervisory positions, but requirements for such promotions have become more difficult in recent years and in many cases require at least the bachelor of science in nursing degree.

The Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE) provides job listings at its Web site, https://achne-jobs.careerwebsite.com. Additionally, visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• http://www.healthecareers.com
• http://www.indeed.com/q-Community-Health-Nurse-jobs.html
• https://www.nurse.com/jobs

Join the ACHNE and other organizations to access networking resources, industry publications, and employment opportunities.

Be willing to relocate—especially to rural areas where there is a shortage of nursing professionals. It may open more job opportunities.