1. Practice Perspectives and Priorities for Action November, 2006 Karen A. O’Brien MN RN,C Public Health Nursing Director Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

2. Practice Standard for entry into public health nursing is a BSN (or equivalent)Standard for entry into public health nursing is a BSN (or equivalent) Challenges: nursing workforce shortage, especially in rural areas, non-competitive salaries & clinical placement sitesChallenges: nursing workforce shortage, especially in rural areas, non-competitive salaries & clinical placement sites

3. Practice Informal ASTDN SurveyInformal ASTDN Survey 33 states responded33 states responded 23 do not require a BSN23 do not require a BSN 4 encourage; require for title (MA,4 encourage; require for title (MA, IA, FL,SC) IA, FL,SC) Six states require: (VT, WI, NY, CA, HI, & MN) California and Minnesota have a PHN certificate

4. Practice Some states report 70% of their PHN workforce have Assoc. Degrees as their highest educational background.Some states report 70% of their PHN workforce have Assoc. Degrees as their highest educational background. “In reality we do employee fewer and fewer people without the BSN.”“In reality we do employee fewer and fewer people without the BSN.” “We are developing new PHN Standards that will require grandfathering in.”“We are developing new PHN Standards that will require grandfathering in.”

5. Call To Action Maintain a Standard Provide a mechanism to achieve education Provide mentor and intern opportunities Develop a certificate of completion Grandmother in experienced PHNs

6. Discussion Topics How to develop a strategic process to advocate and promote?How to develop a strategic process to advocate and promote? State based or a national requirement?State based or a national requirement? Implications for a position statementImplications for a position statement

7. Contact Information Karen A. O’Brien MN RN,CKaren A. O’Brien MN RN,C Public Health Nursing Director Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 4300 Cherry Creek Drive, South Denver, CO 80246-1530 PH: 303-692-2361 FX: 303-691-7746 EM: Karen.OBrien@state.CO.US www.ASTDN.org

8. Practice Perspectives and Priorities for Action November, 2006 Karen A. O’Brien MN RN,C Public Health Nursing Director Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment