Public Health Nurse: A story of working in the community across Ireland

Time to Read

3 minutes

Date

24 June

How long have you worked in the community?

I began working in the community for the Guild in 2021, covering the New Ross and Wexford areas of Ireland.

What made you start working in the community?

As someone who likes challenges, I thought community nursing would be a good option for me, especially because I’m interested in wound care. In the end, I was right and really enjoy it.

What is the best thing about working in the community?

The best part of working in the community is getting to know the people who need our care and their families. Being helpful to them is a rewarding part of the role.

Community resources are sometimes limited, so there are plenty of work opportunities for new nurses.

What is your typical day like?

I typically work 9-5, four days a week but sometimes I work five, depending on availability. Working in the community means you do not need to work nights or weekends, unless you are on call.

Duties can include doing assessments (for patients being discharged from hospital) and wound care.

You don’t tend to administer medications, except those intramuscular or subcutaneous injections when the person is not able to attend a GP practice.

We work with other health professionals in the community, such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists, which enables us to deliver a full health service to clients. Everyone is critical in the community.

As a community nurse, you only deal with adults, whereas public health nurses are also responsible for children and babies.

Each day you have a variety of patients to see so the most important thing is to know how to manage your own time.

You generally work by yourself in the field, but there may be a few exceptions where you’ll have joint visits.

What advice would you give to nurses thinking of working in the community in Ireland but are maybe nervous?

Overall, the experience is excellent, and I highly recommend that nurses try it out. I’m sure they won’t regret it. Don’t be scared by the wound care part, if you lack experience or you don’t know which dressing to use, the community Tissue Viability Nurse will be happy to train and help you.

I love community nursing and the ability to really get to know your patients. The variety of patients, and the great people you get to work with make it a very rewarding job! I highly recommend nurses try it out – you wont regret it!

I would highly recommend that nurses try community nursing, because of the variety of different patients you will see, and they can learn a lot from other disciplines. I’m sure you won’t regret it!

The best part of working in the community is getting to know the people who need our care and their families. Being helpful to them is a rewarding part of the role.! I highly recommend nurses try It out you won’t regret it!

Community shifts tend to be Monday to Friday, 9-5 so I don’t have to work evenings or weekends unless I’m on call.

If you’re already registered with us, please call your local branch for more information on community shifts.

If you’re thinking about joining the Guild why not check out our amazing benefits package here. From the best pay rates around, to paid NMC and NMBI fees, you don’t want to miss out!