Public Health Nursing

• What are the requirements for a Public Health Nurse (PHN)?

  Answer:  California requires PHN's to have an active California Registered Nurse (RN) license, a California PHN certificate and a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. For licensure/certification questions, contact the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) at rn.ca.gov Nurses coming to California from outside the United States or from other states also need to contact the BRN regarding licensure.

• Are new PHN and RN graduates allowed to work on an interim permit?

  Answer:  No, all new PHN graduates must possess a RN license and a PHN certificate from the BRN and all new RN graduates must possess a RN license from the BRN in order to be practice in the state of California.

• Can I apply for employment with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health with a foreign license or a license from another state?

  Answer:  No, you must a have California license to apply. Please go to rn.ca.gov for information.

• Does Public Health provide work sponsorships for foreign nurses or foreign nursing students completing their nursing degree in the United States?

  Answer:  No, Public Health does not provide sponsorships. Please see application for employment qualifications.

• Do I need to fill out an application for Public Health if I am already a RN I working in one of the County hospitals or health centers?

  Answer:  No, you may contact your prospective Public Health Center for job vacancies or click here for current vacancies.

• Do I need to fill out an application for Public Health if I am already a RN I and I want to apply for a RN II ?

  Answer:  Yes, a RN II position is a promotional opportunity and you need to complete an employment application and submit an application to Human Resources (HR) in order to placed on the certification or eligibility list for RN II. Click here for current vacancies.

• Does Public Health offer part-time or per-diem nursing positions?

  Answer:  No, all of our positions are full-time.

• Where do I submit my employment application for Public Health?

  Answer:  You can submit your application via the internet, through the mail, or hand delivers to 5555 Ferguson Drive, Suite 220,City of Commerce, CA 90022. Office is located on the second floor, assessable through the Central Elevator Lobby.

• Do you have any tips on completing the applications?

  Answer:  First, carefully read the exam bulletin which is the posting for job classifications such as RN, PHN. You must meet the minimum eligibility requirements listed in the job classification bulletin in order for your application to be accepted. If copies of licensure/college degree are required, the copies need to accompany the application. Explain your employment history, including job duties in the work experience section, so the HR analyst can determine if you meet the requirements. You need the complete exam number and examination title for each application you submit. This information can be found on the top of the job bulletin.

• I went through the application process and I am on the certification list. What happens now?

  Answer:  You should have received a letter from HR notifying you of how long your name will remain on the certification or eligibility list (for nursing positions most list are one (1) year from the date the candidate's name was added). If you decide you are no longer interested in a position, you can notify HR and request your name be removed from the list. If a year has passed since your name was added to the list and you are still interested , you need to complete the application process all over. It is permissible to start this process a few weeks prior to the expiration date. During the time frame you are on the list, your name and contact information will be made available to supervisors/managers with vacancies who will contact you for a selection interview. During this interview, position duties, work hours, and other pertinent information will be discussed. For information on the application process and job opportunities, click here.

• How long does the hiring process take?

  Answer:  This can vary, depending on the number of positions available, how quickly the supervisors set up their interviews and make their decisions, and if Public Health has any hiring restrictions.

• Do I need to take the medication calculation exam (MCE) if I am applying for a LVN, RN, or a PHN position?

  Answer:  Yes, the MCE is required.

• Does Public Health provide loan forgiveness?

  Answer:  No, visit our list of resources for scholarships, grants, loans, and loan repayment programs available for nurses...click here.

• Does Public Health offer tuition reimbursement?

  Answer:  Tuition reimbursement is available for nurses working in Public Health and pursuing a higher degree such as the BSN, MSN, or select related masters degrees such as Health Care Administration, Public Administration, and Public Health. For additional information on tuition reimbursement, more. (Suspended indefinitely due to fiscal restraints)

• Do I need to submit a Tuition Reimbursement form before the start of each course?

  Answer:  Yes, a tuition reimbursement application is required for all courses taken each quarter/semester in order to be eligible. See Policy for additional information.(Program suspended indefinitely due to fiscal constraints)