Public Health Nurse Jobs in the United States

Our mission at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans. Our agency is committed to building a modern, vibrant public health system that creates the conditions where all Ohioans flourish.

The Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health (BMCFH) is organized to support families by improving birth outcomes and the health status of women, infants, children, and youth, including children and youth with complex health care needs. Using data and proven practice, the bureau’s programs support the delivery of direct services, linkages and referrals, population-based supports, program evaluation, education, monitoring and quality oversight, and policy and systems development.

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to improving the health and well‑being of Ohio’s school‑aged children. As a Public Health Nurse Specialist, you will serve as a statewide expert and consultant, partnering with school districts, local health departments, and state agencies to elevate the quality of school health services across Ohio. This role offers the opportunity to influence policy, support frontline nurses, and shape statewide initiatives that promote safe, healthy learning environments.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide expert consultation, guidance and evaluation for the school health nursing programs statewide.
• Support local health departments and school districts with technical assistance on school nursing practices, regulatory compliance, health screenings, immunization requirements, and care planning for students with special needs.
• Analyze and interpret school health data to advance quality improvement, inform policy decisions and support evidence -based programming.
• Service as primary agency liaision on school nursing matters with regional, state and national partners including education, Medicaid, social services and nursing organizations.
• Deliver professional development through statewide training, continuing education and collaboration with universities and nursing education programs.
• Participate in committees and workgroups to shape policies, standards, and legislation that support school health services and student wellness.
• Develop, maintain and promote a statewide uniform reporting system for school health nursing data and contribute to research and demonstration projects.
• Prepare technical reports, grant proposals, and program documentation supporting statewide maternal and child health initiatives.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED TO REMAIN IN THE CLASSIFICATION AFTER EMPLOYMENT: Biennial renewal of license to practice as registered nurse in Ohio.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Exposure to periods of intense stress & travel required

Unless required by legislation, the selected candidate will begin at Pay Grade 12, Step 1 of the 1199 Pay Range Schedule ($32.69 per hour), with an opportunity for pay increase after six months ($34.35 per hour) of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.

Application Procedures:

We only accept applications submitted online through this portal (careers.ohio.gov). To be evaluated for the role, your application must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications and/or position specific minimum qualifications. We cannot give credit for experience, education, or training unless it is explicitly stated in the application. An assessment of these criteria may be conducted to determine the applicants who are interviewed.  

ALL ANSWERS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY THE WORK EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION PROVIDED ON YOUR APPLICATION.

Status of Posted Position:

You may check the status of your application by signing in to your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application.

Background Check Information:

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Educational Transcript Requirements:

Official educational transcripts are required for all post-secondary education claimed on the application before a formal job offer can be made. Transcripts must be provided within five (5) working days of the request; failure to provide them will cause elimination from further consideration. Transcripts must be originals sent directly from the institution featuring an institutional watermark, ink stamp, or embossed stamp. Web printouts will not be accepted.  ODH reserves the right to evaluate the credibility of any degree or educational institution.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

• Current & valid license to practice professional nursing as Registered Nurse (i.e., R.N.) in Ohio as issued by Board of Nursing pursuant to Section 4723.03 of Revised Code
• 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in nursing
• Must be able to provide own transportation

OR equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above may be substituted for the education & experience required, but not for the mandated licensure.

Position Specific Minimum Qualifications - In addition to the minimum qualifications above, applicants must also meet the following requirements: 

• Pupil Services Licensure in Ohio as a School Nurse issued by the State Board of Education of Ohio
• 12 mos. exp providing school nursing services to the school aged population

Applications meeting the minimum qualifications will be further reviewed against the preferred criteria below, which must be clearly demonstrated within the application:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in nursing
• Experience working on a committee or facilitating groups
• Experience in writing and implementing grants or funding opportunities
• Experience providing consultation and technical assistance to nurses and health professionals
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating school health programs
• Experience developing health policies and guidelines and/or implementing changes in health policies and guidelines
• Experience in developing and presenting nursing trainings
• Experience with computer software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
•  Experience in collecting, utilizing, and analyzing health related date. 

All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, active disciplinary record, and work record.

Job Skills: Nursing

Technical Skills: Nursing, Educational Support, Compliance Enforcement, Grant Writing, Health Administration

Professional Skills: Analyzation, Collaboration, Consultation, Interpreting Data, Networking, Public Speaking