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Public Health Rn Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

St Clair County, IL

Nurse-Public Health

Buncombe, IL · On-site

Public Health Nurse Pay Grade: P-2 FSLA: Non-Exempt Division: As assigned Union Status: Union ... Registered Nurse by the Department of Professional Regulation. Essential Physical/Cognitive ...

Tazewell County

Public Health Clinic Nurse

Tremont, IL · On-site

$25.77 - $26.80/hr

Licensure in the state of Illinois as a Registered Professional Nurse required; BSN preferred ... Public Health Nurse Department : Birth to 5 Division, Clinical Division, or Community Division ...

Tazewell County

Public Health Clinic Nurse

Tremont, IL · On-site

$25.77 - $26.80/hr

Licensure in the state of Illinois as a Registered Professional Nurse required; BSN preferred ... Public Health Nurse Department : Birth to 5 Division, Clinical Division, or Community Division ...

Tazewell County

Public Health Clinic Nurse

Tremont, IL

$25.77 - $26.80/hr

Licensure in the state of Illinois as a Registered Professional Nurse required; BSN preferred ... Public Health Nurse Department : Birth to 5 Division, Clinical Division, or Community Division ...

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All JobsPublic Health Rn JobsPublic Health Rn Jobs in Illinois

Public Health Rn information

See Illinois salary details

$40.7K

$76K

$123.5K

How much do public health rn jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for public health rn in Illinois is $76,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,100.00 and $86,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Public Health RN?

A Public Health Registered Nurse (RN) is a nursing professional who works to promote and protect the health of communities and populations. They focus on disease prevention, health education, and community outreach rather than individual patient care in a clinical setting. Public Health RNs may work for government agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, or community clinics, and often collaborate with other health professionals to address public health concerns such as immunization, infectious disease, and health disparities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Health RN?

To thrive as a Public Health RN, you need strong clinical nursing skills, public health knowledge, and a current RN license, often complemented by a BSN or public health certification. Familiarity with epidemiological tools, data management systems, and community health assessment software is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural competence, and leadership abilities help build trust and effectively engage diverse populations. These skills are crucial for promoting community health, preventing disease, and coordinating public health initiatives.

What are some typical challenges Public Health RNs face when working in community-based settings?

Public Health RNs often encounter challenges such as addressing the diverse needs of communities with limited resources, coordinating care across multiple agencies, and effectively communicating health information to populations with varying levels of health literacy. They may also need to adapt quickly to emerging public health concerns, such as outbreaks or environmental hazards. Building trust within the community and advocating for vulnerable populations are key aspects of the role, requiring strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Public Health Rn vs Community Health Nurse?

AspectPublic Health RnCommunity Health Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, possibly public health certificationRegistered Nurse (RN) license, often with community health training
Work EnvironmentPublic health departments, clinics, community outreach programsCommunity clinics, home health, schools, local health agencies
Employer & IndustryPublic health agencies, government sectorsHealthcare organizations, non-profits, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles in public health initiativesCompared for direct community engagement roles

Both Public Health Rns and Community Health Nurses are registered nurses working in community settings. While they share similar credentials and work environments, Public Health Rns typically focus on population health initiatives at the policy or program level, whereas Community Health Nurses often provide direct patient care within communities. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What can public health RNs do in public health?

Public health RNs work to promote community health through activities such as disease prevention, health education, immunization programs, and health screenings. They often collaborate with public health agencies, develop health policies, and may conduct research or outreach to improve population health outcomes.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Public Health Rn jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Public Health Rn job openings:

Public Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Health Rn job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,007 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse (Public Health Nurse)

Dekalb, IL • On-site

DeKalb County Health Department (DeKalb, IL)
Health Care and Social Assistance • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about DeKalb County Health Department (DeKalb, IL)external

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Public Health Nurse

The DeKalb County Health Department is seeking a full time (37.5 hours per week) Public Health Nurse. Under the direction of the Communicable Disease and Immunization Program Coordinator, provides direct patient care within various public health programs. Ideal candidates have excellent communication skills, are detail oriented, organized and possess an interest in improving health in our community.

Responsibilities
  • Provides RN professional nursing services to children and adults in both the clinic and community.
  • Participates in cross-training and provides nursing services across a variety of public health programs, including but not limited to immunizations, family planning, communicable disease control, and maternal and child health services.
  • Assesses and interprets immunization records and educates clients on vaccine preventable diseases and administers routine adult, pediatric and travel vaccines.
  • Assists with communicable disease investigations and reporting.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in obtaining blood draws, TB testing, and client vitals.
Requirements
  • Requires current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • One year experience in health care or community services setting
  • Previous experience in public health (especially immunizations)
  • Ability to be organized, flexible, problem solve and be part of a team.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to quickly establish and maintain positive relationships with the public and
  • May require some early evening hours.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish or English/Arabic.
Benefits Package
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Health and Dental Insurance (Employee Contribution Required) or Buyout Option
  • Term Life Insurance
  • Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Pension (Employee Contribution Required)
  • Annual Paid Time Off - starting at 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, 13.5 holidays
  • Eligible for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Schedule:
  • Day Shift
  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In-Person

Apply