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Public Health Rn Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Public Health Rn information

See Kentucky salary details

$36.5K

$68.1K

$110.7K

How much do public health rn jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for public health rn in Kentucky is $68,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $77,700.00 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 Kentucky are hiring for Public Health Rn jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Public Health Rn job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, and 93% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,124 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Public Health Nurse II

Richmond, KY • On-site

$21.52 - $26.76/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Title

Urgent and Continuous Job Opening: We are actively seeking qualified candidates to fill this crucial position.

Pay Grade: Grade 18

Salary: $21.52 - $26.76 Hourly

Time Type: Full time

Health Department: Madison County Health Department

Summary: Provides basic nursing functions and services to individuals and families under moderate supervision in a clinic, school or community setting. With supervision, applies a variety of technical, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills to problems of health, as they affect clients, families, and the community. Conducts communicable and preventative disease case finding investigations for the purpose of preventing and controlling diseases and disabling conditions and the promotion and maintenance of health populations.

If you have any questions or would like any more information about this job posting please contact Lori Knutson.

Characteristics of the Class

Characteristics of a class: are general statements indicating the level of responsibility and discretion of positions in that job classification.

  • Provides basic nursing functions and services to individuals and families under moderate supervision in a clinic, school or community setting. With supervision, applies a variety of technical, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills to problems of health, as they affect clients, families, and the community. Conducts communicable and preventative disease case finding investigations for the purpose of preventing and controlling diseases and disabling conditions and the promotion and maintenance of health populations.
Minimum Requirements

Minimum requirements are comprehensive statements of the minimum background as to education, experience, and other qualifications which will be required in all cases as evidence of an appointee's ability to perform the work properly.

Education:
  • (See Special Requirements)
Experience:
  • One year of Registered Nurse (RN) experience.
Substitution Clause Education:
  • (N/A)
Experience:
  • BSN may substitute for the one year required experience.
Special Requirements: (Age, Licensure, Regulation, etc.)
  • Must have RN license in Kentucky or compact state.
Post Employment Requirements: Employees in this class will be required to obtain credentials outlined below within a reasonable time, or if employees possess such credentials at the time of hire they will be required to maintain those credentials so long as they are employed in this capacity.
  • Must maintain current RN licensure in Kentucky or compact state. Must complete required annual updates.
Examples of Duties or Responsibilities of the Classification: Examples of duties or responsibilities are not to be construed as describing what the duties or responsibilities of any position shall be and are not to be construed as limiting the appointing authority's ability to add to, or otherwise alter the duties and responsibilities of a position.
  • Performs work with increasing independence and may assume minimal mentoring of LHN I nurses; conducts nursing assessment, as appropriate using CCSG service guidelines; develops and implements a plan of care based upon identified health risks; provides basic nursing care to the client consistent with the CCSG, Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, established policies, procedures and licensing laws; documents services provided to the client according to standards of the CCSG and Administrative Reference (AR); maintains confidentiality and privacy according to guidelines; understands the team process and applies problem-solving strategies to accomplish job tasks; participates in specialized or program specific clinics; develops and conducts educational counseling and teaching activities for individual clients and families; may serve as a coordinator of a specific program. Assesses the health status of individuals groups and populations through analysis of data collected from clients, families, medical practitioners, community service agencies, schools, and appropriate surveys to identify at-risk populations; analyzes health status assessments and participates in the development of policies and continuous review of plans to prioritize and address the health services and program needs of the targeted population; serves as advocate for at-risk or high-risk population groups; provides or assists in providing a variety of nursing services to particular at-risk or high-risk populations or populations with limited access to care; assists with problem-solving skills; instructs/advises and mentors new staff in the policies, practices and procedures of the agency, as related to public health nursing.
Typical Working Conditions and Unique Physical Requirements: Incumbents in this classification will typically perform their primary job duties under these conditions. These conditions may change on occasion in performing the duties of an individual position.
  • Work typically is spent inside the clinic, school or a community setting.
Additional Requirements:
  • May be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check according to the agency's policies
Date Class Established: 07-01-2007 Date of Last Revision: 10-03-2022

The local health departments do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request.

Probationary Period: This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D