What is the best way to get started in public health as a new graduate?

Public health is a preventive measure used in eliminating diseases from the grass root and is a Community based practice.

You can work in federally qualified health center serving underserved population. You can also volunteer for your county’s public health dept and gain experience that way

It depends upon the area of the country where you live as to whether a public health agency would hire a new graduate. Here on the East Coast in the NYC area public health agencies prefer nurses with a few years of hospital experience. In some instances, a PHN may be asked to work in a situation where the nurse is alone, for example, in a private home (changing dressings, evaluating clients a day post-op, giving IV medications, examining newborns, etc). The PHN must have a broad knowledge base and good clinical judgement. A new graduate may know the theory but has never encountered a situation where support from a more experienced nurse wasn't available. Unfortunately, no one graduates from school fully prepared to take on the role of a Nurse. Practice in the real world is essential. Contact the agencies in your area and find out the requirements to be a Public Health Nurse.