36 | Public Health Nursing – Care Beyond the Hospital Walls

Public health nurses are often the invisible backbone of community care – meeting patients where they are, breaking down barriers, and preventing serious health issues before they escalate.

In this episode, we speak with Jan Stralkus and Loletha Johnson about what public health nursing really looks like on the ground. From home visits in rural South Jersey to statewide cancer programs, they share powerful stories about access to care, patient trust, and the life-changing impact of education and connection.

We also explore the challenges public health nurses face, the importance of partnerships, and why this field is more critical than ever as healthcare increasingly moves into the home.

Key Takeaways

• Public health nursing happens outside traditional clinical settings – in homes, communities, and local environments
• Access to care remains one of the biggest challenges, especially in rural areas
• Building trust and relationships with patients can lead to life-saving outcomes
• Education and navigation support are just as important as clinical skills
• Strong partnerships across sectors are essential to improving population health
• Public health nursing offers diverse and growing career opportunities

Relevant Links

• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org
• The State of New Jersey, Civil Service Commission: https://www.nj.gov/csc/
• New Jersey Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators: https://www.njaphna.org
• Visiting Nurse Association Health Group: https://vnahg.org
• Visiting Physician Services: https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-services
• Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey: https://www.vnannj.org