Overview

• The peer-reviewed analysis from Columbia University’s Mailman School, published in Nursing Outlook, argues public health nurses perform work that differs clearly from bedside registered nursing.
• Researchers compared roles using NSSRN and PH WINS survey data, Lightcast job-posting analytics, and a literature review to contrast skills, tasks, education and compensation signals.
• Identified responsibilities include community health assessments, case management, health education, policy advocacy, disease surveillance, and emergency response work.
• Despite these distinctions, PHNs are currently grouped under the RN Standard Occupational Classification code 29-1141, obscuring workforce size, pay patterns, and shortages.
• The study reports PHNs comprise about 18% of local and 8% of state health department staff and urges federal action before the 2028 SOC update to create a distinct code.