Public Health Nurses (PHNs) are licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) with the following degrees: Associate of Science Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with PHN Certification.
Overview of Services
PHNs can help Sacramento County residents and their families with health problems and other concerns. PHNs provide case management services, consultations, health and developmental assessments, and a variety of education and training. For example, PHNs provide comprehensive Maternal, Child, and Adolescent home visitation services; case management in Integrated Children and Family Services; Perinatal (pregnancy) Services; and Communicable Diseases and Immunization Services to families living in Sacramento County. PHNs work with various medical and community resources to ensure good health outcomes.
The PHN Field Services programs include:
Communicable Diseases (CD)
PHNs in CD work behind the scenes to monitor and stop the spread of infectious diseases in Sacramento County. In this exciting area, PHNs receive reports of infectious diseases and conduct investigations. PHNs in CD work diligently to identify sources of outbreaks and make sure people who have been exposed are treated with prophylaxis or take other measures to prevent and limit the spread of diseases. This involves working with the public from diverse backgrounds, hospitals, care facilities, schools, and laboratories including Sacramento County Public Health Laboratory and the California Department of Public Health.
Immunization Assistance Program (IAP)
PHNs and RNs in IAP provide resources and information to the public and providers in the Vaccines for Children Program, Vaccines for Adults Program, and the Perinatal Hepatitis B Program. Such resources include an up-to-date list of pharmacies that offer vaccines along with information about the types of insurances accepted and cash prices. IAP serves as a resource to schools regarding immunization requirements and provides a safety net immunization clinic for children catching up on immunizations to help keep them in school. IAP can also assist residents look up their vaccination histories. During the flu season, IAP conducts community flu clinics and provides flu shots for the whole family. During outbreaks related to vaccine-preventable diseases, IAP provides vaccines for those at risk and help keep Sacramento County healthy.
Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)
NFP is a dynamic, evidence-based community health program that serves pregnant women having their first child. Each mom is partnered with a RN early in pregnancy and receives ongoing home nurse visits. It is a life-transforming partnership for both the mom and her child.
Black Infant Health (BIH)
Within a culturally affirming environment and honoring the unique history of African American women, the BIH program aims to help women have healthy babies. Participants learn proven strategies to decrease stress and develop life skills. This is accomplished through a group based approach and complimentary case management.
African American Perinatal Health Nurse (AAPH)
This program serves African American women and their infants up to 1 year of age. AAPH provides culturally specific home visitations including case management and care coordination.
Community Nursing
This program provides in-home health and support services to individuals and families during pregnancy, children 0-18 with medical conditions/developmental delays, at risk individuals that have barriers to accessing care and families with unstable housing and health issues.
