What does PHNL mean in NURSING

Public Health Nursing Leadership (PHNL) is a specialty area of nursing that combines knowledge of public health with leadership skills to address the needs of individuals and communities. PHNL focuses on advocacy, research, organization, collaboration, problem-solving and communication for effective public health outcomes.

Nurses in this specialty area are expected to advocate for their patients' needs; conduct research to identify new approaches to addressing public health concerns; communicate effectively with stakeholders; organize events; collaborate within teams; and solve problems.

To work as a nurse in this field requires an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license with experience or training in population-based care management or community/public health nursing. You should also possess strong leadership skills such as problem-solving and organizational abilities along with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Nurses interested in this field should pursue an accredited BSN program followed by an APRN degree program focused on population-based care management or community/public health nursing. In addition, many organizations offer continuing education programs specific to working in this specialty area.

To become certified you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), complete an accredited graduate program specific to PHNL or take a postgraduate course recognized by the Board of Certification in Population/Community Health Nursing (BCPCHN). Additionally certifications are available through organizations such as ANCC's Community/Public Health subspecialty.