Where Public Health Meets Nursing

As someone who has spent the last 3 and a half years immersed in the study of public health, my upcoming transition into healthcare, specifically nursing, feels less like a departure and more like a natural evolution. My foundation in public health taught me to see the big picture—the systems, policies, and social determinants that shape people’s health outcomes. Why are things the way they are? How can we change that? Nursing, on the other hand, focuses on the deeply personal, one-on-one connection with patients. Together, these fields form a powerful connection that I’m eager to explore as I embark on my healthcare journey.

Public health opened my eyes to the profound impact of prevention, education, and advocacy. It’s one thing to understand that access to healthcare can change lives, and it’s another to witness how systemic barriers prevent many individuals and communities from achieving wellness. My studies helped me see how health disparities are often rooted in inequity- whether this be economic, geographic, or cultural-and sparked my passion for working toward solutions that make healthcare accessible and inclusive for everyone. Moreover, I’m eternally grateful to have this foundational understanding of the factors that led to the health disparities I witnessed on my home island of Borneo.

This perspective will undoubtedly shape my approach to nursing. When I think about patient care, I see it as a ripple effect: the care I provide to an individual doesn’t just affect them, but it affects their families, their communities, and everyone beyond. Nursing will allow me to apply this understanding in a tangible way - working closely with patients to improve their immediate health outcomes while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture. Whether it’s educating a patient on managing their condition or advocating for better community resources, my public health background reminds me that wellness extends beyond the bedside.

In my future career, I hope to integrate the principles of public health into my nursing practice by focusing on prevention and education as key components of care. For example, I’m passionate about empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health. I want to be the kind of nurse who bridges the gap between individual care and community well-being. Even in times where my patient may feel a distance between us, I want to meet them where they’re at to foster a connection that goes beyond their feelings of uncertainty. 

Ultimately, my goal is to combine the analytical, population-focused lens of public health with the compassionate, hands-on approach of nursing to create a more holistic model of care. I want to be part of a healthcare system that doesn’t just treat illness but also works to prevent it, one patient at a time. Public health gave me the vision, and nursing will give me the tools to bring that vision to life.

This intersection of public health and nursing isn’t just a career path for me, but instead, it’s a calling. I’m inspired by the potential to make a difference - not just in the lives of my patients, but in the communities they call home. In bridging these two passions, I hope to play a small role in building a healthier, more equitable world.