Registered nurse who works with families in the home, in schools, at the workplace, in government agencies, and at major health facilities. PHNs must complete a baccalaureate degree program approved by the National League for Nursing (NLN) or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for public health nursing preparation or after registered nurse study. A certification program sponsored by the Division of Community Health Nursing of the American Nurses Association is also available.