Public Health Nurse McKenna Carter takes a patient's blood pressure at the Health Department

Public Health Nurse McKenna Carter

With a smart, friendly demeanor McKenna Carter, R.N., B.S.N., had many opportunities for a nursing career. The young woman thought public health nursing would be a good steppingstone for her first nursing job. Yet, she likes so many things about working at the Hood River County Health Department, she doesn’t see herself working anywhere else.

Born and raised in Hood River, McKenna enjoyed science and math from an early age. She knew as she grew older that she wanted to care for or serve others in her life’s work. While in high school, she gained a deeper understanding of nursing when a family member’s chronic illness was diagnosed.

McKenna went on to earn a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Concordia University in Portland five years ago. While in nursing school, she was made aware of a nursing shortage, which she feels was worsened by the pandemic.

In her four-and-a-half years working at the health department, McKenna discovered many things she enjoys about being a public health nurse. They include learning new things every day; helping others in our community; working with the great staff at the health department; collaborating with many other local agencies; and, caring for people across the lifespan, from babies to elderly patients. A huge benefit, she says, is the Monday – Friday work schedule and flexibility, not to mention great benefits working for a local government.

“Being part of a smaller health department means we often wear different hats, from communicable diseases, reproductive health, immunizations, and other services,” McKenna relays.

“We’re a team here at the health department, and we all have a similar mindset. Public Health is all about collaboration with our staff and with partners, and working as a team to make things happen,” she says. “Plus there’s lots of room for growth here.”

When asked what advice she’d offer people considering a job as a public health nurse, McKenna says he or she should be comfortable working autonomously. “Learn your resources; know where to go and who to turn to when you don’t know something,” she says. She also advises new nurses to have a mentor or buddy who can support them.

“Give yourself grace,” McKenna says. “Nursing has a high learning curve. Each program at the health department has unique things, so there’s lots to learn.”

In her spare time, McKenna enjoys painting, hanging out with friends, and practicing self-care. She likes to kayak when the weather is warm. She makes the most out of her time off, but when Monday morning rolls around, it’s easy to go to work.

The Hood River County Health Department is located at 1109 June Street in Hood River