Title: Public Health Nurse I- Clinic

Department: Health Department

Type: Fulltime/Benefits/Exempt

Location: Lexington

Salary Range: Grade 70

General Statement of Duties

The primary purpose of this position is to provide public health nursing to the residents of Davidson County. This position works in the Adult Health/BCCCP, immunization,

family planning, and STD clinics. Work is performed under the supervision of the Public Health Nurse Supervisor II.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Obtains and documents medical history.
• Orders appropriate lab testing.
• Counsels and educates patient concerning lab results based on standing orders.
• Dispenses/administers medications per written or standing orders. Counsels and educates patient concerning need for medication, correct administration and adverse effects.
• Counsels and educates patient concerning a variety of topics including birth control methods, growth and development, immunizations, prevention of communicable diseases, infant care and nutrition.
• Assesses immunization record and administers needed immunizations.
• Documents immunizations in record and in NCIR.
• Obtains vital signs and measurements.
• Codes patient visit with appropriate CPT and ICD-10 codes.
• Assists with orientation of new employees.
• Follow up of patient care. This may include, but not limited to, notifying patients of results, needed follow up, missed appointments and entering data into computer.
• Refers patient to health department and community resources as needed.
Any other responsibility within the scope of nursing practice as assigned by supervisor.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Basic knowledge of, and skill in, the application of nursing theory, principles, and techniques employed in the field of public health and related programs; understanding of best practices, safety standards, and therapeutic outcomes related to the specific area(s) of practice; working knowledge of current social and economic problems relating to public health, including health disparities; working knowledge of available resources and organizations; ability to deal tactfully with others and to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and making decisions; ability to work in partnership with patients and with other service providers to elicit needed information and to maintain effective working relationships; ability to accurately record services rendered and to interpret and explain records, reports and medical instructions; some ability to oversee the work of others; adequate computer skills to allow communication, patient record documentation, accessing information.

Physical Requirements

• Manipulative skills required are: standing, walking, sitting, stooping, reaching, handling, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing and seeing.
• This position has activities which expose the employee to blood and body fluids. The employee will be provided with protective clothing and equipment.
• Routinely subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Occasionally works outside.
• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move supplies or assist in restraining child.
• Close visual acuity is required to read, especially reading small print on medication labels.
• Mental concentration is necessary to focus on specific details such as correct treatment and dosage.

Education and Experience

Minimum Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing.

Additional Training/Experience: Individuals employed in a local Health Department without a B.S. Degree which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation or a Master’s in Public Health, will be required to complete an introductory course in principles and practices of public health nursing sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services- Division of Public Health within one year of employment as a condition of continued employment in accordance with Health Services Commission Rule, 10 NCAC 46.0301.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Driver License.
• A Current License to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.