RN - WIC (Women, Infants & Children) - Ford & Iroquois Counties FT

HOURS & SHIFT REQUIREMENTS: Full time, 32 hours weekly. 8-4:30pm and every 1st and 3rd Thursday 10am-7pm

GENERAL SUMMARY

A Registered Professional Nurse providing skilled/technical nursing care, case management services, and education to clients/participants of the Maternal Child Health (MCH) Programs of Ford County operated by Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services. These programs include WIC and Better Birth Outcomes-Comprehensive. Two years experience in community health or maternal and child health nursing, ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) or degree from a recognized or accredited program and one year of experience in community health or maternal and child health nursing preferred. Opportunity for additional hours on an as needed basis.

GIBSON AREA HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide personalized, professional healthcare services to the residents of the communities we serve.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The WIC Nurse has the overall responsibility for the nutrition services provided by the WIC agency.
2. Maintain and abide by the standards and regulations set forth in the MCH Service Codes, the WIC Policy & Procedure’s Manual, and the Case Management/WIC local agency policies and procedures.
3. Assures proper maintenance of assigned programs client records as mandated by grants/contracts and in compliance with local, state and federal laws.
4. Maintains knowledge of community resources for assigned programs.
5. Assists with program planning, implementation and evaluation of performance via quarterly and annual reviews and conducting or delegating chart audits.
6. Perform the six competency areas for WIC nutrition assessment including, but not limited to:
a. Principle of Lifecycle Nutrition: Understands the normal nutrition issues for pregnancy, lactation, the postpartum period, infancy and early childhood.
b. Nutrition assessment process: understands the WIC nutrition assessment process including risk assignment and documentation.
c. Anthropometric and hematological data collection: Understands the importance of using appropriate measurement techniques to collect anthropometric and hematological data.
d. Communication skills: Knows how to develop rapport and foster open communication with participants and caretakers.
e. Multicultural awareness: Understand how socio-cultural issues (race, ethnicity, religion, group affiliation, socioeconomic status and world view) affect nutrition and health practices and nutrition-related health problems.
f. Critical thinking skills: Knows how to synthesize and analyze data to draw appropriate conclusions.

7. Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function effectively in the health care setting where assigned.
8. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process.

9. Assesses and evaluates patient’s/client’s status by:
a. Reviewing and implementing the plan of care.
b. Regularly re-evaluating patient/client needs.
c. Revising the plan of care as necessary.
d. Referring clients to other health care services or other health care professionals. As appropriate.

10. Obtains hematological data according to provider orders.

11. Completes home visits for Case Management clients as required by the grant and Case Management Policies and Procedures.

12. Initiates and applies appropriate preventative, therapeutic and rehabilitative nursing procedure and techniques and maintains communication regarding patient/client care with the physician and other pertinent health care personnel.

13. Observes the patient/client for changes in condition, discusses changes with the patient/client or family/caregiver and reports changes, as necessary, to the primary care provider.

14. Teaches the patient/client and family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate.

15. Recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients/clients and families/caregivers.

16. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient/client.

17. Assists the patient’s/client’s family/caregiver and other health care personnel in providing continuity of care.

18. Supervises support staff and delegates responsibilities as appropriate.

19. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in-services.

20. Fulfills the obligation of requested and/or accepted case assignments.

21. Promotes breastfeeding and provides breastfeeding education to clients.

22. Maintains communications with Director of Women, Infant, and Children’s Services, Providers, and the Ford County Public Health Department to meet the needs of the MCH Program clients/participants.

23. Maintains confidentiality regarding all health-related issues.

24. Collaborates with marketing personnel and actively participates in outreach for the MCH programs.

25. Demonstrates an awareness of and assumes self responsibility for nursing practice which falls within the prescribed scope of practice for RN’s as defined in this state’s Nurse Practice Act.

26. Seeks guidance and validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision making as necessary, especially in areas of question.

27. Other associated duties as assigned by supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Visual acuity to observe and assess client status; use manual/electronic documentation tools; safely operate a motor vehicle.

2. Auditory acuity to hear client’s verbal communication and gather data using auscultatory skills.

3. Manual dexterity of hands and feet to skillfully manage multiple pieces of equipment.

4. Physical strength to perform CPR, lift/push/pull 60 pounds with assistance as often as 20 times per 8-10 hour day and perform constant walking, twisting, turning, and stretching maneuvers in giving care and use of equipment.

5. Physical strength to perform the following lifting tasks:

• Floor to Waist – 20 pounds
• 14” to Waist – 30 pounds
• Waist to Shoulder – 20 pounds
• Shoulder to Overhead – 10 pounds
• Carry 20 pounds for 15 feet
• Push 10 pounds/force for 15 feet
• Pull 10 pounds/force for 15 feet

6. Keen mental faculties to perform assessment and decision making skills.

7. Communication/speaking/enunciation skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone.

8. Emotional stability conducive to dealing with a high stress level for 8-10 hours a day.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to the Director of Women, Infant, and Children’s Services

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Current Illinois licensure to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse and one of the following:
a. Two years experience in community health or maternal and child health nursing.
b. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree from a recognized or accredited program and one year of experience in community health or maternal and child health nursing.
c. Supervision by a registered professional nurse, licensed social worker or licensed clinical social worker with the length of experience described in the Maternal Child Health Services Code.

2. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile.

3. Must maintain current CPR Certification.

INFECTION EXPOSURE RISK LEVEL

Category 1 – Maximal Risk – this job exposes you to potential blood, body fluids and tissues on a routine basis. It is recommended that you get the Hepatitis B Vaccine.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works in patient care areas where there are few discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise and the like.

2. Works with patients and may be exposed to contagious diseases or infectious materials, but potential for personal harm and injury is limited when proper safety and health precautions and equipment are used.

3. Works with clients in private homes where there could be dust, dirt, noise, animals, heating or cooling issues.

4. In and out of automobile.