Registered Nurse - Public Health

DEFINITION

• Conducts investigations of reportable communicable diseases in accordance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, including case interviews, clinical indicator review, contact tracing, and documentation in the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange (CalREDIE) within required timeframes.
• Participates in outbreak detection, investigation, and response activities, including field investigation, line listing, development of control measures, and coordination with the Health Officer, CDPH, and community partners to mitigate the spread of disease.
• Utilizes nursing intervention skills to prevent disease, promote healthy behavior and alleviate conditions adversely affecting the health and safety of individuals, families, and the community.
• Participates in emergency preparedness planning and response activities, including mass vaccination clinic operations, point-of-dispensing (POD) exercises, and deployment in support of public health emergencies or declared outbreaks.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Performs selected diagnostic tests, using standardized procedures; administers prescribed treatments.
• Refers individuals and families to appropriate medical care and other resources and performs related follow-up.
• Coordinates clinic services with private, public and voluntary health and social services within the community.
• Develops and implements nursing care plans for patients and evaluates the needs of patients and families.
• Gives immunizations and conducts immunization clinics.
• Performs TB skin testing, venereal disease examinations; conducts communicable disease clinics and provides patient education on communicable diseases.
• Participates in epidemiological studies; obtains names of communicable disease contacts and makes referrals for tests or medical care.
• Coordinate states immunization audits for local schools, preschools and kindergartens.
• Assists patients in need of follow-up with physicians and hospitals.
• Prepares and maintains detailed documentation of patient visits and referrals and reports communicable diseases to appropriate medical and community agencies.
• Initiates preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures appropriate to the patient's care and safety.
• Trains nursing support personnel in proper patient care.
• Maintains current knowledge of matters affecting patient care and clinic services and recommends policy and procedural improvements to public health management.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of nursing and paramedical procedures, including medical terminology and clinical routines and equipment.
• Principles and practices of health maintenance and illness prevention and the effect of physical, social and emotional environments on health.
• Nutritional needs of all age groups.
• Child growth and development.
• Normal and abnormal behavioral patterns.
• Principles and techniques of history taking and patient teaching and counseling.
• Community medical and social agencies and resources.
• Principles and techniques of drug administration and their effect on patients.
• Communicable disease control.
• Rules and regulations affecting the practice of nursing, including the California Nurse Practice Act.

• Performing nursing assessments, identifying medical, social and emotional problems and preparing nursing care plans and/or making appropriate referrals.
• Performing first aid, giving injections, and performing other skilled nursing services.
• Preparing and maintaining organized, detailed and accurate records of patient visits and findings.
• Recognizing and respecting the impact of cultural differences on health care practices.
• Applying teaching principles and providing patient education and counseling.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clinic staff, physicians, patients, families and community medical and social service agencies.

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Must possess a valid California license to practice as a Registered Nurse.

• A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: One year of professional nursing experience, preferably in a public health setting.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca.

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.