PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE (PHN)

Position Summary:
The Public Health Nurse (PHN) will be responsible for assisting with the development and coordination of services with a multi-disciplinary care team. To positively impact services to high-risk groups to contain communicable disease outbreaks including foodborne illnesses, immunization preventable illnesses, TB, Sexually Transmitted Disease and communicable diseases. The role of the PHN includes home visits in the areas of Maternal/Child/Health, prenatal to Geriatric nursing; chronic patients with varying health conditions; school health to provide immunization updates; mobile unit. Under the direction of the Chief Community Health Officer, the PHN will provide program support by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive community health nursing program. To meet the care needs of the patients and clients in the assigned area.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient care and related tasks; provides nursing services and education to patient’s one-to-one, group, or in a community setting. Independently makes home visits, elicits or explains medical information, provides basic care and education to patients with a variety of conditions, illnesses and/or injuries. Responsible for obtaining and recording patient information as assigned by PHN policies (i.e., vital signs, blood sugar, pain assessment, medication information, etc.).
• Coordinate and participate in the planning and delivery of health care services through collaboration with various resources to include SMH providers, case management, various Tribal, State, and County agencies. Communicates utilizing a variety of tools to effectively convey ideas, updates regarding program goals and objectives to appropriate entities. Develops and maintains knowledge of regulatory agencies within the geographic service area.
• Coordinates and leads multi-disciplinary care team in the planning and implementation of care for high-risk group (Food Borne Illnesses, TB, STI, Vaccine Preventable disease, and vaccinations for homebound patients). Collaborates and coordinates care activities with existing Navajo Nation Tribal programs (TB Technician, STI Technician, Community Health Representatives, Community Health Educators).
• Conducts and coordinates epidemiological surveys and investigation with appropriate personnel, surveillance of index case and contacts. Provides and participates in Epi-response/emergency preparedness in the community in collaboration with all local, Tribal, State, County, and National Emergency Preparedness Programs.
• Provides/coordinates nursing assessment in home setting for newborns, infants and children; prenatal, postpartum, and other gynecological and obstetrical conditions; a comprehensive plan of care for adults and elderly clients based upon community health needs and resources. Identifies and prioritizes care to clients with high-risk conditions and refers to appropriate resources.
• Manages and/or coordinates an immunization/disease-preventable control program for children and adults.
• Coordinates needs assessment survey, identifies community resources in assigned area, gathers/complies community profile data and prioritizes health needs.
• Participates in quality assurance activities including evaluation of PHN program activities and improving quality patient-care outcomes. In-depth knowledge of public health principles, including population-based services, evidence-based practice, prevention and community assessment.
• Patient/Client documentation reflects appropriate Nursing process in the “S.O.A.P” format submitted in timely manner. Responsible for documenting patient care encounters.
• Adheres to confidentiality SMH policies, and HIPAA/Hitech regulations. Documents actions and activities by completing required forms, reports, logs, and patient records.
• The PHN will assist the Chief Community Health Officer to develop short- and long-term program goals and objectives based upon the community needs assessment, and National Healthy People initiatives.
• Keeps vehicle and equipment operating by following operating instructions; daily observations and documentation, troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs.
• Ensure proper PPE is always worn while on duty including but not limited to, face mask, gloves, gown, isolation gown, NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator or higher, if available), and eye or face shield.
• Complete all donning and doffing tasks in a safe acceptable method and discard of used PPE accordingly. (see CDC website for most current updates).
• Complete task training for all routine cleaning and decontamination processes for all surfaces contaminated by a communicable disease to ensure a high level of patient, visitor, employee and external customer satisfaction.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of Nursing; a current, valid, full and unrestricted professional nursing license and at least two (2) years of clinical experience; or
• Associates degree from an accredited school of Nursing; a current, valid, full and unrestricted professional nursing license and four (4) years of clinical experience.
• Current and valid driver’s license with no restrictions; maintained throughout employment
• Valid American Heart Association (AHA) certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and maintain certification. Must have or obtain during orientation.
• Must be able to successfully pass the Employee Health Program requirements and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• A record of satisfactory performance in all prior and current employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous and current employers. All employment references must address and indicate success in each one of the following areas:
  • Positive working relationships with others.
  • Possession of high ethical standards and no history of complaints.
  • Reliable and dependable; reports to work as scheduled without excessive absences.
  • Ability to multi-task efficiently and effectively.
  • Excellent customer service skills and telephone etiquette.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge and ability to apply Nursing concepts and principles.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite applications.
  • Completion of and, above-satisfactory scores on all job interviews, demonstrating to the satisfaction of the interviewees and SMH that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Ability to speak the Navajo language and/or familiarity with the Navajo Way.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use arms and hands to reach and grasp objects; talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in an office with moderate noise level. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.