What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health Nurse position at Polk County (WI)?
• Assesses the health care needs of the population to identify subpopulations, families and individuals that would benefit from health promotion/disease prevention activities.
• Provides case finding to identify population groups, families, and individuals at high risk of illness, injury, disability, or premature death.
• Develops nursing diagnosis based on health status data of the individual or community.
• Provides surveillance and investigation of acute and communicable diseases as well as chronic disease.
• Basic understanding of the principles, standards, practices, and techniques of professional and public health nursing.
• Knowledge of the dangers and precautions to be taken in using drugs and other medication.
• Knowledge of treatment, assessment and related medical services for clients in area of assignment, including providing immunizations and reproductive health services to clients.
• Knowledge of local and states rules, regulations, procedures, and policies pertaining to nursing services.
• Knowledge of PPE and its proper use for personal safety measures.
Policy Development/Program Planning Skills:
• Actions reflect the medical and nursing policies/procedures of the agency.
• Communicates with supervisor and other public health staff regarding issues that may impact public policy.
• Participates in agency/community activities that contribute to the development of agency programs and policies.
• Works with agency management to inform and educate legislators and local governing boards on public health priority issues.
• Assists in the development of local ordinances that address community health needs.
Communication Skills:
• Communicates with state officials, hospitals, clinics, and community stakeholders in an outbreak.
• Interprets and communicates health status information and health issues to schools, day cares and other ancillary human services providers.
• Communicates with the public by explaining basic public health policy and programs to the community.
Cultural Competency Skills:
• Advocates for the needs of underserved and high-risk populations.
• Optimizes access to health services for community residents regardless of their ability to pay.
Community Dimensions of Practice Skills:
• Develops a plan with the individual/family/community to meet identified health needs taking into account available resources, the range of activities that contribute to the health and prevention of illness, disability, and premature death.
• Forms and/or participates in coalitions to respond to community health needs.
• Collaborates with the private sector to develop coordinated community policies/programs.
• Links individuals/families with available services through appropriate referrals.
• Maintains effective relationships with local healthcare providers to facilitate public health referrals for private sector services.
• Provides public health nursing expertise by working in collaboration with the community to protect the health of the public.
• Integrates knowledge gained from consultation, education and in-service programs into professional practice.
Public Health Sciences Skills:
• Implements nursing care plans effectively, efficiently, and equitably.
• Evaluates the nursing plan to determine the extent to which interventions have an impact on the health status of individual, families and the population.
• Utilizes evidence-based quality improvement tools and techniques to problem solve and improve public health nursing practices.
• Participates in local emergency preparedness planning efforts including development, review and exercising of local response plans.
• Bases nursing actions on current scientific principles.
• Provides outreach and case management services to individuals and families at risk of poor health outcomes.
• Assists Health Officer with enforcement of public health laws such as those related to environmental health and communicable disease.
Accountability and Time Management Skills:
• Demonstrates timely, accurate and concise record keeping of individuals and families using agency guidelines and the designated electronic health record software.
• Prioritizes duties to accomplish a high volume of work production while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Maintains confidentiality of all medical information and assure rights and privacy are protected all times per HIPAA.
• Interprets and implements local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Performs detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Problem solves quickly, maintains self-control, and adapts to stressful situations.
• Applies sound judgement and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Maintains effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Accepts additional assignments in cases of colleague illnesses or absence to maintain agency and program functioning.
• Seeks and accepts supervision appropriately.
• Adheres to general employment conditions such as personnel policies, work rules, dress codes, etc.
Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills:
• Assumes responsibility for seeking continuing education to maintain and improve public health nursing skills and expertise.
• Utilizes identified strengths and weaknesses in developing annual goals.
Health Department:
Employees of the Polk County Health Department are expected to have a working knowledge of the Council of Linkages General Public Health Domains. The degree of knowledge will be based on the position and job responsibilities. Bi-annual self-assessments of competency levels are required of PCHD employees. To find out more about the General Public Health Domains go to; http://www.phf.org/resourcestools/Pages/Core_Public_Health_Competencies.aspx
Competency Requirements:
• Integrity/Honesty - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
• Superior Customer Service and Community Relations - Anticipates and strives to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders (employees, contracted staff, residents, families, and other internal and external clientele). Delivers high-quality services; is committed to continuous improvement. Interacts with members of the public and key stakeholders in a manner to elicit positive response and participation.
• Presents information and /or represents the facility’s interest.
• Accountability - Assumes responsibility for successfully accomplishing work objectives and delivering results; setting high standards of performance for self and others.
• Communications – Delivers clear, effective communication and takes responsibility that others understand; uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; produces both verbal and written information that is appropriate for the intended audience.
• Interpersonal Relations – Develops and maintains effective relationships with others; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations; show understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness; maintains a professional and courteous attitude with staff, clients, and the community with special regard to Department confidentiality policies.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Accurately assesses situations, seeks new information if necessary, and applies all available information to reach sound conclusions/formulate effective response. Requires little guidance for responding to a wide range of complex situations with far-reaching and/or enduring consequences.
• Data Gathering and Analysis - Seeks or collects and synthesizes information from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective, unbiased manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment.
• Facilitation - Effective in leading group processes, problem solving situations and community meetings.
• Organizational Communications - Demonstrates the county and agency’s mission and goals through collaboration with key stakeholders and community input and involvement.
• Partnering/Networking –– Demonstrates ability to engage and maintain key stakeholders and the public in necessary partnerships to potentiate reach of the agency as well as improve service delivery.
Marginal Duties and Responsibilities:
Other duties as assigned and unit/departmental back-up and support.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Limited – occasionally direct the work of the Public Health staff to complete clinical work and may be requested to work with student nurses when the agency is a site for student public health nursing clinical experiences.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Minimum Skills Assessment Requirements: Skills and abilities may be evaluated through various assessment tools.
Required Education, Experience, Licensing and Certifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited four-year school of nursing.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in general nursing practices.
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin.
• Must successfully pass criminal & caregiver background checks.
• Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Basic Life Support certification.
• Knowledge of state & federal regulatory standards and professional practice standards pertaining to client treatment, patient rights, and client/patient confidentiality.
Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:
• Current WI license to practice as a registered nurse (RN).
• Must have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license
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Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
• Work is sedentary in nature performed within the Government Center or community settings.
• Lifting requirement is 25 - 30 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Wrist and finger manipulation due to filing, compiling, calculating, or computer work.
• Equipment used may include, but is not limited to: computer, scanner, printer, keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier and fax machine.
• Potential to work with blood or blood borne pathogens, aware of safety precautions and personal protective equipment.
• Additional physical/mental requirements that occur may not be listed above but are inherent in performing the position's essential functions.
Polk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
ADA Accommodation StatementIf you require accommodations during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at 715-485-9270
Employment DisclaimerEmployment with Polk County isat-will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, by either the employee or the County.
Pre-Employment RequirementsEmployment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of eligibility to work in the United States.
Salary : $67,413
