What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health Nurse position at Union County?
This position is classified as Public Health Nurse II by the North Carolina Division of Public Health.
The Public Health Nurse, under general supervision, provides advanced level of primary and preventive professional nursing work to individuals and families served by Union County Public Health Department programs. Independently demonstrates and implements techniques of professional nursing work and counsel for promotion of health, prevention of disease and protection of the health of the public. Serves as team lead for a sub-group within a larger project and/or serves as lead nurse in designated program. Assists in data collection and reviews associated with clinics and projects. Work is performed in accordance with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act, agency regulations, program policies, provider orders and evidence-based public health nursing practice. Work is accomplished through clinic assignments, home visits, project assignments or contact with community providers and agencies. Employee must have strong understanding of public health concepts, nursing theory and practice. Employee must apply critical thinking skills ensuring orders, policies and procedures are followed. Interprets and implements public health laws, regulations and policies related to specific programs as they affect individuals, families and population systems.
Public Health is responsible for preparedness activities in the event of a natural disaster, disease outbreaks and other threats to the health of the public. Individuals in this role will be required to participate in preparedness response activities which may include mass vaccination clinics, sheltering and or dispensing medications from the Strategic National Stockpile.
In addition to primary duties as noted in the public health nurse job description, this position serves as the designated back-up nurse for the Tuberculosis (TB) and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) programs, providing coverage for case investigation, treatment follow-up, contact tracing, and adherence monitoring as needed. This position requires completion of specialized training for an Enhanced Role Registered Nurse (ERRN), enabling expanded clinical responsibilities in assessment, treatment, and case management. The nurse will deliver direct client care, conduct health education, participate in surveillance activities, and collaborate with interdisciplinary partners to improve health outcomes.
Functions as a back-up nurse in assigned program.
Makes short-range plans and adjusts to meet the needs of the program and clients.
Takes lead role in coordinating and planning referrals and resources for clients.
Provides community outreach, functioning independently outside of the department.
Works with program lead in program development and development of community partnerships.
Takes active role in quality assurance and quality improvement activities as assigned.
Co-coordinates and/or oversees specific operations related to preparedness response drills and activities including disaster sheltering.
Obtains client assessment, including family history, medical history, interval history, nutritional history, psychosocial history, health literacy, and current status.
Performs testing and completes procedural processes per program requirements/needs.
Manages sub-group programs i.e. Newborn Screens, Lead, and/or as assigned.
Assesses clients' needs for services and/or follow-up based on department standing orders, policies and procedures.
Adapts Public Health Nursing care to individuals, families and groups based on cultural needs and differences.
Is mindful of cultural considerations while communicating with clients.
Dispenses medications according to the North Carolina Pharmacy Act / North Carolina Public Health Nurse dispensing rules.
Administers vaccines according to department standing orders, policy and procedures.
Maintains medical records per EHR Policy.
Follows all departmental policies and procedures.
Participates in community outreach events and department strategic planning as assigned.
Participates in UCDPH emergency response activities as needed.
Follows OSHA and HIPAA policy, standards and guidelines.
Complies with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
POSITION SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:
Communicable Disease
Responsible for communicable disease reporting and investigation as reflected in the Agreement Addendum for the program under the supervision of the program’s lead nurse. Communicable disease nurses may have duties related to general communicable disease, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, and immunizations. Other areas of responsibility may include employee health, infection control, rabies control and refugee health. This nurse will work in coordination with the lead nurses for those programs to help ensure that clinics are maintained, deliverables are met, and manuals with standing orders are kept current.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Graduation from a school of professional nursing and have one (1) year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse.
Licenses or Certifications:
Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Must have a valid Driver’s License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.
Basic Life Support - CPR
Special Requirements:
Individuals employed in a local Health Department without a BSN Degree which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation or a master’s in public health, are required to successfully complete the North Carolina Credentialed Public Health course within eighteen (18) months employment as a condition of continued employment to meet requirement described in administrative code 10A NCAC 46. 0301.
Completion of didactic and on the job supervision phase of expanded role specialty to program which assigned, if applicable.
Successful completion of the NC CCHC Training Course within the first year of employment if applicable.
In order to perform work in this role, within (30) thirty days of employment you must provide immunization records, provide proof of immunity, or receive/start the required vaccination series, as applicable, along with complying with any necessary screenings, as required by the Union County Division of Public Health and its Healthcare Personnel Immunization and Tuberculosis Screening Policy, in accordance with applicable law.
This position may be subject to a fingerprint background check. Per NC General Statute 153A-94.2(b), applicants for a position of employment required to work with children in any capacity will be required to electronically submit fingerprints to the NC State Bureau of Investigation for a state and national criminal history record.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
B.S. in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and one (1) year of Public Health nursing experience.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be physically able to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions including computers, stethoscope, hemostat, portable scales, emergency cart, telephones, etc. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.
Salary : $73,477 - $110,216
