Public Health Nurse I

Public Health Nurse I Join Our Team as a Public Health Nurse I – Make a Meaningful Impact! Are you a compassionate nurse looking to serve your community? Transylvania County Public Health is seeking a dedicated Public Health Nurse I to deliver essential care and education acrossa variety of public health programs. In this dynamic role, you'll provide direct patient services including physical exams, immunizations, contraceptive care, and preventive counseling for individuals and families. You'll also lead WIC clinics, perform lab tests, manage clinic supplies, and support outreach efforts like flu clinics and chronic disease screenings. If you're a skilled nurse with a heart for public service and a desire to promote community wellness—this is your opportunity to make a real difference! Essential Functions Performs lead nurse duties for WIC recertification's by preparing screening areas and coordinating schedules with the WIC Director Provide assessments and counseling to parents based on screening results Assist clinicians during client exams Educate clients on contraceptive methods, assess responses, and make referrals as needed Responds to client concerns on a walk-in basis and by phone. Administer Plan B and Depo-Provera. Responsible for ordering and maintaining inventory of birth control and clinic supplies. Calibrates medical equipment daily and maintains logs. Collect and process specimens for lab tests for a variety of laboratory tests, including performing venipunctures. Document lab results and prepare specimens for transport Conduct pregnancy tests for walk-in clients, provide counseling, and refer for follow-up care Responsible for maintaining autoclave and autoclaving instruments. Serve as back up Immunization Coordinator. Assesses immunization status/administers immunizations for clients of all ages. Instruct clients in regard to side effects and immunization schedule. Provide direct care in public health programs such as flu clinics, cancer prevention (BCCCP), hypertension and diabetes screenings Participate in public health preparedness activities and other duties as assigned Staff emergency shelters as needed. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Basic knowledge of, and skill in, the application of nursing theory, principles, and techniques employed in the field of public health and related programs; understanding of best practices, safety standards, and therapeutic outcomes related to the specific area(s) of practice; working knowledge of current social and economic problems relating to public health, including health disparities; working knowledge of available resources and organizations; ability to deal tactfully with others and to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and making decisions; ability to work in partnership with patients and with other service providers to elicit needed information and to maintain effective working relationships; ability to accurately record services rendered and to interpret and explain records, reports and medical instructions; some ability to oversee the work of others; adequate computer skills to allow communication, patient record documentation, accessing information. Physical Demands This position requires more mental than physical effort. Employees may be subjected to extended periods of sitting, walking, or standing. Requires some lifting and carrying of light to medium weight equipment. Work Environment Employees will be generally stationed in clinics or similar settings. They might be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, angry or disruptive patients. Education and Experience Minimum Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing. Completion of the on-line NCCPHN Course (NC Credentialed Public Health Nurse Program) within the first year of employment, regardless of type of nursing degree (Diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN, etc.). Required Licenses or Certifications: Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Current Driver's License valid in the State of North Carolina. CPR Certification Additional Requirements Clean pre-employment drug screen Clean nationwide background checks and SBI background check