Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurse

The Public Health Nurse is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and evaluating public health programs within assigned service areas. This position provides public health nursing services across multiple community programs. Currently this plays a key role in providing nursing services to Prairie Lakes Youth Programs, coordinating the Child and Teen Check Up (C&CT) Program, assisting with agency Emergency Preparedness activities, performing intake nurse duties, providing Disease Prevention and Control (DPC) activities, supporting the women, infants, and children (WIC) clinic, and other duties as assigned.

The role supports the central public health functions of assessment, policy development and assurance and provides leadership in advancing community health initiatives. Services are delivered in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, and community locations. This position may require flexible scheduling to support programs operations and emergency response activities.

Job Duties

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals and families to determine health and social service needs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans.
• Provide ongoing case management, care coordination, and follow-up services.
• Deliver nursing services in home, school, and community settings.
• Provide health education to individuals, families, and community groups.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and records.
• Administer immunizations and provide vaccine education and counseling.
• Assist with communicable disease investigations, surveillance, and outbreak response activities.
• Participate in public health emergency preparedness and response efforts.
• Conduct tuberculosis (TB) screening, follow-up, and directly observed therapy as needed.
• Services and outreach to immigrants and refugees new to our community.
• Refer clients to appropriate community resources and support services.
• Supervise, train, and provide oversight for paraprofessional staff and delegated nursing functions.
• Provide contracted school health services, including health screenings.
• Deliver WIC-related health and nutrition education services.
• Collaborate with internal departments, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Provide competency validation and documentation oversight for delegated nursing tasks.
• Coordinate care with healthcare providers, schools, and community partners to ensure continuity of services.
• Participate in committees, workgroups, and grant-related activities.
• Plans and coordinates health education and presentations.
• Monitor program performance and support continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Assist with staffing coordination and scheduling recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and program standards.
• Collect, analyze, and report program data.
• Support program budgeting, monitoring, and reporting activities.
• Represent the agency in community and professional settings.
• Conduct community assessments and support program development initiatives.
• Provides input to agency leadership in planning, coordinating, and participating in the development of health care services for county residents with other agencies/entities.
• Serves on various health committees to coordinate services, provide information, or share professional knowledge with respect to specific program/services.
• Participate as requested in grant writing and grant program coordination.
• Performs other related work duties as apparent or assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Public Health Nurse: Bachelor's degree (BSN or BA) from an NLN-accredited nursing program.
• Registered Nurse: Associate degree or diploma in nursing.

Experience

• One (1) year of recent Registered Nurse experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Public Health Nurse Certification (required for PHN role) from the State of Minnesota.
• Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Minnesota.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of public health and nursing with an emphasis on maternal and child.
• Nursing processes and clinical procedures.
• Community health resources and social service systems.
• Disease prevention, communicable disease control, and immunization practices.
• Program planning, coordination, and evaluation methods.

Skills

• Assessing client needs and developing care plans.
• Providing education, case management, and clinical services.
• Communicating effectively with diverse populations and professionals.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Using computer systems and adapting to new technology.

Abilities

• Work independently and make sound decisions.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing conditions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Coordinate services across agencies and disciplines.
• Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
• Lead programs and support continuous improvement efforts

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a variety of settings, including client homes, schools, clinics, and community locations.
• Position may involve exposure to communicable diseases and public health risks.
• Requires travel for home visits, meetings, and community engagement.
• May involve flexible or non-standard work hours, particularly during public health emergencies.
• Work includes both independent responsibilities and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Must be able to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Kandiyohi County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.