Public Health Nurse

Job Description Location: 18030 Foundation Drive - Noblesville, Indiana, 46060 Hamilton County is one of Indiana’s fastest growing, highest educated and wealthiest counties in the state and the Midwest. Two-thirds of the workforce lives and works in the county – a percent that has remained constant since 2010. Hamilton County is continually recognized in rankings ranging from “Best Cities to Relocate To” and “Best City to Raise a Family” to “Healthiest County in Indiana” and “Happiest Suburbs in the Nation”. Come be a part of all Hamilton County has to offer as we work together to serve the citizens of Hamilton County. POSITION DESCRIPTION County of Hamilton, Indiana Position: Public Health Nurse Department: Health Work schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M‑F Status: Full‑time FLSA status: Exempt Hourly rate: $35.1336 per hour To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Incumbent serves as Public Health Nurse for the Health Department, responsible for providing health screening, treatment and education. Duties Implements immunization programs according to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) guidelines, including scheduling appointments, interviewing/educating parents, explaining consent forms, pre‑registering children, conducting insurance status checks, determining/administering appropriate vaccines, and maintaining written and computer client records. Monitors/maintains tuberculosis prevention and treatment program, including administering/interpreting Mantoux tests for children and adults; maintaining detailed records; counseling/explaining treatment and universal health precautions and monitoring adherence; conducting periodic follow‑up tests and testing contacts for disease spread; and communicating with medical personnel regarding patient care. Provides TB medication for both latent and active Tuberculosis. Conducts Direct Observed Therapy (DOT) for all cases of active TB, involving watching individuals take each dose of medication for 6 to 9 months either in person or using electronic DOT. Provides follow‑up care for those immigrants/refugees listed as Class B upon entry to the US that includes interferon‑gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test and chest x‑ray. Investigates reports of communicable diseases according to state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, including interviewing, educating and testing patients and their contacts, maintaining records, communicating with/reporting to IDOH, and conducting follow‑up interviews. Communicates using the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System Base System (NBS) and obtains secure patient information via the Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE) system. Assists in lead screening, testing and obtaining blood samples from children ages 9 months through 6 years and submits samples to IDOH lab using LimsNet. Communicates sample results to parents and physicians. Conducts follow‑up for elevated lead levels per IDOH requirements, conducts home visits, and provides case management as needed. Responds to telephone inquiries regarding disease information, immunizations, appointments, and provides approved health information. Promotes community health education, including providing printed information to office/clinic visitors, and by using the website and social media. Serves as a resource and referral agency for schools, physicians, and the community. Conducts home visits for all Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths, gathering and providing information, consoling parents, and making referrals to community service agencies as appropriate. Periodically conducts home visits with the Environmental Health Division. Protects sensitive patient health information (PHI) by utilizing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) standards. Performs related duties as assigned. Job Requirements Baccalaureate Degree in nursing preferred. A current Indiana registered nurse license and certifications in basic life support and tuberculosis testing are required. Working knowledge of and ability to apply state and local public health regulations, accepted principles, practices and common issues in public health nursing, including administering immunizations and managing potential complications, communicable disease symptoms/treatment/control, TB testing/case management, lead screening/testing, and public health education. Ability to effectively examine and screen individuals, assess needs, and provide appropriate information, treatment, assistance, and referrals. Ability to properly use various medical equipment, including stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, syringes, lancets, and blood collection tubes/filter paper. Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co‑workers, IDOH, health care providers, school personnel, community organizations, local Department of Family and Children, children, and adults, being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities. Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare detailed reports, and properly use standard office equipment, including computer, printer, telephone, copier, fax machine, and mobile phone. Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the position. Ability to work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions/directions and appropriately respond to constructive criticism. Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile people. Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules, including attendance, safety, drug‑free workplace, and personal conduct. Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co‑workers. Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements. Ability to occasionally work extended and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for home visits, but not overnight. Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record. As a result of the duties associated with this job, there is potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious diseases. Employees working in this position shall complete the three‑shot Hepatitis B vaccination and subsequent training within 10 days of their initial job assignment per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)(i). The initial and two subsequent vaccinations shall be administered by the Hamilton County Health Department and free of charge to the employee. If the employee has previously received the three‑shot Hepatitis B vaccination, official documentation must be provided to the supervisor identifying the dates on which each shot was appropriately administered. A Temporary Medical Declination may be made for a period of up to six months. Employees temporarily declining the vaccine are prohibited from performing any duties in which they may be exposed to a blood‑borne pathogen or other potentially infectious disease until they are able to begin/continue the series of vaccinations. Failure to comply will result in termination of employment. As a health care provider, other immunizations besides Hepatitis B are required. Employment immunizations include up‑to‑date vaccinations for Tdap, MMR, and Varicella vaccine, or a blood test confirming immunity. If not up‑to‑date or if no immunization record is available, these vaccines will be provided upon the start of work, free of charge. An annual TB test is required and provided to employees. Exceptions to immunization requirements shall be considered when the immunization requirements are against the employee’s religious beliefs or medically contraindicated. Difficulty of Work Incumbent’s duties are broad in scope, involving many variables or considerations. Incumbent performs according to standard practices of the profession and department policies and procedures, exercising independent judgment in adapting to varying work environments, and determining appropriate treatment and referrals for individuals. Responsibility Incumbent applies standardized practices to specific cases, working with supervisor in setting work assignments and priorities, and referring to supervisor unusual and/or unprecedented situations as needed. Work is periodically reviewed for technical accuracy and adherence to instructions/guidelines. Personal Work Relationships Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co‑workers, other County personnel, IDOH, local health care providers, school personnel, community service organizations, local Department of Family and Children, children, and adults, for purposes of exchanging and explaining information, and providing health screening, treatment, referrals, and education. Incumbent reports directly to Director of Nursing. Physical Effort and Work Environment Incumbent performs duties in an office, health clinic, and at various residential sites, such as patient homes and institutions. Duties may involve sitting for long periods, standing/walking for long periods, sitting and walking at will, keyboarding, reaching, bending, crouching/kneeling, close vision, color and depth perception, hearing sounds/communication, speaking clearly, handling/ grasping/fingering objects, frequently pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying objects weighing under 25 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, and exposure to potentially hostile/violent persons. Incumbent is exposed to normal hazards associated with driving, and with public health nursing, such as communicable diseases and blood‑borne pathogens, for which universal health precautions must be followed to ensure the safety of self and others. Incumbent occasionally works extended and/or evening hours, and occasionally travels out of town for home visits, but not overnight. Applicant/Employee Acknowledgment The job description for the position of Public Health Nurse for the Health Department describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions. Hamilton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We participate in E‑Verify. #J-18808-Ljbffr