Public Health Nurse RN or BSN

Public Health Nurse

Reporting to the Public Health Manager, the Public Health Nurse (PHN) promotes and protects the health of Polk County residents through community-based nursing services, health education, outreach, and collaboration with internal and external partners. This position applies professional nursing principles and public health practices to support individuals, families, and population-level health initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Nursing Practice & Assessment

• Assess individual, family, and community health needs and identify those who may benefit from public health services.
• Conduct case finding, outreach, and follow-up with individuals and populations at higher risk for illness or poor health outcomes.
• Develop nursing assessments and initiatives based on health data and evidence-based practice.
• Provide immunizations, screenings, health education, and disease prevention services.

Disease Prevention, Surveillance & Investigation

• Participates in surveillance and investigation of communicable and chronic diseases.
• Communicate with state officials, clinics, schools, daycares, and healthcare providers during disease events and outbreaks.
• Interprets and implements local public health protocols, reporting requirements, and Federal and State regulations.
• Community Collaboration & Public Engagement
• Serve as a public health resource to individuals, families, schools, medical centers, long-term care facilities, community organizations, and other partners.
• Participate in coalitions and community initiatives addressing public health priorities.
• Collaborates with the private sector to develop coordinated community policies/programs.

Policy, Program, and Emergency Preparedness Support

• Assist with program development, quality improvement, and public health planning.
• Work with supervisors to inform the general public, legislators and local governing boards on public health priority issues and policy changes.
• Participate in emergency preparedness planning, exercises, and response activities.
• Other duties as assigned and departmental support.

Documentation, Compliance & Professional Standards

• Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health record system in accordance with agency standards.
• Uphold client privacy and confidentiality per HIPAA and state regulations.
• Apply sound judgment, discretion, and critical thinking in performing duties.
• Seek ongoing professional development and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Registered Nurse, RN: None.
• Public Health Nurse, BSN: Limited supervision of Public Health Program Assistants during immunization clinics; may assist and mentor student nurses during clinical rotations.

Qualifications

Education & Experience Registered Nurse, RN

• Associate's degree in nursing from an accredited program.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required within 2 years of hire (extensions possible with Director approval).

Public Health Nurse, BSN

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Salary is dependent upon qualifications. Licenses, Certifications & Other Requirements

• Licensed Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin.
• Successful completion of criminal and caregiver background checks.
• Basic Life Support certification.
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR).
• Knowledge of state and federal regulatory standards, patient rights, confidentiality requirements, and scope of nursing practice.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse settings.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment with shifting public health needs.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving ability.
• Commitment to equity, cultural competency, and serving high-risk or underserved populations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, Polk County residents, schools, medical providers, long-term care facilities, daycares, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Flexibility to accept assignments that support department operations.

Additional Information

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: Physical Requirements While performing duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and complete computer-based work for extended periods. Moderate lifting of 1520 lbs. may occasionally be required. Additional physical or mental requirements may arise as part of essential job functions. 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. Work Environment Work is performed in office, clinical, and community settings. The employee may encounter varying weather conditions, exposure to communicable diseases, and typical community-based practice environments. Travel within Polk County may be required for client visits, community events, and partner collaboration.

Benefits

Personal Time Off (PTO) is frontloaded and prorated upon hire and a maximum of 300 hours can carry over to the new accrual year.

Extended Leave Accrual at the rate of five (5) days, 46.25 hours annually (cap 20 days)

Holidays Ten (10) paid holidays per year (Employees working on holidays, paid over-time rate 1 times regular rate of pay)

Term Life Insurance One (1) times annual salary at no cost to employee. Supplemental Life available for employee, spouse, & children

Retirement - WRS Employee portion: 7.20% Employer portion: 7.20%

Deferred Compensation Wisconsin Deferred Comp three (3) options for additional retirement savings (pre-tax)

Health Insurance Begins on the 1st of the month following date of hire Health Partners - three (3) plan options to choose from

Other Insurance Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, Accident and Hospital

Flexible Spending Account Administered through WEX (pre-tax dollars for medical expenses and daycare costs)

Employee Assist. Program Health Partners confidential counseling services

Wellness Options Employees may select to participate in various wellness programs and activities throughout the year. Onsite Fitness Center and wooded walking trail available for staff enjoyment.

Tuition Reimbursement Up to $1,500 reimbursement for approved expenses per class; and a maximum benefit of $3,000 annually