Public Health Nurse I

$27.05 - $34.49Starting salary based on qualifications and experience.Job DescriptionPublic Health Nurse IPRIMARY PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: The Davidson County Health Department’s purpose is to assess, protect, and promote the quality of life and health of all people within the county.PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: To provide public health nursing to the residents of Davidson County. This position is a full-time nursing position assigned to work in the health department clinics. The responsibilities vary according to the clinic assignment of the day.WORK SCHEDULE: Typical hours of work are Monday through Friday 8 to 5. Also assigned to work 1-to-2-night clinics per month and as needed during communicable disease outbreak, emergency preparedness, or natural disaster.DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:Perform following tasks in clinics listed below: (95%)Obtain and document medical history.Requisition appropriate lab testing.Counsel and educate patient concerning lab results based on standing orders.Dispense/administer medications per written or standing orders. Counsel and educate patient concerning need for medication, correct administration, and adverse effects.Counsel and educate patient concerning a variety of topics including birth control methods, growth and development, immunizations, prevention of communicable diseases, infant care, and nutrition.Assess immunization record and administer needed immunizations. Document immunizations in record and in NCIR.Obtain vital signs and measurements.Code patient visit with appropriate CPT and ICD-10 codes.Assist with orientation of new employees.Follow up of patient care. This may include, but not limited to, notifying patients of results, needed follow up, missed appointments, and entering data into computer.Refer patient to health department and community resources as needed.Above responsibilities are performed in Adult Health/BCCCP clinic, Immunization clinic, Family Planning clinic, and STD clinic.Any other responsibility within the scope of nursing practice as assigned by supervisor. (5%)OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS:Accuracy Required in Work: Job accuracy is essential in assessing and providing care.Consequence of Error: Death, serious complications, or increased incidence of communicable diseases are potential consequences of error.Instructions Provided to Employee: All employees complete an organizational orientation. The employee is also oriented to and observed performing job skills. The employee is provided with a weekly schedule.Guides, Regulations, Policies and References Used by Employee: State and Federal Statutes, North Carolina Nurse Practice Act, clinic standing orders, Health Department policy and procedure manuals, state policy manualsSupervision Received by Employee: Employee performs routine assignments independently. Supervisor assists with unusual problems.Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts: Personal contact daily with patients in order to educate and provide care. Personal and phone contact with coworkers, or staff at other agencies to coordinate care.Physical Effort: Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally to move supplies or assist in restraining a child.Work Environment and Conditions: Routinely subject to inside environmental conditions: Protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Occasionally works outside. This position has activities which expose the nurse to blood and body fluids.Machines, Tools, Instruments, Equipment, and Materials Used: Fax, computer, phone, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, gloves, thermometer.Visual Attention, Mental Concentration, and Manipulative Skills: Close visual acuity is required to read, especially reading small print on medication labels. Mental concentration is necessary to focus on specific details such as correct treatment and dosage. Manipulative skills required are stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.Safety for Others: Employee must follow agency policies and procedures related to safety. The employee should report any safety hazard to the supervisor or safety manager.Dynamics of Work: Must be flexible due to the variety of services provided and the diverse patients served. Services are provided in the Lexington Health Department, and other community sites as needed.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & 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.TRAINING Required Minimum Training: Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing.Additional Training/Experience:Individuals employed in a local Health Department without a B.S. Degree which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation or a Master’s in Public Health, will be required to complete an introductory course in principles and practices of public health nursing sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services- Division of Public Health within one year of employment as a condition of continued employment in accordance with Health Services Commission Rule, 10 NCAC 46.0301.Public Health is a first responder agency for natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, winter storms), naturally occurring infectious disease outbreaks, (e.g., influenza, COVID-19), technological hazards (e.g., hazardous materials releases, critical infrastructure disruptions), and terrorist incidents. This position, like all other positions in the Department, may be required to participate in any emergency response activities as deemed necessary by the Health Director or designee. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Davidson