Community Health Nurse-LPN

JOB TITLE: Community Health Nurse-LPN
DEPARTMENT Health
DIVISION: Clinic
SALARY: Negotiable

CLOSING DATE: Until filled

Job Summary/Scope
Provides nursing services for the community including Prenatal Case Management, Immunizations, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), Lead Case Management, Communicable Disease, Bioterrorism, Emergency Response and all other program services. Conduct community assessments to ensure appropriate health care measures and information is being disseminated to the public based upon identified needs. No supervisory or budgetary responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides nursing care/intervention activities designed to meet the assessed needs of the individual client or community.
• Investigates, reports and follows up on all health issues that might endanger the health, safety or welfare of the public.
• Plans and participates in special health clinics or outreach activities as determined by community needs.
• Provides counseling, guidance and referral of clients or general public to appropriate service agencies, physicians or other providers.
• Maintains accurate data and nursing notes for the purpose of record referral by staff; by state program representatives for audit purposes; or for use as a data base for program support, including client records and prepares reports for use by supervisors and district or State health staff.
• Applies guidelines established by the Department of Health and Senior Services.
• Maintains professional interaction with other members of the health care community in delivering necessary client services.
• Participates in training and exercises in public health emergency preparedness, including response to natural and deliberate public health emergencies, as deemed necessary.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides health-related information to individuals upon request.
• Follows up on clients as appropriate to encourage continued health treatment and to monitor progress and schedule return appointments.
• Prepares necessary paperwork for clients.
• Maintains all medical supplies and equipment necessary for clinic services.
• Attends all manner of training opportunities according to need, timeliness and funding.
• Serves on various boards, advisory councils, community groups, etc as a representative of the Health Department of the City of Saint Joseph, with the intended purpose to promote positive health principles for individuals and the community.
• Upon request, serves as a media contact regarding health issues/concerns.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Employee Behavior and Conduct

City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, philosophy, practices and specialized equipment utilized in community health nursing.
• Knowledge of case management, lead poisoning prevention; HIV/AIDS/STD prevention counseling and testing, immunization schedules and updates, TB testing and disease processes, communicable disease processes.
• Skills in public speaking, planning, organizational and some supervisory qualities
• Skills in appraising health care needs, conducting physical assessments and administering proper medical treatment.
• Skills in venipuncture and injections in adults, children and infants.
• Skills in capillary blood collections for lead and hemoglobin in children.
• Ability to understand and carry out technical procedures.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ability to work with the general public and co-workers.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize, be adaptable, and diverse.
• Ability to become familiar with local and state health guidelines.
• Must have a high level of competency.
• Visual and hearing acuity a must.
• Eye-hand coordination imperative.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Current, active State of Missouri Licensed Practical Nurse license required and ability to certify under state programs.
• One to three years of experience in a related field preferred.
• Ability to acquire appropriate certifications through Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services or MO-DHSS (HIV prevention/counseling, oral testing, temp Medicaid, principles of epidemiology).
• Ability to obtain and maintain BLS (Basic Life Support) for the Healthcare Professional certification.
• Knowledge of Spanish Language helpful but not required

Material and Equipment Directly Used

Operates a personal computer, printer and various software packages, and other general office materials and equipment such as a copier, fax, and telephone. Uses a variety of specialized health assessment and treatment equipment, materials and medicines such as syringes, blood pressure equipment, blood sample collection equipment, and pregnancy tests etc. There may be times when use of personal vehicle may be required.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

Majority of work performed in an indoor clinical setting. Occasional need to participate in outreach activities at various sites. Physical activity includes stooping, bending, reaching and requires standing for extended periods of time. Work involves oral communication through the use of telephone or in person. Required to access files to retrieve work materials. Seldom need to lift more than 50 pounds. Exposure to loud noise. Hazards of the position may include such things as needle stick and handling of blood and other bodily fluids. Some evening and weekend work required. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor.

Education

Candidate must be a Licensed Practical Nurse licensed in Missouri, or able to expediently obtain a Missouri licensure. Associate's degree or equivalent required.

All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.

Any job offer made by the City is contingent upon the applicant passing the drug screening and background check.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.