Public Health Nurse

Job Title

Provides basic nursing functions and services to individuals and families under moderate supervision in a clinic, school or community setting. With supervision, applies a variety of technical, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills to problems of health, as they affect clients, families, and the community. Conducts communicable and preventative disease case finding investigations for the purpose of preventing and controlling diseases and disabling conditions and the promotion and maintenance of health populations.

Minimum Requirements

Education: (See Special Requirements)

Experience: One year of Registered Nurse (RN) experience.

Substitution Clause: BSN may substitute for the one year required experience.

Special Requirements: Must have RN license in Kentucky or compact state.

Post Employment Requirements: Must maintain current RN licensure in Kentucky or compact state. Must complete required annual updates.

Examples of Duties or Responsibilities of the Classification: Performs work with increasing independence and may assume minimal mentoring of LHN I nurses; conducts nursing assessment, as appropriate using CCSG service guidelines; develops and implements a plan of care based upon identified health risks; provides basic nursing care to the client consistent with the CCSG, Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, established policies, procedures and licensing laws; documents services provided to the client according to standards of the CCSG and Administrative Reference (AR); maintains confidentiality and privacy according to guidelines; understands the team process and applies problem-solving strategies to accomplish job tasks; participates in specialized or program specific clinics; develops and conducts educational counseling and teaching activities for individual clients and families; may serve as a coordinator of a specific program. Assesses the health status of individuals groups and populations through analysis of data collected from clients, families, medical practitioners, community service agencies, schools, and appropriate surveys to identify at-risk populations; analyzes health status assessments and participates in the development of policies and continuous review of plans to prioritize and address the health services and program needs of the targeted population; serves as advocate for at-risk or high-risk population groups; provides or assists in providing a variety of nursing services to particular at-risk or high-risk populations or populations with limited access to care; assists with problem-solving skills; instructs/advises and mentors new staff in the policies, practices and procedures of the agency, as related to public health nursing.

Typical Working Conditions and Unique Physical Requirements: Work typically is spent inside the clinic, school or a community setting.

Additional Requirements: May be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check according to the agency's policies.

Date Class Established: 07-01-2007

Date of Last Revision: 10-03-2022

The Local Health Departments do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request.

Kentucky Department for Public Health