HD Public Health Nurse II

Public Health Nurse

This position performs complex public health nursing work for the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). Manages a patient schedule in an outpatient public health clinic setting, specifically preventive health services including but not limited to immunizations, tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment; informing and educating the community on public health-related topics; representing WCCHD through involvement with community workgroups, committees, and/or coalitions; and utilizing nursing expertise in implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Public health nurses are expected to maintain an updated knowledge base on services provided at WCCHD, as well as other local community health resources. Works under general supervision of nurse team lead, Clinical Services Director, and Medical Director. This position is grant funded through September 23, 2027. Continuation of employment beyond this date is not guaranteed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. This job description outlines the primary duties of the role; however, additional related duties may be assigned.

Analytical/Assessment

• Runs electronic medical record reporting in accordance to program requirements including monthly TVFC/ASN doses administered
• Make appropriate referrals when needed
• Collaborates with medical director and/or RN co-workers appropriately when consultation is necessary.
• Monitor vaccine refrigerator and freezer temperatures daily to ensure proper vaccine storage and handling.
• Maintain knowledge of vaccine handling procedures, cold chain management, and emergency storage protocols.
• Responds appropriately to vaccine storage temperature excursions by implementing vaccine management protocols and documenting corrective actions.
• Provide routine nursing services including screening, testing, counseling, and treatment and administering vaccinations to patients of all ages under Standing Delegation Orders (SDOs).
• Facilitates follow up appointments as applicable

Policy Development/Program Planning

• Maintains medical records in accordance with state laws
• Assures that the public health center medical equipment is in good repair; performs control checks as required and ensures appropriate supplies are available for use
• Follow and maintain compliance with Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net (ASN) program guidelines and requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient documentation (patient progress notes signed/locked within 72 hours), vaccine records, laboratory reports, and public health reporting requirements.
• Reviews Standing Delegation Orders and standard Operating Guidelines annually for all clinical service programs and the Class D Pharmacy Rules and Regulations
• Assist in the facilitation of QI activities

Communication and Cultural Competency

• Presents to community organizations and/or schools on public health topics
• Works cooperatively with other Divisions to provide community health prevention and promotion
• Consults with Medical Director/Local Health Authority as needed
• Utilizes Language Line translations services for limited English proficiency (LEP) clients
• Deliver patient-centered nursing care that is culturally competent by assessing cultural beliefs, values, and preferred health practices
• Promotes respectful communication; and advocating for equitable access to care for diverse patient populations.

Community Dimensions of Practice

• Provides outreach and health education to individuals, families, and community on a routine basis.
• Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related services.
• Works cooperatively with WCCHD staff and other agencies to educate the community regarding health issues.
• Participates in identification and interpretation of health/social needs in the community.
• May be required to participate TB related services including contact investigation and Direct Observed Therapy.

Financial planning and Management

• Maintain working knowledge of the Clinical Services self-pay fee schedule
• Refers clients to Charity Care Program for financial assistant if applicable
• Educates and screens appropriately for program eligibility related to insurance requirements such as TVFC/ASN, TB program, and others
• Assists Clinical Services Public Health and Prevention Specialists with daily reconciliation when required

Leadership and Systems Thinking

• Serves on district committees and participates in workgroups, as assigned.
• Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on related public health topics.
• Participates in safety drills and with the WCCHD Safety Team Program
• Uses appropriate independent clinical judgment.

Other

• May participate on a WCCHD committee or task force
• In the event of a public health emergency, employees may be called upon to support WCCHD's response in ways that are outside the usual scope of their job responsibilities. This may involve working hours that are outside the employee's usual work hours. Employees will not be required to perform duties that are outside of their competence or professional licensure

Education, Licensure, Certifications, Experience

• RN registered to practice in the state of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact
• BSN preferred
• Bilingual- English/Spanish preferred
• CPR certified or willingness to obtain
• Valid Texas driver's license and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations
• Selected candidates in the Clinical Services Division, Environmental Health Division, and WIC Division, will receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon the candidate passing a pre-employment controlled substances screening test. The candidate must be tested and receive a negative result before starting to work.
• All selected candidates are required to pass a background check as a condition of employment.
• Will be issued a WCCHD cell phone and required to carry for vaccination temperature monitoring and other work duties

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed without posing a direct threat to health or safety of themselves or others.

• Knowledge in nursing techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of public health essential services
• Knowledge in community health nursing principles, practices, and procedures
• Skill in completing health assessments
• Skill in assessment of clients with complex health problems
• Skill in using a computer, including but not limited to electronic medical records
• Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate with agency personnel, public entities, local officials, and other community partners
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, policies, and procedures that support a strategic plan
• Ability to prioritize activities and manage multiple responsibilities, time management
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form
• Ability to problem-solve, prioritize, multi-task, be flexible, and complete duties in a timely manner
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and assist others to be calm
• Ability to demonstrate independent nursing judgment in appraising clinical situations and correctly interpreting findings
• Ability to communicate and educate clients who have varied socio-economic backgrounds Ability to provide patient care
• Ability to prepare and maintain records
• Ability to demonstrate positive role modeling

Environmental Factors: Works mostly in a well-lighted, air-conditioned office. May work in various WCCHD offices around the county and in a variety of community locations. Occasional work activities may be outdoors and, therefore, employee will be exposed to heat and cold. May have extensive contact with the public. May have contact with persons who may be infected with contagious diseases. Certain immunizations and/or TB blood test will be required. Tobacco/vapor-free workplace.

Location and Hours: Location: 355 Texas Avenue, Round Rock, TX 78664 (3 days) 350 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (2 days); General work hours: 7:00am

Williamson County and Cities Health District