Public Health Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

PUBLIC HEALTH CLINIC NURSE

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Clinical Services, the Public Health Clinic Nurse is responsible for providing professional nursing care for patients including assessment, treatment, care planning, and medical care evaluation by following established standards and practices.

Assists medical providers and staff in coordination of patient care. Functions as primary liaison between patients, staff, and medical providers.

Essential Job Functions

•        Responsible for the planning, development, maintenance, interpretation, implementation, and assessment of

•        Obtain and document health history, information on chief complaint, vital signs, and medication management, refills and patient assistance program.

•        Provide patient care based on practice guidelines, standards of care, and federal/state laws and regulations.

•        Execute prescribed treatments and medical interventions, administers prescribed medications, and monitors and documents treatment progress and patient response.

•        Delegate as allowed under the Nurse Practice Act. Refers to/consults with physicians, other health providers, and community resources to prevent/resolve problems or concerns.

•        Document patient assessment and intervention data using established medical record forms/automated systems and documentation practices.

•        Maintain/reviews patient records, charts and other pertinent information. Posts tests and examination results.

•        Respond to/refers incoming patient treatment-related phone calls.

•        Assist with the facilitation and integration of care between health care resources ordered by the medical provider.

•        Responsible for the maintenance of the inventory of sample medications, including the log entries and dispensing controls.

•        Provide counseling and teaching about Family Planning methods to include: oral contraceptives, IUD, diaphragm, spermicidal methods, condoms, sponge, natural family planning, sterilization, cervical cap, hormone implants, hormone injections, and others as provided through policy.

•        Provide counseling and instruction about related health needs to include:

•        Anatomy and physiology of reproductive systems

•        Infertility

•        Human Sexuality

•        Nutrition

•        Breast self-exam

•        Sexually Transmitted Diseases

•        Other minor gynecologic concerns

•        Good health care practices and value of fertility regulation

•        Adhere to the medical guidelines for Title X funded programs.

•        Adhere to grant guidelines for any grand funded programs.

•        Provide patient vaccines over the life span.

•        Complete communicable disease testing (i.e., vaccine titers, TB tests).

•        Community outreach and education.

•        Assist provider in Family Planning Clinic with testing, treatment, and education.

•        Become competent in public health emergency preparedness activities.

•        Support client and family health promotion.

•        Communicate and interact in a pleasant and competent manner with coworker and clients.

•        At all times represent the agency in a competent, professional, and ethical manner.

•        Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Talents

•        Ability to work well with individuals of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.

•        Professional skill in reading, understanding, interpreting, and following medical and scientific documents.

•        Professional skill in reading, understanding, interpreting, and following federal, state, and local laws and protocols related to healthcare.

•        Professional skill in operating standard office equipment, such as personal computers, calculators, telephones, and communication equipment.

•        Professional skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with doctors, pharmacists, supervisors, co-workers, elected officials, health care personnel, law enforcement personnel and the general public, including people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

•        Must demonstrate the ability to function independently with minimum supervision and react competently in acute and emergent situations;

•        Must demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with, and give direction to co-workers, clients, the medical community, and other agencies; must demonstrate positive, motivational and effective interaction with clients (including low income, teen and those with complex medical and social risk factors).

•        Work with diverse, sometimes divergent interest groups, public safety agencies, and legislators in a collaborative effort.

•        Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other government and public health officials, employees, agencies, volunteers, and the public.

 
Qualifications

•        State of Nebraska RN or LPN required.

•        Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Care Life Support (ACLS) required.

•        Knowledge of professional nursing theory, regulations and practices to give and evaluate patient care.

•        Knowledge of chart/medical record documentation requirements and federal/state laws related to release of health care information.

•        Ability to calculate and administer drug dosages and injections and measure results.

•        Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. ·

Physical Requirements

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. This position requires Kneeling, bending, squatting and climbing stairs. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally and over 25 pounds regularly.

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must possess the ability to work in office and clinic settings. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Availability for after-hours work, including evenings, weekends, and emergency responses.

Three Rivers Public Health Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer