Public Health Nurse I - (Open Until Filled)

Public Health Nurse II

Under general supervision, performs public health nursing duties in one or more assigned programs, units, clinics, or districts; provides nursing, health assessments, education, case management, and counseling services; records data and maintains client case files; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives general supervision from an assigned Supervising Public Health Nurse. The Public Health Nurse II may exercise technical and functional supervision over and provide training to lower-level staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Examples Of Duties

• Manages client caseloads with multiple health problems in assigned area and establishes priorities for services based on the risk of the condition to the individual and to the community; updates data, records, and reports; submits information to various databases and registries.
• Makes home visits in assigned areas; meets with clients to provide assessments, health education, and counseling; reviews patient history, medications, and evaluates medical needs; documents assessed findings and interventions provided.
• Performs selected diagnostic tests, using standardized procedures; administers prescribed treatments and medications, following established protocols.
• Collects information and documentation from clients and/or providers for use in determining eligibility for various medical or rehabilitative care; identifies the need for and makes referrals to public assistance programs and services; explains program rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as participant rights and responsibilities; ensures the accuracy of application and declaration forms.
• Monitors community health for themes and patterns in relation to assigned public health program; tracks infectious and preventable illnesses; identifies risk factors; evaluates community needs.
• Applies established rules and guidelines for case determination; verifies information with other agencies and sources; resolves discrepancies by securing documentation, medical records, and confirmation from other agencies; confers with supervisory or professional staff in complex cases; ensures documents are processed within specified time frames.
• Facilitates coordination between families, clinics, hospitals, and specialists to ensure continuation of care and services; coordinates efforts with other agencies to ensure maximum service and support for clients.
• Confers with County staff and outside agencies to evaluate client needs and the type, extent, and cost of medical care.
• Researches and provides consultation on various health topics and applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements; keeps abreast of developments in the field of nursing and assigned area; makes recommendations for changes and updates to enhance service delivery and ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports and records related to client intake activities and patient information and treatment.
• Provides guidance to assigned nursing students and training in nursing practices and procedures for other staff as required.
• May be designated as nurse-in-charge or nurse-of-the-day for specific shifts or clinic assignments; provides direction to other employees in this capacity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Community aspects of nursing programs, including community resources and teaching of preventive medicine techniques.
• Community resources available for public health programs.
• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Budget development and expenditure control.
• Principles of program coordination.
• Principles, methods, and procedures of nursing as applied to public health needs and practices.
• Current trends and practices in professional nursing.
• Preventive medicine.
• Causes, treatment, prevention, and early detection of communicable diseases, chronic diseases, and handicapping conditions.
• Child growth and development and procedures involved in promoting maternal and child health.
• Common diseases in the geriatric population and appropriate education and intervention.
• Sociological, psychological, and physical problems involved in public health nursing.
• Social determinants of health.
• Impacts of socioeconomic and cultural differences in public health.
• Principles of health equity as it applies to public health practice.
• Safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform the full range of professional public health nursing services.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
• Serve as a resource for nursing problems and issues.
• Plan and conduct clinic services.
• Provide instruction in disease prevention and promote proper nursing care services.
• Interview clients and gather data and information.
• Effectively represent the Department of Public Health and nursing services to the public, community organizations, boards, commissions, and other government agencies.
• Plan, organize and conduct treatment programs.
• Explain and interpret goals, objectives and methods to patients, caregivers, and family members.
• Adapt various functions to the therapeutic requirements of individual patients.
• Exercise appropriate independent judgment and monitor quality of own practice.
• Demonstrate strong professional ethics.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly as directed and trained.
• Collaborate with other professional staff to secure continuity in the treatment and training of patients.
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, concise case records and other necessary reports, documents, and files.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and County regulations.
• Follow and efficiently adapt to current and changing program policies, procedures, software, and forms.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education And Training: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing or a closely related field.

Licenses And Certifications:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid California State Public Health Nursing Certificate.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid CPR certificate.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver's license.

Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in office, clinic, and community settings, treat patients, and use varied medical and office tools and equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various sites; vision to evaluate patients and read printed materials and computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. The work requires wear and use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Environmental Conditions: Employees predominately work in an office and clinic environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct