Public Health Nurse II

Public Health Nurse

Under supervision, to plan and conduct a variety of public health nursing clinics and services; to provide nursing services, health education, and health consulting services, including the prevention and control of diseases and the promotion of health awareness; and to do related work as required.

This is the first journey level in the Public Health Nurse class series. Incumbents perform a wide scope of public health nursing duties. This class is distinguished from the Public Health Nurse I in that incumbents are expected to perform on a more independent basis. It is distinguished from Public Health Nurse III and IV in that Public Health Nurse III and IV incumbents perform more complex, specialized assignments, as well as provide lead direction, work coordination, and training for other professional nursing and support staff.

Reports to Director of Health, Director of Nursing Services, Supervising Public Health Nurse, or designee.

Classifications supervised: This is not a supervisory class.

Typical physical requirements: Sit and stand for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of medical and office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Typical working conditions: Work is performed in clinic, office, and home environments; exposure to communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens; continuous contact with other staff and the public. Incumbents are expected to follow universal precautions. Incumbents may be required to drive in remote areas of the County in all weather conditions.

Example of duties:

• Plans, organizes and provides public health nursing services, health instruction, counseling, and guidance for individuals, families, and groups regarding disease control, health awareness, health maintenance, and rehabilitation in a clinic setting
• May work within a special program such as Maternal and Child Care, Community Health, or California Children Services identifying and interacting with local care providers
• Develops plans and direct resources consistent to programs goals and objectives
• Provides referrals
• Teaches and demonstrates health practices to individuals and groups
• Instructs clients in family planning, sexually transmitted disease prevention and follow-up, and immunization procedures
• Identifies individual and family problems which are detrimental to good health
• May make home visits to assess individual's progress
• Works with the families to alleviate health problems and promote good health habits
• Refers and coordinates the care of individuals and families with other public and private agencies
• Identifies special health needs for assigned cases, recommending and implementing services to meet those needs
• Assists individuals and families with implementing physician recommendations
• May plan, direct, and perform epidemiological investigations in homes, schools, the community, and public health clinics
• Prepares appropriate records and case documentation, arranging follow-up services based on findings
• Confers with physicians, nursing staff, and other staff regarding public health programs, patient reports, evaluations, medical tests, and related items; may consult in multidisciplinary teams for the purpose of creating a plan of service for "at risk" families
• Works with community groups in identifying public health needs, developing needed public health services, and improving existing public health services
• Prepares reports and maintains records
• Compiles statistical information for appraisal and planning purposes
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum qualifications:

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Completion of sufficient education and experience to meet State of California certification requirements. One year of public health nursing experience comparable to a Public Health Nurse I with San Benito County.

Special requirements:

Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse in California. Possession of a Certificate as a Public Health Nurse issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

Knowledge of/ability to:

Principles, methods, practices, and current trends of general and public health nursing and preventive medicine. Community aspects of public nursing including community resources and demography. Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing communicable disease, public health, and disabling conditions. Environmental, sociological, and psychological problems related to public health nursing programs. Child growth and development. Unique psycho/social and cultural issues encountered in a rural health program. Causes, means of transmission, and methods of control of communicable disease. Methods of promoting child and maternal health and public health programs. Plan, organize, and carry out public health nursing activities in an assigned program. Develop and maintain public relations with clients, staff, community groups, and other government organizations. Analyze and evaluate health problems and take appropriate action. Provide instruction in the prevention of diseases. Develop and maintain health records and prepare clear and concise reports. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, community organizations, and other staff when explaining public health issues and providing public health services. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.