Community Health Nurse

Community Health Nurse

This 32 hour/week position assesses and educates clients and provides community-based nursing services delivered to individual clients, families, public facilities, and populations with the goal of preventing disease, promoting healthy behaviors, and protecting communities from threats to the health of the public.

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Assesses, evaluates, and manages communicable disease cases and outbreaks; investigates and educates regarding prevention and control in accordance with State mandates and statutes and maintains Kansas disease surveillance documentation.
• Provides leadership in planning, preparing, and responding to Public Health preparedness events, including mass clinics.
• Provides direct client services:
  1. Assesses, educates, and evaluates client needs (pregnant and postpartum women, infants, reproductive health clients, tuberculosis program clients, general public health clients) via home visits, clinic/office visits, or phone calls.
  2. Develops nursing care plans and coordinates care.
  3. Assesses, educates, and evaluates clients regarding acute and chronic health conditions, psychosocial, and environmental needs and refers to appropriate resources.
  4. Conducts physical examinations, assesses health of infants, children, and adults.
  5. Completes referrals to physicians and other medical services as needed.
• Organizes, manages, updates, and oversees various Public Health programs as assigned.
• Administers and manages client medication.
• Assists with vaccine storage, handling and inventory management; monitors and records temperatures for vaccine refrigerators/freezers.
• Immunizes clients and provides tuberculosis screening; performs venipuncture and collects lab specimens as indicated.
• Conducts public health investigations, case management, and follow up as needed.
• Prepares, updates, and maintains client records, utilizing various electronic health record systems.
• Assists with health education programs/classes.
• Refers eligible clients to WIC program.
• Collaborates with WIC personnel to ensure quality services for clients.
• Provide initial and on-going nutritional and psychosocial assessments to clients as needed.
• Provide referrals to prenatal, medical and social services as necessary.
• Provide general health education for all Health Department clients, including, but not limited to, pregnancy, breastfeeding, reproductive health, child growth and development, nutrition, alcohol and drug use/abuse, and child abuse and neglect.
• Works with local prenatal care providers to ensure early and adequate prenatal care.
• Reports any vaccine adverse events to VAERS and Assistant Director or Director.
• Provides dental screenings to children and adults.
• Makes referrals to area dentists or other area agencies as needed for dental care.
• Facilitates and participates in community coalitions, and works with community partners to provide collaboration, outreach, and education.
• Participates in quality improvement projects and incorporates quality improvement principles.
• Participates in community health needs assessments and improvement planning.
• Provides surge capacity to Public Health Emergency and Epidemiology for investigative work and community containment in a public health emergency or severe outbreak.

Knowledge of the principles, standards, practices, and techniques of professional and public health nursing.

Knowledge of the inherent dangers and precautions to be taken in using drugs and other medication.

Knowledge of treatment, assessment, immunization, and related medical services for patients in the area of assignment.

Knowledge of local and State rules, regulations, procedures and policies pertaining to nursing services.

Knowledge of regulations to maintain preparedness and public health competencies.

Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the County.

Knowledge of community resources, and alternative care resources.

Knowledge of legal requirements including privacy, confidentiality, and non-discrimination.

Knowledge of the County and Department's operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, State, and Federal regulations related to department programs and operations.

Knowledge of current office practices and procedures consistent for this position.

Knowledge of computer software including consistent for this position.

Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.

Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.

Ability to effectively assess consumer's medical needs and their ability to make medical decisions and document accordingly.

Ability to accurately maintain patient medical records and prepare reports.

Ability and skill to relate to clients in stressful or crisis situations.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical information and assure rights and privacy are protected at all times per HIPAA.

Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.

Ability to interpret, and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department-specific documents.

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.

Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.

Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits requiring minimal direction and supervision.

Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.

Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.

Ability to communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.

Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provisions of open records laws and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.

Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor.

• Essential Physical Functions of the position are provided in the Functional Job Analysis Attachment.
• Ability to observe details at close range.
• Communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas so others understand.
• Work may have exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work frequently requires exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting as well as clinic settings.

Nothing in this job description limits management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.