FT Public Health Nurse – Adult Health Home Visiting & School Nursing

Position Description

Job Summary:
Under direction, performs professional nursing to clients in their homes, at clinic sites, correctional health, school settings, etc. as part of a comprehensive public health program and to employees in the occupational health program including assessments, treatment plan development and education. Carries out programs and provides services to protect and preserve the health of the population through application of public health principles. Plans and provides direct care, makes referrals to providers and evaluates services.

Scope of Responsibility:
Responsible for the quality and accuracy of his or her own work. Complies with current ND Nurse Practice Act and scope of practice. Work is performed independently under general supervision. Provides direction to Home Health Aides, LPNs, other ancillary staff, and students. Responsible for the care and safe operation of equipment.

Primary Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
  • Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
  • Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work-related objective.
• Responds to Public Health Emergencies.
  • Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job;
  • Fulfills roles within the Department’s Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff;
  • During an actual emergency, is accessible 24/7 with an established family contingency plan in place.
• Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
  • Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
  • Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
  • When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
• Provides nursing care for clients.
  • Assesses clients needs and identifies physical and/or psychosocial health issues;
  • Formulates plan of care with the client and/or family;
  • Administers immunizations, treatments, and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures;
  • Participates in multidisciplinary approach to providing care;
  • Makes client referrals as needed to appropriate providers and community services.
• Provides culturally sensitive health care instruction/health education within the home, community, clinic, and school settings.
• Delegates or assigns duties to Home Health Aides, ancillary personnel, and students within scope of practice.
  • Demonstrates necessary procedures to staff and monitors staff to ensure procedures are performed properly.
• Completes and maintains necessary records, maintaining confidentiality and complying with regulations regarding client confidentiality.
• Determines eligibility for programs and grants.
• Serves as local or state representative on various committees.
• Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in nursing and two or more years of previous professional nursing experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Occupational Health program experience is preferred for the Occupational Health assignment. A valid State of North Dakota license as a registered nurse and driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility are also required.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of performing professional nursing functions including physical assessment and counseling;
• Knowledge of community resources;
• Knowledge of nursing process
• Skill in administering medically related treatments/procedures;
• Skill in general medical/nursing procedures;
• Skill in written English sufficient to read manuals, instructions, care plans and to write reports and complete documentation, etc.;
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, patients, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have strong public relations skills;
• Ability to communicate across cultures and socio-economic levels;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Physical Demands

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Special Assignment – School Nurse:

Assignments in addition to previously listed (1-10) essential duties and responsibilities

• Maintains confidential health records for students at each school following both HIPPA and FERPA guidelines.
• Administers medications based on doctor’s orders/standing orders as well as on an emergency basis, such as epi-pens.
• Serves as a resource to school staff and parents.
  • Serves on school committees;
  • Conducts home visits as requested by school administration.
• May plan and implement health fairs at schools.

Special Assignment - Adult Health

Assignments in addition to previously listed (1-10) essential duties and responsibilities:

• Performs professional nursing and client case management functions primarily in home-based or community settings.
• Coordinates and staffs community clinic settings.
• Advocates on client behalf to assure appropriate healthy and safe home environment.