Public Health Nurse I

Job Description:
Under the direction of the nursing supervisor, Regional Nurse Manager, and the Regional Medical Director, provides routine (journey-level) public health nursing work in clinical and non-clinical settings for the assessment, care, and treatment of individuals, families, and communities according to standing delegation orders. Utilizes the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating public health services in assigned counties. Services are focused on the promotion of optimum wellness and disease prevention such as immunizations against vaccine preventable diseases, and comprehensive case management for clients utilizing community resources and referrals to needed services. This position works with moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards. This position is office-based, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(50%) DIRECT SERVICES: Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the clinic, home, and community. The nurse will utilize components of the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the physical, emotional, and psychosocial health status of clients, families, and communities. Provides individualized care according to policies, procedures, program standards, physician orders and standing delegation orders which may include lab testing/counseling, independent home visits, providing/administering medications, education and counseling, case management, referrals, and follow-up. Performs disease intervention, surveillance, and prevention functions around Tuberculosis, HIV/STD, Perinatal Hepatitis B and Immunizations and other identified diseases. Prepares and maintains appropriate confidential client records per agency standards and HIPAA.
(25%) COORDINATION AND LEADERSHIP: May participate in assessing client and clinic needs, developing materials, and/or conducting education, orientation, and training for staff and contractors. May participate in quality assurance reviews and provide input for corrective action. Assesses and plans the delivery of direct public health services based on program guidance and standing delegation orders. Coordinates vaccine management to include inventory, vaccine ordering, reporting, receiving, and returning, and day to day cold chain management. May coordinate schedules and assign/delegate work to assure the provision of services. Responsible for management of clinical resources/supplies. Prepares/maintains monthly activity reports.
(10%) POPULATION-BASED SERVICES: Provides Essential Public Health Services to assigned communities. Participates in community assessments, identifies health needs, plans and implements strategies, and evaluates outcomes in conjunction with community stakeholders/partners and regional work plans. Develops and implements community health education programs, establishes and maintains communication and partnerships with stakeholders including local/county officials, community leaders, other agencies, groups, healthcare providers, schools, and the general public. Provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to healthcare providers, academia, and the community. Represents DSHS on local coalitions/collaborations as needed or assigned.
(10%) REGIONAL SUPPORT AND DISASTER RESPONSE/RECOVERY: Participates in regional assignments/duties/special initiatives. May be required to work other than normal business hours in order to respond to public health emergencies; actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery/Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation-requires completion of at least ICS , , , and and may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location. Maintain compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver’s License. Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, and annual vaccination against influenza and hepatitis B.
(5%) OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Performs other duties as assigned including maintaining CPR certification. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures; of public health laws and regulations; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures including culturally appropriate care; and of quality assurance principles and procedures.

Skill in using reasoning to identify problems, in considering appropriate resolution of situations, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.

Ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the delivery of direct public health services; to conduct community assessments; to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to communicate effectively via written and verbal communication. Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. To work in an office-based setting Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

---