Public Health Nurse I

Job Description:
Under the direct supervision of the Nurse IV, Director of Nursing, and the medical supervision of the Regional Medical Director, performs general nursing duties for the Texas Department of State Health Service (DSHS) - Public Health Region (PHR) I. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing public health nursing services to HIV/STD, Tuberculosis, Immunizations, Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology, and Community Health Improvement program clients.

Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, annual vaccination against influenza (and hepatitis B if applicable). Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1 (40%) Performs public health nursing duties for the Immunization program, including but not limited to:
1. Administer vaccines and observation of potential adverse effects, unusual symptoms, and reactions.
2. Conduct immunization clinics in Public Health Region 1 (PHR-1) assigned areas
3. Collaborate with school nurses, county officials and local coalitions to assess immunization
service needs.
4. Maintain clinic records to include documentation of vaccine history, vaccine administration,
5. consent forms, and other TVFC (Texas Vaccine for Children) required and recommended immunization
guidelines.
6. Facilitate obtaining signature of local authorized medical physician for standing orders and/or contracted
services.
7. Prepare and complete clinical program reports

EJF 2 (30 %) Performs comprehensive case management TB service:
1. Identifying persons who have clinically active Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
2. Case managing persons who have or who are suspected of having disease
3. Identifying and managing persons infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
4. Providing laboratory and diagnostic services
5. Providing training and education

EJF 3 (15%) Performs public health nursing duties for the HIV/STD program, including but not limited to:
1. Performs HIV/STD testing and screening services, appropriate nurse exams and treats patients with STDs
2. Interpretation of laboratory tests.
3. Functions as a liaison and consultant to private healthcare providers regarding HIV/STDs.
4. Provides education on HIV/STD prevention and services

EJF 4 (10%) Performs public health nursing duties for the, Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology, and Community Health Improvement, HIV/STD programs, including but not limited to
1. Maintain ability and skills to perform duties associated with Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology.
2. Maintain ability and skills to perform population-based services associated with Community Health
Improvement
3. Attend and participate in all nursing and other associated trainings required by PHR 1 to maintain ability and
skills associated with public health nursing

(5%) Perform other duties as assigned. Duties may include: Public Health Preparedness activities to include training in POD (Point of Dispensing), RSS (Receiving, Staging, Storage), and ROC (Regional Operations Center) functions; Participation in local, regional, and statewide exercises. Responding in regional emergency situation as needed; and other duties assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
1. Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing processes, nursing science, and clinical skills.
2. Knowledge of principles and practice of public health nursing and health care management.
3. Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures including venipuncture, assessment, and
specimen collection, shipping or submission
4. Knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemiology and medical terminology.
5. Knowledge of Communicable Disease reporting laws.
6. Knowledge of computer software (i.e Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Power
Point)
7. Skill in planning, organization and time management, and problem solving.
8. Skill in collecting and analyzing data.
9. Skill in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures.
10. Skill in interpreting laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms and information on medical
charts.
11. Ability to train others
12. Ability to administer medication via various routes (I.e. oral, cutaneous, intradermal, topical
intramuscular)
13. Ability to perform drug calculations, conversation of units of measure, and process of dispensing
medications.
14. Ability to work closely with public and private health care providers to enhance disease reporting.
15. Ability to manage multiple projects and/or assignments.
16. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
17. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
18. Ability to organize and present information in a clear, concise and effective manner.
19. Ability to prepare written reports and coordinate special events/projects.
20. Ability to function independently.

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