Public Health Nurse I Specialist

Job Description:
As a Public Health Nurse I, you will work under the Community Health Services Manager with direct supervision by the 6/5S Nurse Manager III under the general direction of standing delegation orders of the Regional Medical Director. Your primary responsibility will be to utilize the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating population-based, specialized public health nursing services. You will travel throughout the seven-county region as routinely assigned to work in a variety of locations, with a primary focus on Liberty County. Your services will be provided to individuals, families, groups, and communities with health needs ranging from simple to complex, focusing on the promotion of optimum wellness and disease prevention. You will be required to collaborate with other regional programs on community health and communicable disease team initiatives. Additionally, you will participate in coordinating day-to-day operations of clinic services and provide planning/direction for assigned community health services teams. You will require extensive individual initiative in instituting, monitoring, and evaluating projects. You will be able to practice in an autonomous setting, provide guidance to other nurses, technical assistance to local providers, and provide preventive and some limited treatment services. You will be able to time manage and prioritize daily assigned duties.

Key Responsibilities:

Population-Based Services:

* Provides essential public health nursing services as part of the family health services team in assigned communities.
* Establishes and maintains community partnerships with stakeholders, including local/county officials, community leaders, other agencies, coalition groups, healthcare providers, schools, and the general public.
* Participates in community assessments in conjunction with community stakeholders/partners, identifies and prioritizes health needs, plans, and implements interventions using evidence-based strategies and best practices.
* Monitors progress and evaluates results, modifying plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
* Develops, implements, and coordinates community health education programs and assists with community preparedness activities.
* Active participant in public health infrastructure building activities, including coalition building.
* Provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to healthcare providers, academia, and the community.
* Represents DSHS on local coalitions, school health advisory boards, and other collaborations.
* Applies epidemiological principles and methods to assess, prevent, and control disease to promote public health.
* Required to take Child Passenger Safety training and obtain certification.

Direct Clinical Services:

* Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the clinic, home, and community, including, but not limited to, child and adult immunizations, tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection, and STD testing and treatment.
* Utilizes 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.
* Develops individualized plans of care, which may include lab testing/counseling, field visits, providing/administering medications and immunizations, providing education and counseling, case management, referrals, and follow-up.
* Responsible for accurate documentation of services rendered in the client record.
* Responsible for assuming the proper handling and storage of vaccine, pharmaceutical, and medical supplies.
* Phlebotomy skills required.

Coordination & Leadership:

* Participates in evaluation of nursing services, training/orientation of staff as needed, interpreting program operations and policies and procedures, writing and monitoring annual clinic and/or team goals.
* May coordinate schedules and assign/delegate work to assure the provision of services.
* Responsible for management of clinical resources/supplies.
* Conducts and documents Quality Assurance monitoring activities, including review of medical records and clinic/team operations.
* Makes recommendations for improvement based on findings.
* Prepares/maintains program, statistical, and special reports as assigned.
* Participates in interdisciplinary teams to plan, develop, and assess appropriateness of patient care.
* May be assigned to function as a Team Leader for coordination and oversight of day-to-day clinic operations and clinic staff.
* Provides guidance to staff, collects data, and provides input to off-site supervisor regarding staff performance for evaluations, disciplinary, or reward actions.
* Occasionally attends or conducts meetings in representation in place of supervisor/region.

Other Duties:

* Actively participates and/or serves in a support 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.
* Assists with community preparedness activities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing process, and the legal framework of nursing, including the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners rules and regulations, the Nurse Practice Act, and medical standing delegation orders.
* Knowledge of applicable pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations.
* Knowledge of public health principles/practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion.
* Knowledge of teaching/learning theories and skills in developing and providing individual and group education/training.
* Knowledge of cultural, social, and economic forces in families and communities.
* Knowledge of community resources.
* Knowledge of principles of quality assurance.
* Skills in the assessment of clients with complex health problems.
* Skills necessary to provide direct nursing care to individuals, families, and communities.
* Skills in phlebotomy.
* Skills in vaccine administration.
* Ability to problem solve, prioritize, plan, and execute work utilizing supervisor and consultative resources as needed.
* Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
* Ability to function as a team member.
* Ability to develop and provide educational presentations.
* Ability to initiate and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with the public, local officials, various levels of healthcare professionals, and local agency personnel.
* Ability to travel.
* Ability to meet employee immunization requirements.
* Ability to obtain and maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.
* Ability to meet physical demands of job functions.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
* Ability to work evenings and weekends occasionally.
* Ability to schedule and manage time within designated work week.
* Spanish preferred.

Requirements:

* Will be required to administer immunizations in accordance with standing delegation orders.
* 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 agency policy.
* Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, with TDaP, and annual vaccination against influenza.

Language:

en

Language Code:
en

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