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, 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 include, but are not limited to, providing public health, educational, and investigative support for Covid-19 operations and 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. Assists with preparedness activities as needed. Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. This position requires travel.

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.
(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. Provides vaccinations, screenings, educational, investigative, and comprehensive public health nursing support for Covid-19 operations. 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. Provide prevention and preparedness education for high-consequence infectious disease outbreaks, such as from respiratory syndromes secondary to Covid-19, including assessment, emergency response, and data management.

(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%) COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS: Assists with preparedness activities as needed. Actively participates and/or serves 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.

(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.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Employee must have a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state.

Initial Selection Criteria:
RN licensed in Texas (required)
Experience in Public Health Nursing (preferred)
Experience in working in a clinical settings (required)
Experience in Communicable Disease (preferred)
Experience conducting TB contact investigations (preferred)
Experience training others (required)
Experience using computer software (preferred)
Experience preparing written reports (preferred)
Experience maintaining confidential records (preferred)

Additional Information:
Position is a grant funded position to support and sustain Regional COVID Operations.

MOS Code:
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 66H, 66N. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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