Public Health Nurse
JOB DESCRIPTION
AGENCY
Meigs County Health Department
DIVISION
Public Health Nursing
COUNTY OF EMPLOYMENT
Meigs
USUAL WORKING TITLE OF POSITION
Public Health Nurse (PHN) LPN or RN
TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR
Director of Nursing (DON)
NORMAL WORKING HOURS
From: 8:00 a.m. To: 4:00 p.m. Total of 7 hours per day – 35 hours per week (Classified/non-exempt)
(Explain unusual or rotating shift): Evenings, weekends and holidays as assigned for Reportable Disease or emergency response, clinics and outreach. Additional hours will be compensated with compensatory or flex time accrual (not on-call pay) as approved by immediate supervisor.
NORMAL WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Light lifting may be required.
May have occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue; may have exposure to unruly children and adults; may have occasional operation of a vehicle in inclement weather. May be required to carry work-issued cell phone to access faxes, respond to calls and access websites on assigned evenings and weekends.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE CHARACTERISTICS
50%--Assist with reporting and maintaining records of reportable infectious diseases in the ODRS database according to Infectious Disease Control Manual (IDCM) guidelines; Knowledge of symptoms, infectious periods and treatments; Interview clients for symptoms and contacts; Collect and record accurate information using data systems; Communicate with stakeholders including, but not limited to healthcare providers; Conduct interviews in a professional manner that reflects emotional and cultural awareness; Protect patient privacy; Comply with all Health Department regulations, including but not limited to HIPAA. Make referrals to other services as appropriate.
50%--Prepare patient forms and charts; Maintain adequate documentation; Perform clinical specimen testing such as pregnancy tests and blood lead tests; Ensure any follow-up occurs, if needed; Participate in or attend required trainings or meetings including, but not limited to ICS training; Complete grant/program reports; Conduct school-based and community educational presentations; Serves as VFC Program Coordinator and Vaccine Coordinator; Administer childhood and adult immunizations and enter records into appropriate EMR/Impact SIIS; Maintain vaccine inventories and corresponding systems; Impact SIIS Key Master; Project DAWN training; Project DAWN inventory maintenance; Assist DON and Administration with program planning, policy development, and interagency coordination of medical services; Perform clinical public health nursing duties and responsibilities as directed by Director of
Nursing and/or Health Commissioner/Administrator/Medical Director; Work with the Health Dept. Emergency Response Coordinator/Public Information Officer as needed; Compose articles and educational materials that are literacy-level appropriate; Participate in Health Dept. Quality Improvement and Performance Management efforts.
Other duties as assigned, but not limited to:
Observe confidentiality of client and agency information; Adhere to HIPAA requirements; Support and work toward the mission and vision of the Health Department; Drive on a regular basis to business appointments and meetings; Represent the Health Department favorably to the public; Maintain and improve knowledge and skills via attendance at trainings, meetings, seminars, and continuing education; Assist with the promotional efforts for the Health Department’s programs and activities both internal and external; Ensure compliance with standards, laws, regulations as promulgated by regulatory agencies, federal and state government; Function in the public health’s emergency response and assume proper ICS role during public health emergencies; Participate in emergency preparedness trainings and exercises as required.
_______________________________________
Job Specific Competencies Based on the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals
- Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: 1.1
- Policy Development and Program Planning Skills: 2.1
- Communication Skills: 3.2, 3.3
- Health Equity Skills: 4.3, 4.5
- Community Partnership Skills: 5.4
- Public Health Sciences Skills: 6.2, 6.3
- Management and Financial Skills: 7.10
- Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills: 8.3, 8.4
Employee is presented with a copy of the Core Competencies from the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practices (October 2021)
Organizational Competencies—All MCHD employees are expected to meet specified competencies in the following areas:
1. Excellence
2. Customer Service
3. Trustworthiness
4. Leadership
5. Accountability
6. Teamwork
7. Communication
8. Confidentiality
9. Learning.
Knowledge: Knowledge of basic nursing skills; knowledge of Ohio Public Health requirements and protocols; Knowledge of CDC/ODH immunization guidelines; Knowledge of reportable infectious disease guidelines; Knowledge of available referral services.
Skills: Proficient computer operation and software applications; Advanced proficiency in English, additional languages would be advantageous; Public speaking and written communication skills; Proficiency in data entry; Sound critical thinking and problem-solving skills; Ability to comply with regulations and communicate official information in an appropriate manner; Advanced ability to coordinate efforts, facilitate intervention, and maintain records; Exceptional organizational skills and sound judgment; Excellent interpersonal skills to assist distressed individuals from different cultural backgrounds and literacy levels.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse with proof of valid, current, Ohio License. Proof of nursing degree through official transcripts. Public Health nurse experience preferred. Current CPR/First Aid certification.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Valid state issued Driver’s License; ongoing proof of automobile insurance coverage. Non-tobacco user. Successfully pass a B.C.I. background check. Good health, high moral character, and good attendance record.
EVALUATION
Performance evaluation will be conducted as outlined in the Health Department’s Employee and Procedure Manual.
An Equal Opportunity Employer