Public Health Nurse I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Tyler, TX

1d • $4,522 - $5,666 • Onsite

About The Position

Performs routine (journey-level) public health nursing work in the Immunizations / Vaccine-Preventable Disease (VPD) program in a clinical or non-clinical setting. Provides immunization services to individuals, families, and communities through direct care delivery, community outreach, records review, and health education. Works under moderate supervision of the Immunizations Program Manager, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Unusual or complex situations are escalated to the supervisor or more experienced staff. This position does not serve in a lead, supervisory, or managerial capacity.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in nursing, or graduation from an accredited nursing education program as required for licensure.
• Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) by the State of Texas, or by a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
• Must maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver License and liability insurance coverage as required by Texas law.
• Knowledge of professional nursing theory, techniques, procedure, and clinical skills.
• Knowledge of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of interviewing principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of immunization schedules for children and adults.
• Knowledge of vaccine administration techniques (including recommendations and contraindications) and knowledge of proper vaccine storage and handling processes utilized by the immunization program.
• Knowledge of computerized health records.
• Skilled in problem solving and decision making.
• Skilled in conducting patient interviews.
• Skill in effective communication (both oral and written).
• Skill in providing group education and training.
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to work productively with individuals, professionals and other groups within the community.
• Ability to plan and execute work, to exercise good judgment, and to function as a team member.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Administers vaccines, immunizations, and related treatments in accordance with the current immunization schedule, established standards, and DSHS procedures.
• Plans and provides immunizations at community clinics, special events, and outreach settings, including mobile or off-site locations.
• Maintains and monitors inventory of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies; ensures compliance with proper vaccine storage and handling requirements.
• Conducts community outreach to promote the benefits of immunizations and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) prevention to individuals, families, schools, and community groups.
• Assists with immunization education activities for public and private providers on topics including the immunization schedule, administration techniques, and vaccine storage and handling, under the direction of the supervisor.
• Collaborates with DSHS field offices on direct service and promotional immunization activities, including assisting with special promotion initiatives and community events.
• Assesses communities with low immunization rates for access needs and barriers; assists communities in developing plans to increase coverage.
• Reviews immunization records at assigned schools and childcare facilities to collect coverage data; documents findings and submits reports to the supervisor.
• Observes and documents vaccine storage and handling practices at assigned sites and reports observations to the supervisor.
• Prepares and maintains patient records, program reports, and visit documentation in accordance with established procedures and state reporting requirements.
• Provides backup support for the Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program Coordinator as assigned.
• Participates in public health emergency response activities related to immunizations as directed.
• Works collaboratively as a team member and keeps the Program Manager informed of significant activities, findings, and community needs.
• Performs related work as assigned consistent with routine public health nursing responsibilities.

Benefits

• insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level