Public Health Nurse I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Dumas, TX

18d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Nurse Supervisor III, nurse practice/clinical management of the 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-3901, 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).

Requirements

Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in Texas.
Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s license or equivalent from another state.
Knowledge of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of immunization requirements and recommendations for infants, children, students, and adults in Texas.
Knowledge of Standards of Immunization Practices for children, adolescents, and adults.
Knowledge of the principles of vaccine preventable disease control.
Knowledge of public health principles/practice, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion.
Knowledge of mathematical and organizational skills in gathering, compiling, and interpreting statistical data.
Knowledge of city, county and state organizations and administration.
Knowledge of computer software applications; including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft power point, Microsoft Outlook, Internet, Texas Wide Integrated Client Encounter System (TWICES), Clinic Assessment Software Application (Co-CASA)/Assessment, Feedback, Incentive and Exchange (AFIX).
Skills in clinical nursing.
Skills in team leadership.
Ability to interpret and communicate current Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students, Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Child-Care Facilities, and ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedule for schools, childcare facilities, private and public providers.
Ability to work with the public.
Ability to train others.
Ability to provide patient care.
Ability to prepare and maintain records.
Ability to organize, coordinate and evaluate nursing activities.
Ability to gather, assemble and analyze facts.
Ability to devise solutions to problems.
Ability to prepare reports.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to comply with DSHS immunization policy.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Public Health Nursing and health care management (preferred)
Experience in working in a clinical settings (preferred)
Experience in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures (preferred)
Experience conducting communicable disease investigations (preferred)
Experience planning, organization and time management (preferred)
Experience solving problems and exercising sound judgment (preferred)
Experience preparing written reports (preferred)
Experience maintaining confidential records (preferred)

Responsibilities

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, consent forms, and other TVFC (Texas Vaccine for Children) required and recommended immunization guidelines. 5. Facilitate obtaining signature of local authorized medical physician for standing orders and/or contracted services. 6. Prepare and complete clinical program reports
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
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
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 Public Health Emergency Preparedness. 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
Performs other duties as assigned. Duties may include: Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology 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

Benefits

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

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