Public Health Nurse I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Pampa, TX

6d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience in working in a clinical settings - 1 year (Required)
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Public Health Nursing and health care management (preferred)
• Experience conducting communicable disease investigations (preferred)
• Experience preparing written reports (preferred)
• Experience maintaining confidential records (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the clinic, home, and community.
• 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.
• Participate in assessing client and clinic needs, developing materials, and/or conducting education, orientation, and training for staff and contractors.
• Participate in quality assurance reviews and provide input for corrective action.
• Assess and plan 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.
• Coordinate schedules and assign/delegate work to assure the provision of services.
• Responsible for management of clinical resources/supplies.
• Prepares/maintains monthly activity reports.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned including maintaining CPR certification.

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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees