Public Health Nurse I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Dumas, TX

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

Must be currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.
Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s license or equivalent from another state.
Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing processes, nursing science, and clinical skills.
Knowledge of principles and practice of public health nursing and health care management.
Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures including venipuncture, assessment, and specimen collection, shipping or submission
Knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemiology and medical terminology.
Knowledge of Communicable Disease reporting laws.
Knowledge of computer software (i.e Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Power Point)
Skill in planning, organization and time management, and problem solving.
Skill in collecting and analyzing data.
Skill in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures.
Skill in interpreting laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms and information on medical charts.
Ability to train others
Ability to administer medication via various routes (I.e. oral, cutaneous, intradermal, topical intramuscular)
Ability to perform drug calculations, conversation of units of measure, and process of dispensing medications.
Ability to work closely with public and private health care providers to enhance disease reporting.
Ability to manage multiple projects and/or assignments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to organize and present information in a clear, concise and effective manner.
Ability to prepare written reports and coordinate special events/projects.
Ability to function independently

Nice To Haves

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

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 Health Service 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, 5. consent forms, and other TVFC (Texas Vaccine for Children) required and recommended immunization guidelines. 6. Facilitate obtaining signature of local authorized medical physician for standing orders and/or contracted services. 7. Prepare and complete clinical program reports
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 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 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
Perform 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 situations 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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