Public Health Nurse I

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Bay City, TX

105d • $5,521 - $6,036

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us. The position of Public Health Nurse I functions under the Community Health Services Manager with direct supervision by the 6/5S Nurse III under the general direction of standing delegation orders of the Regional Medical Director. The role involves utilizing the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, delivering, and evaluating population-based, specialized public health nursing services. The position requires travel throughout a seven-county region, primarily focusing on Matagorda and Wharton counties, and involves providing services to individuals, families, groups, and communities with health needs ranging from simple to complex, focusing on the promotion of optimum wellness and disease prevention.

Requirements

• Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse License Compact.
• BSN Preferred.
• Experience performing public health population-based and clinical activities for a minimum of 3 years.
• Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing process, and the legal framework of nursing.
• Knowledge of public health principles/practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion.
• Skills in phlebotomy and vaccine administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
• Ability to travel and meet employee immunization requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides Essential Public Health Nursing Services as part of the family health services team in assigned communities.
• Establishes and maintains community partnerships with stakeholders including local/county officials, community leaders, other agencies, coalition groups, healthcare providers, schools, and the general public.
• Participates in community assessments in conjunction with community stakeholders/partners, identifies and prioritizes health needs, plans and implements interventions using evidence-based strategies and best practices.
• Monitors progress and evaluates results modifying plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Develops, implements, and coordinates community health education programs and assists with community preparedness activities.
• Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the clinic, home, and community.
• Utilizes components of the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the physical, emotional, and psychosocial health status of clients, families, and communities.
• Participates in evaluation of nursing services, training/orientation of staff as needed, interpreting program operations and policies and procedures.
• Conducts and documents Quality Assurance monitoring activities to include review of medical records and clinic/team operations.
• Participates in interdisciplinary teams to plan, develop, and assess appropriateness of patient care.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage 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: Bachelor's degree