Public Health Nurse II - Grant Funded

Buncombe County Government•Asheville, NC

About The Position

Buncombe County Health and Human Services is hiring a Public Health Nurse II position working within our Clinical Services and Mobile Team. This position will provide direct Public Health nursing services, education, counseling, and community resource referrals in the Immunization, Family Planning and STI clinics in addition to community outreach activities with the Mobile Team. Evening or weekend work may be required based on outreach schedules or an emergency response need. Must be comfortable working in varied environments including outdoor settings, in mobile units, and community spaces. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license and the ability to drive or learn to drive a 25-foot RV unit. This is a grant-funded position with an anticipated end date of 6/30/2027 unless grant funding is extended. Purpose of the position: The purpose of this position is to provide professional nursing services related to public health and community health care services in health promotion, prevention, and disease control programs to clients in all areas of BCHHS Clinical Services and the community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and one (1) year of Public Health Nursing experience; or graduation from a school of professional nursing and two (2) years of professional nursing experience including one (1) year of Public Health Nursing experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Per NC Local Health Department Accreditation requirements, employees in this role must present their diploma, degree, or transcript to their supervisor/department upon hire.
A current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the N. C. Board of Nursing.
All Buncombe County Health and Human Services Public Health Clinical Services Staff must provide proof of immunity against Mumps, Pertussis, Rubella, Rubeola (measles), and Varicella within 30 days of their hire date. This proof of immunity must meet the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for healthcare personnel. When necessary, documentation from a healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) of a valid medical contraindication to a required immunization can be submitted within 30 days of hire.
Knowledge of the organization of Public Health programs at local and state level including knowledge of principles and practice of public health nursing services.
Knowledge of HIPAA regulations regarding handling of client charts and client-related communications.
Ability to relate well with people including clients of all ages, caregivers of clients, professional and clerical staff, and outside agencies.
Skill in observing, listening, organizing, prioritizing, and communicating.
Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of health, as well as disease, in relation to the physical, mental and emotional health of the client and caregivers.
Knowledge of the community resources and ways of utilizing them to benefit the client.
Ability to create and maintain an effective follow up and referral system.
Ability to learn the program area of assignment and all agency programs and services which could affect the client/applicant.
Ability to analyze and comprehend a variety of technical and administrative regulations, records, and reports.

Nice To Haves

English/Spanish bi-lingual speakers preferred
Certification in Community Health Nursing preferred

Responsibilities

Provide direct public health nursing services, client assessment, education, and non-judgmental counseling, administer medications and treatments, develop individualized plan of care, provide referral services and coordination of community resources.
Conduct disease control surveillance and investigation activities to prevent the spread of disease in compliance with North Carolina General Statutes; provide follow-up as appropriate; provide clients and contacts with control measures necessary to prevent the spread of disease; assure clients understand the plan of care and importance of compliance.
Establish and maintain an accurate database through extensive health history of client; prioritize areas of concern and communicate findings via client medical record or other appropriate document; Utilize HIPAA regulations and confidentiality requirements when handling client information and communication.
Provide immunizations for vaccine preventable diseases via State and CDC guidelines, and education of parents/clients regarding immunization laws, schedules, and care following immunizations.
Participate with activities related to preparedness for and response to bioterrorism and other public health threats as needed.
Participate in Department of Health and community activities including committees and staff meetings to facilitate coordination of client care; provide Public Health services at BCHHS outreach events as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.