Public Health Nurse III- Extended Role Registered Nurse (ERRN)

Buncombe County • Asheville, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Buncombe County Health and Human Services is seeking an Extended Role Registered Nurse (ERRN) for its Clinical Services team. The position provides professional nursing services and applies public health nursing principles as a Registered Nurse and Enhanced Role RN in clinical and community settings. The role reports to the Public Health Nurse Supervisor II in clinic and provides direct services through immunizations, reproductive health, sexually transmitted infection services, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, communicable disease services, emergency preparedness, and community outreach. The nurse works within a multidisciplinary team that includes ERRNs, registered nurses, medical office assistants, a medical director, a physician, and family nurse practitioners.

The position is full-time, salaried, and in person at 40 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina. It usually follows a Monday-through-Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; occasional schedule adjustments may be needed to support clinic operations, public health response, preparedness activities, and community outreach. The hiring timeline is as soon as possible.

Candidates must meet North Carolina Public Health Nurse education and experience requirements and obtain Certified Public Health Nurse (CPHN) certification within one year of hire. ERRN practice is contingent on completion of required advanced training, including Adult Physical Assessment with clinical practicum, STI Nurse Clinician Training with clinical practicum, wet mount and microscopy competencies, and North Carolina HIV Counseling and Testing certification. Candidates who have not completed this training when hired must enroll as soon as courses are available and finish and verify all components before functioning in the Enhanced Role RN capacity. Public Health Clinical Services staff must provide proof of immunity against mumps, pertussis, rubella, rubeola, and varicella within 30 days of hire, or qualifying medical contraindication documentation where applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing that includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and one year of Public Health Nursing experience; or a master’s degree in Public Health, graduation from a school of professional nursing, and one year of professional nursing experience; or graduation from a school of professional nursing and two years of professional nursing experience, including one year of Public Health Nursing experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina from the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
• Obtain Certified Public Health Nurse (CPHN) certification within one year of hire.
• Provide diploma, degree, or transcript to the supervisor or department upon hire.
• Provide proof of immunity against mumps, pertussis, rubella, rubeola (measles), and varicella within 30 days of hire in accordance with ACIP recommendations for healthcare personnel; qualifying medical contraindication documentation may be submitted when necessary.
• Complete required ERRN training before practicing in the Enhanced Role RN capacity: Adult Physical Assessment with clinical practicum; STI Nurse Clinician Training with clinical practicum; wet mount competency training; microscopy competency training; and North Carolina HIV Counseling and Testing certification. If not already completed, enroll as soon as courses are available and complete and verify all components before performing ERRN duties.
• Knowledge of local and state public health program organization and the principles and practice of public health nursing.
• Knowledge of HIPAA requirements for client records and communications.
• Ability to relate well to clients of all ages, caregivers, professional and clerical staff, and outside agencies.
• Skill in observing, listening, organizing, prioritizing, and communicating.
• Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of health and disease in relation to clients’ and caregivers’ physical, mental, and emotional health.
• Knowledge of community resources and how to use them to benefit clients.
• Ability to create and maintain an effective follow-up and referral system.
• Ability to learn the assigned program area and agency programs and services that may affect clients or applicants.
• Ability to analyze and comprehend technical and administrative regulations, records, and reports.

Nice To Haves

• English/Spanish bilingual ability is preferred.
• Certification in Community Health Nursing is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct public health nursing services, assess clients, provide education and nonjudgmental counseling, administer medications and treatments, develop individualized plans of care, and coordinate referrals and community resources.
• Conduct disease-control surveillance and investigations in compliance with North Carolina General Statutes, provide follow-up, and communicate control measures to clients and contacts to prevent disease spread.
• Establish and maintain accurate client databases through health histories; prioritize concerns and document findings in the client medical record or other appropriate documents.
• Handle client information and communications in accordance with HIPAA and confidentiality requirements.
• Provide immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases according to state and CDC guidelines, and educate parents and clients about immunization laws, schedules, and post-immunization care.
• Participate in preparedness for and response to bioterrorism and other public health threats as needed.
• Participate in Health and Human Services and community activities, including committees and staff meetings, to coordinate client care; provide public health services at outreach events as needed.
• As an ERRN, perform physical examinations and collect laboratory specimens as indicated.
• Complete required ERRN advanced training and maintain compliance with applicable clinical standards, competency requirements, and agency protocols.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level