Public Health Nurse

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Fort Stockton, TX

1d

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Family & Community Health (FCHS) Services Nurse Supervisor II, the Program Manager and medical direction of the Regional Medical Director, this position performs routine public health nursing work  in clinical and/or non-clinical settings which will require regular and  frequent travel to the field offices located in Van Horn, Presidio, Alpine and other satellite sites.

This position coordinates the delivery of public health nursing services and essential public health services through the application of education, assessments, quality assurance and direct client services. Will work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of professional Nursing theory and process, including cultural, social, and economic forces in family, community and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of Texas State Board of Nursing Practice Rules and Regulations
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles, practices, epidemiology, disease prevention and health promotion
• Knowledge of clinic/office operations.
• Skill in assessment of clients with complex health problems.
• Skill in basic computer data input through database programs, word processing and internet.
• Ability to maintain current CPR certification
• Ability to perform basic nursing skills
• Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships and collaboration with public, local officials, physicians, and local agency personnel.
• Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written format to individuals, groups and communities.
• Ability to demonstrate independent judgment in appraising clinical situations and correctly interpret findings.
• Ability to comprehend and implement program goals, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and demonstrate leadership.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to travel in state/personal vehicle.
• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or eligible for Texas license.  If eligible for Texas license, must obtain prior to employment date.
• Current Texas Class C Driver’s license required.
• Currently be certified in CPR.
• Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes Reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Work experience in Nursing, Public Health, Case management or infectious disease experience (2) years.
• Experience in a medical clinical setting (2 years).
• Able to travel via Automobile and/or air with overnight stay 35% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Administers medications, immunizations, testing and treatments according to regional and DSHS Standing Delegation Orders and procedures.
• Assesses and plans the delivery of direct public health services and essential public health services to individuals, families, and communities.
• Conducts physical assessments of patient health needs and implements appropriate actions.
• Prepares and maintains patient records, program reports and patient assessments.
• Instructs, counsels and assists patients in meeting their health care needs.
• Responsible for using independent clinical judgement when making referrals for medical and social services with follow-up as necessary.
• Responsible for the management of pharmaceuticals, vaccine inventory and storage.
• Provides and explains information regarding Child Health, Maternal Health, and Perinatal Infant Health and Tobacco free information to the public through one:one education sessions, presentations and community events.
• Must plan events, attend trainings, and network with community stakeholders and community members.
• Assists with public health need assessments and verification of reports data.
• Assists other public health staff in communicating with agencies/individuals on the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases or injury.
• Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related services.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive case management service plan for clients and families.
• Makes home visits independently.
• Supports the implementation of the surveillance of communicable diseases and other health conditions, and plans interventions at the community or regional level.
• Assures compliance with Immunizations; Tuberculosis Control; HIV/STD, vector-Bourne diseases and prevention of vector-Bourne diseases.
• 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 activation.
• 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.
• Complete all trainings related to job duties on a timely manner.

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