Public Health Nurse Clinical

Catawba County Government • Public Health Hickory, NC

23h

About The Position

Catawba County Public Health is seeking a versatile, community-focused Public Health Nurse to provide care across its Adult Health, Communicable Disease, and Immunizations programs, rotating according to staffing and patient needs. The nurse conducts disease surveillance and outbreak response, administers vaccines, delivers preventive health services, and supports patient care in specialized clinics. The role is part of a collaborative team focused on preventing illness, protecting public health, and improving community well-being.

Applicants must upload a copy of their RN license with the application. A valid driver’s license and safe driving record are required; driving is an essential function. This is considered Medium Work and requires the ability to lift, carry, pull, and push up to 50 pounds. Employees in a local health department who lack a degree that includes a Public Health Nursing rotation must complete the North Carolina Credentialed Public Health Nurse course within one year of employment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Nursing from an accredited institution.
• At least 1 year of professional nursing experience.
• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the NC Board of Nursing.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record; driving is an essential function.
• Employees in a local health department whose degree does not include a Public Health Nursing rotation must complete the North Carolina Credentialed Public Health Nurse course within one year of employment.
• Strong knowledge of communicable disease laws, healthcare systems, and community resources.
• Excellent communication, organization, confidentiality, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data entry and word processing.
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor under a variety of conditions.
• High focus on discernment and safeguarding confidentiality.
• Strong judgment and multitasking skills.
• Ability to lift, carry, pull, and push up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Excel skills.
• Completed North Carolina Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) training.
• Completed Introduction to Communicable Disease Surveillance and Investigation North Carolina Course.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient education and counseling.
• Follow standing orders, protocols, and procedures.
• Support shelter or mass-dispensing operations during public health emergencies.
• Provide care in Family Planning, STD, and Breast & Cervical Cancer Program clinics.
• Conduct histories and triage, administer medications including birth control, and manage follow-up care.
• Conduct daily disease surveillance, investigations, and follow-up using NCEDSS and local methods.
• Educate clients about disease impact, treatment, control measures, and relevant laws.
• Manage tuberculosis cases in the community.
• Collaborate with NC DPH and healthcare providers during outbreaks.
• Administer vaccines to children and adults.
• Maintain vaccine inventory and monitor storage conditions.
• Support flu clinics, mass vaccination events, and TB medication management.

Benefits

• Benefited new hires are eligible for up to 40 hours of advanced annual leave and 40 hours of advanced sick leave.
• Excellent benefits package.
• Job stability.
• Flexibility.
• No regularly scheduled weekend work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree