Public Health Nurse

DHRM•Portsmouth, VA

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Health, Portsmouth District, is seeking a Public Health Nurse to provide professional nursing care independently to patients in clinics, homes, schools, and other community or congregate care settings. The nurse conducts nursing assessments, may perform laboratory tests and take measurements, and develops and implements care plans that may include medication administration and case management. The role also participates in public health emergencies and community health assessments. Duties at this level require a current registered nurse license under state code; the nurse may supervise support staff. VDH requires Health-Care Personnel to document immunization or evidence of immunity to hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella; a one-time Tdap dose regardless of the interval since the last Td dose, with Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years; and the current year's seasonal influenza vaccination. The position may involve travel, and some evening and/or weekend hours may be required. Employment is contingent on satisfactory results from required background and reference checks, including state and federal criminal history checks, the Department of Social Services Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, the U.S. HHS OIG Exclusion List check, and E-Verify. Other checks or a Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions. Applications are accepted online only.

Requirements

Registered nurse licensure required under state code.
Communicate verbally and in writing; analyze problems and situations, suggest solutions, demonstrate leadership, follow directions, and establish priorities.
Skills in physical examination, health assessment, interviewing, and counseling techniques.
Ability to function independently, prioritize and organize work, solve problems, adapt to change, work as a team member, and relate to the public.
Knowledge of public health concepts, public health nursing principles, epidemiology, immunizations, basic nursing science, medical terminology, and case management.
Must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR.
Must provide documentation of required immunization or evidence of immunity, including hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, Tdap, and current seasonal influenza vaccination.

Nice To Haves

Additional study in health promotion or public health is preferred.
BSN preferred.
Experience in a public health setting or a setting related to disease prevention and health promotion.

Responsibilities

Provide professional nursing care to patients in clinics, homes, schools, and other community or congregate care settings.
Perform nursing assessments and, as applicable, laboratory tests and measurements.
Develop and implement care plans, including medication administration and case management.
Participate in public health emergencies and community health assessments.
May supervise support staff.