PH Nurse (VDHRN012)

DHRM • Roanoke, VA

1d

About The Position

The Public Health Nurse independently provides professional nursing care to patients in clinics, homes, schools, and other community or congregate care settings. The role conducts nursing assessments and may perform laboratory tests and measurements, develop and implement care plans, administer medication, and provide case management. The nurse participates in public health emergencies and community health assessments. Work at this level requires a registered nurse license under state code, and the position may supervise support staff.

The nurse uses the nursing process and evidence-based public health nursing competencies to assess needs, plan and provide care, and evaluate outcomes. The role provides confidential, culturally and linguistically appropriate nursing and case management; teaches and counsels clients and families on health promotion and disease prevention; and connects individuals, families, and groups with community resources and advocacy organizations. Responsibilities may include communicable disease investigation, respirator fit testing, use of personal protective equipment, and support for emergency shelters. The position may require schedule, location, or duty changes and participation in training to meet public health needs, including during emergencies.

The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts serve urban and rural communities across multiple cities and counties through nine office locations. The Virginia Department of Health offers paid holidays, insurance, retirement plans, and leave. Health-care personnel must provide required immunization documentation or evidence of immunity, including seasonal influenza vaccination.

Requirements

• Registered nurse licensure as required by state code.
• Ability to 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 work independently, prioritize and organize work, solve problems, adapt to change, function 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.
• May travel; some weekend and/or evening hours may be required.
• Must provide required immunization documentation or evidence of immunity for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella; Tdap and required boosters; and the current seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of specified criminal history, child abuse and neglect registry, exclusion list, employment reference, and E-Verify checks.

Nice To Haves

• Additional study in health promotion or public health is preferred.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Experience in a public health setting or a setting related to disease prevention and health promotion.

Responsibilities

• Use the nursing process to assess, develop and implement care plans, and evaluate outcomes.
• Apply evidence-based community and public health nursing competencies in practice.
• Recognize population diversity and use appropriate language and communication tools.
• Follow nursing directives, agency protocols, guidelines, the Nurse Practice Act, and other applicable laws.
• Assess the health status and health literacy of individuals and families, including determinants of health, using multiple data sources.
• Apply ethical, legal, and policy guidelines to the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information.
• Prioritize program responsibilities and work assignments.
• Use data, evidence, information technology, and research to inform public health nursing practice and understand determinants of health.
• Help individuals, families, and groups identify and access community resources or services through referrals and follow-up.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with human-subject protection requirements.
• Provide safe, competent nursing and case management in clinics, communities, homes, and other settings.
• Teach and counsel clients and families about health promotion and disease prevention.
• Select variables that measure health and public health conditions.
• Identify opportunities to connect individuals, families, and groups with advocacy organizations.
• May conduct communicable disease investigations, undergo respirator fit testing, don and doff PPE, and support emergency shelters.
• May supervise support staff and perform other duties as assigned.
• May assist the agency or state government during an emergency declaration and adjust work hours, location, or duties to meet public health needs.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plans, including a 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Sick leave
• Family/personal leave
• Annual leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed