Public Health Nurse

The Corporation of the County of Lambton•Point Edward, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Health Nurse applies public health knowledge, techniques, and skills to promote health and wellness and prevent disease in accordance with the Ontario Public Health Standards and associated Protocols and Guidelines; and the Health Protection and Promotion Act and associated Regulations. The Public Health Nurse promotes public health through activities including surveillance of data and trends over time; case management; contact identification, tracing and notification; contact management; investigation of sources; teaching, counselling, and education; working with stakeholders on initiatives that support public health; and continuously monitoring the indicators of community health.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from a recognized University
Current Certificate of Registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario
Knowledge of Ontario Public Health Standards
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
Strong assessment, communication and report writing skills
Technological nursing skills knowledge and skills specific to the program e.g. immunization, infection control, communicable diseases, infant care and feeding, Healthy Babies Healthy Children, parenting, breastfeeding, sexually transmitted infections, sexual health and AIDS
Knowledge of community resources and advocacy skills to intervene on client's behalf with other agencies
A valid Ontario driver’s license and use of a vehicle.

Responsibilities

Set scheduled priorities where appropriate, ensuring mandated and department requirements are met
Apply in practice, key knowledge, critical thinking skills, and aptitudes related to nursing and public health sciences
Provide public health management duties in program area including case management; contact identification, tracking and notification; contact management; investigation of sources; ministry notification; surveillance
Regularly report to the ministry using applicable databases or any other method specified by the Ministry
Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities and maintain current professional professional knowledge of practices, trends, regulations, techniques, procedures, equipment, sampling and documentation
Use equipment, techniques, and procedures to conduct program services
Collect, store, and submit appropriate samples
Interpret results and take necessary action including consulting with critical decisions with the Supervisor, Manager, and/or Medical Officer of Health
Assess, analyze, and evaluate information (investigations, data, facts, sample results, surveillance data and disease trends, concepts and theories) to make evidence informed decisions, prepare reports, conduct investigations, and make recommendations for risk management and/or policy and program development
Assist in analyzing and evaluating policies, programs and lessons learned to assess program effectiveness and assist in developing plans to ensure continuing quality assurance
Assist in developing programs, protocols, and strategies
Assist in the formulation and review of departmental policies, procedures, goals and objectives
Develop and conduct education/training sessions to the community as per the public health standards. Develop educational/promotional resources and materials
Assess the needs of learners; teach public health concepts to all ages, genders, cultures, and backgrounds in various settings with available resources
Use teaching to explain concepts of public health practice, including possible consequences and resolutions using both written and oral communication skills
Liaise with stakeholders (Ministry, community, agencies, individuals, media) to establish partnerships, and create collaborative approaches to promote common education or advocacy initiatives through shared resources and responsibilities
Collaborate and co-ordinate services for individuals or families with appropriate community agencies
Collaborate with other health care providers
Assist in the training and orientation of students and other personnel as assigned
Explain and share knowledge, tools, expertise, and experience to build capacity, improve performance and enhance the quality of the working environment
Assist in preparing media releases and press packages and respond to media requests for program information at the discretion of the Supervisor
Adhere to the Ontario College of Nurses Standards of Practice and codes of conduct established through organizational policies and applicable legislation
Maintain accurate and up-to-date charting and records of daily activities
Record and produce regular reports related to program area
Provide on-call coverage as per the Ontario Public Health Standards and in accordance with Collective Agreement and applicable department policies and procedures
Incumbents must keep up-to-date on all relevant legislation, collective bargaining agreements, County Policies and Procedures, etc. ensuring that these are implemented as prescribed
Incumbents must possess the physical ability to meet the duties and responsibilities of the job description and/or the requirements identified within the position's Physical Demands Analysis