Public Health Nurse – RN or BSN

Polk County•Balsam Lake, WI

About The Position

Reporting to the Public Health Manager, the Public Health Nurse promotes and protects the health of Polk County residents through community-based nursing services, health education, outreach, and collaboration with internal and external partners. The position applies professional nursing principles and public health practices to support individuals, families, and population-level health initiatives. The role includes assessing health needs, providing immunizations and screenings, supporting disease surveillance and investigation, collaborating with community partners, assisting with program development and emergency preparedness, and maintaining accurate records and professional standards. Depending on the position level, the nurse may have limited supervisory and mentoring responsibilities.

Requirements

For the Registered Nurse, RN position: an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited program.
For the Registered Nurse, RN position: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required within two years of hire; extensions may be possible with Director approval.
For the Public Health Nurse, BSN position: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Licensed Registered Nurse in the State of Wisconsin.
Successful completion of criminal and caregiver background checks.
Basic Life Support certification.
Experience with electronic health records (EHR).
Knowledge of state and federal regulatory standards, patient rights, confidentiality requirements, and scope of nursing practice.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to collaborate across diverse settings.
Ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment with shifting public health needs.
Sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving ability.
Commitment to equity, cultural competency, and serving high-risk or underserved populations.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, Polk County residents, schools, medical providers, long-term care facilities, daycares, and community partners.
Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
Flexibility to accept assignments that support department operations.
Working knowledge of the Council of Linkages General Public Health Domains, with the expected degree of knowledge based on position and job responsibilities.
Completion of required bi-annual self-assessments of competency levels for Polk County Health Department employees.

Responsibilities

Assess individual, family, and community health needs and identify people who may benefit from public health services.
Conduct case finding, outreach, and follow-up with individuals and populations at higher risk for illness or poor health outcomes.
Develop nursing assessments and initiatives based on health data and evidence-based practice.
Provide immunizations, screenings, health education, and disease prevention services.
Participate in surveillance and investigation of communicable and chronic diseases.
Communicate with state officials, clinics, schools, daycares, and healthcare providers during disease events and outbreaks.
Interpret and implement local public health protocols, reporting requirements, and federal and state regulations.
Serve as a public health resource to individuals, families, schools, medical centers, long-term care facilities, community organizations, and other partners.
Participate in coalitions and community initiatives addressing public health priorities.
Collaborate with the private sector to develop coordinated community policies and programs.
Assist with program development, quality improvement, and public health planning.
Work with supervisors to inform the public, legislators, and local governing boards about public health priority issues and policy changes.
Participate in emergency preparedness planning, exercises, and response activities.
Provide other duties as assigned and departmental support.
Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health record system in accordance with agency standards.
Uphold client privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and state regulations.
Apply sound judgment, discretion, and critical thinking in performing duties.
Pursue ongoing professional development and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
For the BSN-level position, provide limited supervision of Public Health Program Assistants during immunization clinics and assist with mentoring student nurses during clinical rotations.