Public Health Nurse

Todd County • Long Prairie, MN

1d • $33 - $44 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction of the Unit Manager and/or Supervisor, this position provides public health nursing to individuals, communities and systems. This position is responsible for using a holistic approach to complete individualized assessments and develop and implement plans using the nursing process, to enhance and protect the quality and dignity of life for the diverse population served. Public Health Nurses focus on promoting healthy families and communities; supporting disabled persons and Senior citizens to live independently; preventing and responding to diseases and health threats; and identifying and preventing environmental health hazards.

Requirements

• Completion of an approved Associate or Diploma degree that results in MN Registered Nurse Licensure.
• Registration of a MN Public Health Nurse Certification within 2 years from date of hire.
• Unencumbered MN Registered Nurse License.
• Must be able to wear proper PPE needed to perform requirements of the job. This may include an N95, PAPR, etc.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act, Data Privacy laws, and HIPAA.
• Knowledge of the practice of Public Health nursing theory and its application in the community.
• Knowledge of behavior as it relates to individuals, family dynamics and systems, physical and mental illness, chemical dependence, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, severe emotional disturbances, and aging, in order to maintain optimal health.
• Knowledge of nutrition best practices in relation to infant and child health issues.
• Knowledge of the socioeconomic factors which promote and maintain optimal health for individuals, families and communities.
• Knowledge and utilization of appropriate community resources and services.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws, the vulnerable adult act and the court system.
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate complex and crisis situations and assist individuals and families in resolving those situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, including diverse populations.
• Ability to apply motivational interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of governmental public health, rules, laws and policies governing health and human services.
• Knowledge of agency operations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality improvement.
• Knowledge of grant process including applications, contracting, implementation, reporting, and evaluations.
• Skills with computer use and software programs.
• Skill in logical and creative thinking.
• Ability to represent Todd County professionally with other community partners and governmental agencies.
• Ability to work cooperatively and respectfully in all situations.

Nice To Haves

• Prior nursing experience.
• MN Public Health Nurse Certification
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Responsibilities

• Assesses clients in the home, office, a community facility, or other places of residence.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates nursing service or care coordination plans; authorizes services for delivery by others involved with a client.
• Provides nursing services, care coordination, crisis intervention, and advocacy for clients.
• Counsels and educates families and community groups in activities that promote a higher level of wellness and reduce the risk of disease and injury, including environmental health threats.
• Coordinates internal and external client referrals; gathers documentation to assist clients in obtaining services and accessing community resources.
• Communicates with medical providers and performs delegated nursing functions, including technical procedures as indicated by the client's individualized plan.
• Documents nursing interactions and maintains client records as required by department policy and the MN Nurse Practice Act.
• Develops and directs service plans for individuals and completes work assignments for paraprofessional staff.
• Interprets department or county policies or other agencies' standards or requirements and coordinates services with others to achieve effective and efficient services.
• Participates in and facilitates a variety of interdisciplinary meetings and client conferences.
• Participates in student educational experiences based on objectives developed by the school and applicable activities identified by the Unit Manager and Supervisor.
• Participates in legal proceedings as warranted per case.
• Participates in community events as required, such as health fairs, immunization clinics, forums, and groups which may occur weekends or evenings.
• Strictly observes all data privacy laws.
• Maternal Child Health Family Home Visiting and evidence-based family home visiting.
• Child health screening including Child &Teen Checkups and Early Childhood Screening.
• Follow Along Program developmental screening, education and referral.
• Preconception health services
• Child health services including dental varnish, blood lead screening.
• Follow up and case management for children through Early Hearing Detection & Intervention, and Birth Defects Information System.
• WIC coordinator duties including managing and implementing services for the Women, Infants, and Children Program in compliance with State and Federal guidelines
• Back up Competent Professional Authority (CPA) for the WIC program including client certifications, high risk nutrition care plan implementation
• Car seat education and dispersal.
• Long Term Support Services, MNChoices & Relocation Services Assessment & Coordination.
• MN Senior Health Options, MN Senior Care Plus, Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care grant.
• Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI), Community Alternative Care (CAC), Brain Injuries (BI) waivers.
• Public Health Nursing Clinics.
• Immunization services.
• Communicable Disease Prevention and Control services to individuals & communities.
• Participate in public health emergency preparedness activities.
• Provide health plan contracted services follow up for individuals.
• Public Health Nuisance assessments and abatement
• Grant writing, management, implementation and reporting
• Participate in community assessment and planning
• Participate in quality improvement and department strategic planning.
• Community resource, information and referral.
• Other services and/or duties as necessary.

Benefits

• Serves as a positive example to other County personnel with regard to workplace actions, decisions, work skills, attitude and adherence to workplace policy and procedures.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills, is honest, fair and dependable.
• Embodies teamwork and cooperation within and across County departments and with the public.
• Communicates effectively with the Department Head and keeps supervisor apprised of important matters ongoing in the department.
• Respect all colleagues, co-workers, board members and the public and lead those around you to do the same.
• This position requires regular and timely attendance in accordance with the department schedule.
• Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

What This Job Offers

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