Public Health Nurse

Renville County•Olivia, MN

58d•$70,928 - $96,512•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for a Public Health Nurse (PHN) within Renville County. The selection process is ongoing, with applications reviewed as received until the position is filled. It's important to note that only one of two nursing positions (PHN and RN) will be filled. The role involves a wide range of duties focused on community and individual health, including assessments, care planning, case management, direct nursing care, health education, disease prevention initiatives, and program coordination. The nurse will also play a role in public health emergency response and community health improvement efforts. Documentation in electronic health records and participation in staff meetings and professional development are also key aspects of the role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
Minnesota Registered Nurse license.
Minnesota Public Health Nurse Certification.
Minimum of one (1) year of related experience.
Twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education credits every two (2) years.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of public health principles, including program development, health promotion, health assessment methods, and behavior change theories.
Knowledge of nursing principles, clinical syndromes, disease epidemiology and prevention, common illnesses, medications, and medical treatment protocols.
Proficient in concepts related to social determinants of health, health equity, and data analysis methods.
Experience in policy development, performance management, quality improvement, goal setting, and outcome evaluation.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including HIPAA and privacy practices.
Strong understanding of customer service principles and community resources.
Skill in oral and written communication, including public speaking, group facilitation, writing, proofreading, and interpersonal communication.
Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating health programs, as well as improving processes, procedures, and policies.
Proficient in problem-solving, data collection, drawing valid conclusions, and interpreting technical and regulator documents.
Competent in computer skills including use of related software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Adept at leveraging community resources, building collaborative partnerships, and conducting effective client interviews.
Capable of managing client caseloads, performing medical procedures, and applying basic mathematical functions, including percentages and graph interpretation.
Highly motivated and self-directed, with a strong work ethic and excellent time management, organizational, and decision-making skills to manage multiple complex projects.
Adaptable and resourceful in dynamic healthcare and cultural environments, using sound judgment and problem-solving under pressure.
Able to de-escalate tense situations involving clients experiencing stress, anger, or aggression.
Respond effectively to inquiries and complaints from clients, agencies, and the community.
Ability to apply public health principles with cultural sensitivity and work effectively with interpreters.
Demonstrate leadership, professional ethics, caseload management, and compassionate care while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals and families in homes, clinics, and community settings, addressing physical, mental, social, environmental, and functional health factors.
Identify complex client and community needs; evaluate risk factors, vulnerabilities, and support systems.
Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with clients, families, and service providers. Set measurable goals and define interventions.
Provide ongoing case management for at-risk populations, monitoring service quality, cost-effectiveness, and client outcomes.
Advocate for clients and make appropriate referrals to community resources. Coordinate services across multiple providers and systems.
Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, schools, and community partners to coordinate care.
Provide skilled nursing care, including medication administration, injections, wound care, catheter and ostomy care, monitoring of vital signs, and labs (e.g. International Normalized Ratio (INR), hemoglobin, glucose).
Evaluate health status and responses to treatment; modify care plans as needed and identify when changes in medical orders are necessary.
Assign and orient Licensed Practical Nurses and Home Health Aides to clients and families; direct, support, and provide performance input.
Educate clients, families, and community groups on topics such as health maintenance, disease prevention, chronic disease management, medications, lifestyle changes, breastfeeding, and parenting.
Implement and manage disease prevention initiatives, including immunization clinics, tuberculosis assessments and case management, and communicable disease investigations and enforcement. Collaborate with Minnesota Department of Health as needed.
Maintain vaccine inventory, ensure proper handling and storage, and document immunizations in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Assume leadership roles and complete assigned duties related to public health emergency response; assume assigned NIMS roles and duties during emergencies and drills.
Conduct pediatric and family health assessments using screening tools and developmental evaluations; follow up on identified concerns.
Build supportive relationships with parents and children to promote strong parent-child bonds, using evidence-informed curricula and infant mental health strategies.
Coordinate public health programs and clinics (e.g., Women-Infants-Children (WIC), Family Home Visiting, MnCHOICES, Home Health Care), ensuring alignment with goals, staffing, budget, and compliance.
Represent the agency and its programs on committees and in the community to promote public health.
Assist with community health assessments to identify high-risk populations and service gaps, contributing to community health improvement planning efforts.
Develop and maintain relationships with community groups and individuals to support environmental, system, and policy changes for healthier communities.
Participate in community-based coalitions to analyze health data, set goals, and implement health improvement strategies.
Conduct intakes and screen new clients; explain available services and determine eligibility based on agency criteria.
Identify opportunities for quality improvement and participate in initiatives in alignment with agency guidelines.
Contribute to program planning, agency goal setting, strategic planning, and evaluation of programs and policies.
Apply a health equity lens across all program areas and support policy development addressing social determinants of health.
Implement work and provide support to advance the foundational public health responsibilities within the agency.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with state and federal standards (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Waiver programs, HIPAA).
Accurately document and code client visits per agency protocols and payer requirements to ensure proper billing and reimbursement.
Use electronic health records and systems (e.g., OMAHA, IHVE, Nightingale Notes) to document assessments, care plans, and outcomes following established procedures for each public health program area and the agency.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development to maintain licensure and stay current with public health and nursing best practices.
Perform other related work assignments as directed or as it becomes apparent.