Public Health Nurse

Hamilton County, Indiana • Noblesville, IN

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

Incumbent serves as Public Health Nurse for the Health Department, responsible for providing health screening, treatment and education. Duties include implementing immunization programs, monitoring and maintaining tuberculosis prevention and treatment programs, providing follow-up care for immigrants/refugees, investigating communicable diseases, assisting with lead screening, responding to telephone inquiries, promoting community health education, serving as a resource and referral agency, conducting home visits for SIDS deaths, and performing related duties as assigned. The position requires protecting sensitive patient health information (PHI) by utilizing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) standards.

Requirements

• A current Indiana registered nurse license.
• Certifications in basic life support.
• Certifications in tuberculosis testing.
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply state and local public health regulations.
• Working knowledge of accepted principles, practices and common issues in public health nursing.
• Ability to effectively examine and screen individuals, assess needs, and provide appropriate information, treatment, assistance, and referrals.
• Ability to properly use various medical equipment, including stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, syringes, lancets, and blood collection tubes/filter paper.
• Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, IDOH, health care providers, school personnel, community organizations, local Department of Family and Children, children, and adults.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare detailed reports, and properly use standard office equipment, including computer, printer, telephone, copier, fax machine, and mobile phone.
• Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions/directions and appropriately respond to constructive criticism.
• Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile people.
• Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules.
• Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers.
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements.
• Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.
• Must begin the three-shot Hepatitis B vaccination and subsequent training within 10 days of their initial job assignment, or provide documentation of prior vaccination.
• Employment immunizations include up-to-date vaccinations for Tdap, MMR, and Varicella vaccine, or a blood test confirming immunity.

Nice To Haves

• Baccalaureate Degree in nursing.

Responsibilities

• Implements immunization programs according to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) guidelines.
• Monitors and maintains tuberculosis prevention and treatment program.
• Provides TB medication for both latent and active Tuberculosis.
• Conducts Direct Observed Therapy (DOT) for all cases of active TB.
• Provides follow-up care for immigrants/refugees requiring specific tests and screenings.
• Investigates reports of communicable diseases according to state and CDC guidelines.
• Communicates using the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System Base System (NBS) and obtains secure patient information via the Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE) system.
• Assists in lead screening, testing and obtaining blood samples from children.
• Communicates sample results to parents and physicians and conducts follow-up for elevated lead levels.
• Responds to telephone inquiries regarding disease information, immunizations, appointments, and provides approved health information.
• Promotes community health education through various channels.
• Serves as a resource and referral agency for schools, physicians, and the community.
• Conducts home visits for all Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths.
• Periodically conducts home visits with the Environmental Health Division.
• Protects sensitive patient health information (PHI) by utilizing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) standards.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life (employee, spouse, children)
• Long and short-term Disability
• Hamilton County Employee Health Center & Pharmacy (Noblesville/Westfield)
• Advocacy Program
• Nutrition Education and Wellness Center
• Pharmacy – Low-cost co-payments, encourage use of generic meds, Medication Management Program
• Sick leave
• Bereavement
• Holidays (10-13 per year)
• Compensatory time
• Paid time off (1 week at 6 months, 2 weeks at 1 year then an additional day each year until max of 22 days on year 15).
• Upon completion of 30 years of service time, employees earn 1 additional day per year up to 40 years of service time.
• Indiana Public Employee Retirement Fund Pension (annuity & pension)
• AUL Deferred Compensation Plan
• McCready Retirement (Merit staff)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level