Public Health Nurse (TB) Health Department

Lucas County•Toledo, OH

About The Position

The Public Health Nurse (TB) manages active tuberculosis cases and serves as part of the tuberculosis control unit for Lucas County. The position also reviews county cases for the Child Fatality Review (CFR) Board. CFR nursing work includes systematic analysis of health data, health education and advocacy, coalition building, and collaboration with community partners to promote population health. The role works toward building healthy communities, achieving health equity and social justice, improving quality of life, and increasing access to care. It may also involve community health projects such as the Community Health Assessment, nursing interventions, and goal setting with clients and families. The nurse manages TB and latent TB cases, provides patient education, coordinates care with medical providers, monitors TB therapy, and completes related records, outreach, reporting, and quality-improvement activities. The position also supports Child Fatality Review activities, including case review, data collection, reporting, meeting coordination, and collaboration with FIMR and CFR teams. Additional public health nursing work includes client assessment and counseling, mentoring and precepting students, collaborating with community agencies, and assisting other nursing areas as needed.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Two years of nursing experience.
Unencumbered Registered Nursing license in the state of Ohio.
Ability to use electronic medical software, ODRS, and other software as needed.
Ability to use MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong computer skills.
Knowledge of modern medical procedures and protocols.
Ability to work evenings and weekends during busy season as needed.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and insurability under Lucas County Commissioners Risk Management; these must be maintained throughout employment.

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain client records by entering accurate and appropriate patient information into electronic health record systems.
Place and read TB skin tests.
Observe TB therapy to monitor pill consumption, including through home and telehealth visits.
Manage TB cases by coordinating with primary care providers, infectious disease physicians, and other medical personnel; help arrange appointments, collect sputum samples, ensure labs and x-rays are completed, and communicate concerns to appropriate providers.
Manage latent TB infections through referrals and education.
Consult with new TB patients to provide health education about their diagnosis.
Review Lucas County Child Fatality cases for data collection and reporting.
Coordinate efforts with the FIMR and CFR teams to help reduce infant and childhood mortality in Lucas County.
Enter Child Fatality Review data into appropriate databases and compile an annual report.
Request records from other medical institutions.
Coordinate Child Fatality Review meetings and prepare presentations.
Precept nursing students and interns.
Contact and evaluate immigration TB cases.
Check ODRS daily for new TB cases.
Compile information and write reports as needed.
Audit charts to ensure nursing best practices are followed.
Perform outreach, attend assigned interagency meetings, and collaborate with community agencies.
Conduct initial client assessments, including obtaining health and family histories, conducting routine medical tests, and making appropriate referrals.
Counsel clients and provide health education concerning parenting, child development, health and medical problems and services, and life-cycle tasks to improve or enhance clients' personal health.
Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules, and guidelines, including HIPAA and grant requirements where applicable.
Evaluate outcomes of public health nursing interventions and work with clients and other professionals to make changes as necessary.
Mentor students as public health leaders to strengthen the public health nursing workforce.
Promote evidence-based practice, maintain best practices, and determine and maintain essential Public Health Nurse competencies.
Assist other nursing staff as needed, including covering areas such as adult and childhood immunizations and reproductive health and wellness.
Adhere to PHAB and Quad Council Coalition nursing core competencies, including the competencies listed in the posting.
Participate in quality-improvement efforts and PHAB accreditation requirements, using quality-improvement processes or techniques to improve the effectiveness of the assigned public health program.
Attend and participate in assigned conferences, seminars, trainings, or related education classes.