Public Health Nurse

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Marfa, TX

19d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Family & Community Health (FCHS) Services Nurse Supervisor II, the Nurse III Supervisor, the Program Manager and medical direction of the Regional Medical Director, this position performs routine public health nursing work in clinical and/or non-clinical settings which will require regular and frequent travel in the Region 9/10 service area. This position coordinates the delivery of public health nursing services and essential public health services through the application of education, assessments, quality assurance and direct client services. Will work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of professional Nursing theory and process, including cultural, social, and economic forces in family, community and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of Texas State Board of Nursing Practice Rules and Regulations
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles, practices, epidemiology, disease prevention and health promotion
• Knowledge of clinic/office operations.
• Skill in assessment of clients with complex health problems.
• Skill in basic computer data input through database programs, word processing and internet.
• Ability to maintain current CPR certification
• Ability to perform basic nursing skills
• Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships and collaboration with public, local officials, physicians, and local agency personnel.
• Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written format to individuals, groups and communities.
• Ability to demonstrate independent judgment in appraising clinical situations and correctly interpret findings.
• Ability to comprehend and implement program goals, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and demonstrate leadership.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to travel in state/personal vehicle.
• Current Registered Nurse License
• Current CPR Certified
• At Least 2 years work experience in Nursing, Public Health, Case management or infectious disease
• Current Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes Reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact
• At least 2 years' experience working in a medical clinical setting
• This position requires regular travel—both day trips by automobile and overnight travel by car or air—approximately 35% of the time.
• Current Valid Texas Drivers license
• Travel requirements and possible working hours other than 8-5 are applicable and must be able to accommodate.

Responsibilities

• Administers medications, immunizations, testing and treatments according to regional and DSHS Standing Delegation Orders and procedures.
• Assesses and plans the delivery of direct public health services and essential public health services to individuals, families, and communities.
• Conducts physical assessments of client health needs and implements appropriate actions.
• Prepares and maintains client records and program reports.
• Instructs, counsels and assists clients in meeting their health care needs.
• Responsible for using independent clinical judgment when making referrals for medical and social services with follow-up as necessary.
• Responsible for the management of pharmaceuticals, vaccine inventory and storage.
• Provides and explains information regarding Child Health, Maternal Health, and Perinatal Infant Health and Tobacco free information to the public through one:one education sessions, presentations and community events.
• Must plan events, attend trainings, and network with community stakeholders and community members.
• Assists with public health need assessments and verification of reports data.
• Assists other public health staff in communicating with agencies/individuals on the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases or injury.
• Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related services.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive case management service plan for clients and families.
• Makes home visits independently as needed.
• Supports the implementation of the surveillance of communicable diseases and other health conditions, and plans interventions at the community or regional level.
• Assures compliance with Immunizations; Tuberculosis Control; HIV/STD, vector-Bourne diseases and prevention of vector-Bourne diseases.
• Actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations activation.
• Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Complete all trainings related to job duties on a timely manner.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees