Public Health Nurse

About the position

The Public Health Nurse promotes individual and population public health by providing the essential services of public health within a variety of settings. Public health nursing actions are directed toward serving individuals, families and population groups with the goal of promoting and protecting health through knowledge of professional nursing practice based on public health sciences, principles, and concepts.

Responsibilities

• Interprets, implements, and enforces compliance of public health laws, codes, rules, and ordinances.
• Prepares and administers medications per Health Officer's standing orders for immunizations or as prescribed by patient's physician.
• Conducts individual health assessment, provides patient education about potential side effects, and monitors for adverse reactions.
• Assesses and translates immunization records to determine recommended vaccines.
• Organizes and facilitates immunization, child health, and adult wellness clinics.
• Demonstrates knowledge of vaccine storage and handling procedures, and stores vaccines per policy.
• Performs epidemiological investigations of communicable diseases in various settings.
• Institutes disease outbreak control measures and coordinates investigation efforts with relevant stakeholders.
• Provides Tuberculosis (TB) case management including directly observed therapy (DOT) of TB medications.
• Provides follow-up, education, post exposure prophylaxis recommendation, and referral for animal bites.
• Identifies public health needs in the county and facilitates interventions.
• Receives referrals and completes home visit assessments of clients' needs.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized health care plans for patients and families.
• Provides education regarding relevant public health needs and issues.
• Provides management and coordination of services through a multidisciplinary approach.
• Complies with HIPAA requirements and health department policies.
• Prepares, submits, and maintains accurate medical records and reports.
• Acts as a professional consultant, committee member, or guest speaker.
• Conducts vision and hearing screenings in county schools.
• Collects laboratory specimens and transports to laboratory.
• Interprets laboratory and health screening findings for clients.
• Serves as a liaison between the Health Department and county school nurses.
• Performs duties outlined in Health Department grants.
• Promotes optimal working relationships within the agency and with community groups.
• Demonstrates leadership skills and adheres to agency infection control and safety policies.
• Attends trainings and maintains current personnel file certificates and licenses.
• Reports observed or suspected child or adult abuse.

Requirements

• Must maintain a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Indiana.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent experience.
• Two years public health nursing experience preferred.
• CPR certification within four months of employment.
• Tuberculosis (TB) certification upon employment.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification within one year of employment.
• Valid Indiana Driver's License and current vehicle insurance.
• Ability to work day, evening, and weekend hours as required.
• Ability to be fitted for and wear NIOSH 95 mask.
• Comprehensive knowledge and skill in current nursing practices and public health sciences.
• Ability to interpret and apply state and county regulations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to perform public health services in various settings with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Good conflict resolution, organizational, computer, and mathematics skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere and maintain confidentiality.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Continuing education opportunities