Nurse I or Nurse II

the South Dakota State Government•Pierre, SD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Registered Nurse in the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Public Health Nursing Services (OPHNS). OPHNS Registered Nurses practice as professional public health nurses applying nursing theory, clinical judgment, and evidence-based practice to protect and promote the health of individuals, families, populations, and communities across South Dakota. The role requires professional autonomy, adaptability, resilience, and a strong sense of duty to public service. Registered Nurses are expected to function independently within established policies, exercise critical thinking, and respond to changing public health priorities. Work assignments, schedules, and travel are determined by organizational and public health needs. OPHNS Registered Nurses are hired for their professional nursing expertise and are accountable for upholding the ethical standards of nursing and public service. Nursing level will be determined based on education and experience.

Requirements

Licensed as a Registered Nurse to practice in South Dakota.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel statewide.
Demonstrate professional nursing judgment, accountability, and ethical practice.
Be adaptable and resilient in changing environments and priorities.
Be comfortable performing nursing assessments and applying clinical judgment to support pregnancy and population-based care.
Be willing to travel and adjust work location and schedule based on organizational needs.
Accept direction and collaborate effectively within a public service structure.
Demonstrate commitment to public health, community service, and population-based care.
Apply critical thinking and nursing theory in daily practice.
Knowledge of professional nursing standards and scope of practice.
Knowledge of public health principles and population-based nursing care.
Knowledge of principles of maternal health assessment, normal and high-risk pregnancy indicators, and physiological changes across the perinatal period.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to public health nursing.
Ability to function independently and accountably as a professional nurse.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, assignments, and service locations.
Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion within established policies and standards.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and interdisciplinary teams.
Ability to perform and interpret non-invasive physical and physiological nursing assessments and escalate findings according to protocol.
Ability to place professional responsibility to the public above personal convenience.
Resume must be attached.
Must apply online.

Responsibilities

Apply nursing theory and evidence-based standards; conduct comprehensive assessments; develop and evaluate care plans; exercise independent clinical judgment; document per legal and organizational requirements; perform age-appropriate and pregnancy-related assessments per OPHNS protocols.
Provide population-based services (immunizations, pregnancy care, school health); deliver care in clinics, schools, homes, community sites, and emergency settings; identify health risks and implement prevention strategies; respond to outbreaks and emerging public health needs.
Demonstrate accountability to organization and profession; follow managerial direction; maintain professionalism and ethical conduct; uphold public trust.
Accept statewide assignments; travel as required, including overnight; adapt to varied schedules and environments; maintain readiness for public health emergency response.
Work with managers, colleagues, healthcare partners, and community stakeholders; coordinate referrals; participate in interdisciplinary initiatives to improve health outcomes.
Engage in training, quality improvement, and program evaluation; support organizational change; maintain competence and foster continuous improvement.
Other duties may be assigned within the scope of professional nursing practice.