Public Health Nurse I - Hempstead, United States - Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services

Description

Job Description:

Public Health Nurse I

Functions under the Community Health Services Manager with direct supervision by the 6/5S Nurse III under the general direction of standing delegation orders of the Regional Medical Director.

Utilizes the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, delivering and evaluating population based, specialized public health nursing services in an assigned geographic area.

Services are provided to individuals, families, groups and communities with health needs ranging from simple to complex and are focused on the promotion of optimum wellness and disease prevention.

Required to collaborate with other regional programs on community health and communicable disease team initiatives. Participates in coordinating day to day operations of clinic services and provides planning/direction for assigned community health services team. Requires extensive individual initiative in instituting, monitoring and evaluating projects.

Ability to practice in an autonomous setting, with the ability to provide technical assistance to local providers and to provide preventive and some limited treatment services.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Population Bases Services (45%) Provides Essential Public Health Nursing Services as part of the family health services team in assigned communities.

Participates in community assessments in conjunction with community stakeholders/partners, identifies and prioritizes health needs, plans and implements interventions using evidence based strategies and best practices.

Travel required throughout seven county region as routinely assigned to work in a variety of locations. Monitors progress and evaluates results modifying plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes. Implement and coordinate community health education programs and assists with community preparedness activities. Active participant in public health infrastructure building activities including coalition building. Provides consultation, training and technical assistance to healthcare providers, academia, and the community. Represents DSHS on local coalitions, school health advisory boards and other collaborations. Required to collaborate with other regional programs on community health and communicable disease team initiatives. Applies epidemiological principles and methods to assess, prevent and control disease to promote public health. Assists in developing in-service training and educational programs related to Covid-19 activities. Educates school nurses on COVID prevention, testing, contact investigations, and COVID vaccine. COVID Subject matter expert contact for school nurses on Covid-19 and other emerging diseases.

Direct Clinical Services (40%) Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the clinic, home, and community to include, but not limited to, child and adult immunizations, tuberculosis, latent tuberculosis infection and STD testing and treatment.

The nurse will utilize components of the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the physical, emotional, and psychosocial health status of clients, families, and communities.

Provides individualized care according to policies, procedures, program standards, physician orders, and standing delegation orders.

Follows individualized plans of care, which may include lab testing/counseling, field visits, providing/administering medications and immunizations, providing education and counseling case management, referrals, and follow-up.

Responsible for accurate documentation of services rendered in the client record. Responsible for assuming the proper handling and storage of vaccine, pharmaceutical and medical supplies. Phlebotomy skills required.

Performs community outreach and education, coordinates with community stakeholders, manages COVID vaccine pharmacy, administers COVID vaccine, supports providers with technical assistance.

Coordination & Leadership:
(10%) May coordinate schedules and assign/delegate work to assure the provision of services. Responsible for management of clinical resources/supplies. Conducts and documents Quality Assurance monitoring activities to include review of medical records and clinic/team operations. Makes recommendations for improvement based on findings. Prepares/maintains program, statistical, and special reports as assigned. Participates in interdisciplinary teams to plan, develop, and assess appropriateness of patient care. Provides guidance to staff, collects data, and provides input to off-site supervisor regarding staff performance for evaluations, disciplinary or reward actions.

Other duties (5%)as assigned include, but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a support role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Performs related work as assigned related to Covid-19 Pandemic activities.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing process, and the legal framework of nursing includes the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners rules and regulations, the Nurse Practice Act, and medical standing delegation orders.

Knowledge of applicable pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations. Knowledge of public health principles/practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion. Knowledge of teaching/learning theories and skills in developing and providing individual and group education/training. Knowledge of cultural, social, and economic forces in families and communities. Knowledge of community resources. Knowledge of principles of quality assurance. Skills in the assessment of client with complex health problems. Skills necessary to provide direct nursing care to individuals, families, and communities. Skills in phlebotomy. Skills in vaccine administration. Skills in basic computer use including, data input, word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail and internet. Ability to problem solve, prioritize, plan and execute work utilizing supervisor and consultative resources as needed. Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats. Ability to function as a team member. Ability to develop and provide educational presentations.

Ability to initiate and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with the public, local officials, various levels of health care professionals and local agency personnel.

Ability to travel. Ability to meet employee immunization requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification. Ability to meet physical demands of job functions. Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements. Ability to work evenings and weekends occasionally. Will be required to administer immunizations in accordance with standing delegation orders.

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 agency policy.

Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required:

serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, with TDaP, and annual vaccination against influenza.