Public Health Nurse

JOB SUMMARY

The Public Health Nurse provides direct patient care at Archuleta County Public Health Department. This position is devoted to promoting public wellness, in this capacity nurses focus on heling underserved and at-rick individuals gain access to the care they need. The main goal is to help prevent disease and reduce health risks at the population level through evidenced-based care and education. The Public Health Nurse may perform health screenings in a clinic or home setting; educate clients concerning health issues and treatments/medications; provide referral resources; assess and evaluate health needs of clients; administer vaccines and tests; conduct case management of clients; investigate disease cases; complete and maintain health documents and records; and coordinate additional health resources. This position is between 8 and 20 hours per week.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The administration retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

• Performs health screenings and assessments of clients in a clinic or home setting; works collaboratively with other health care providers, physicians, community partners and/or team members in addressing health needs, care plans and/or program services.
• Provides education and program information based on client needs; provides resource referrals to address service needs; may perform community outreach activities to promote assigned program or service area; evaluates educational opportunities and makes recommendations for communication program improvements.

Assessing the immunization status of clients, administering vaccines, educating clients and caregivers regarding immunization importance,schedules,potential side effects and after care

• Work within the clinic performing STI screening, follow up and treatment under direction of medical director.
• Provide services for preventative screening and coordination.
• Administering and evaluating tuberculosis skin test
• Monitoring,analyzing,and interpreting disease surveillance data within State reporting sysytem.
• Investigating individual disease cases, clusters, and outbreaks of public health importance including conducting case interviews and field investigations.
• Working with CDPHE Healthcare Associated Infections team to develop locally relevant tools for outbreak investigations as needed.
• Serving as a resource to health care providers who can provide care for children and youth with special health needs
• Providing care coordination for client access to pediatric specialty care and clinics.
• Providing ongoing care and resource coordination working with clients, physicians, care providrs and community partners.
• Learning how to conduct Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) assesments.
• Documents and maintains health care records; gathers medical records and assembles charts or applicable documentation; updates database information; and prepares forms and reports.
• Coordinates service scheduling and required resources; participates in stakeholder meetings; and participates in program evaluation and quality assurance processes.
• Assists in administrative duties such as ordering and maintaining inventory and supplies, data entry, and general office coordination and support, as needed.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the level of required knowledge and abilities will be considered.

• State-licensed Registered Nurse (RN).
• Minimum of two years' experience in family practice, maternal/child health, public health, or mental/behavioral nursing
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to advise patients and their families.
• CPR certification
• Valid Colorado Drivers License
• Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN) preferred.

Salary : $40 - $52