About the Department

The Public Health Nurse PT, under general supervision, provides advanced level of primary and preventive professional nursing work to individuals and families served by Union County Division of programs.  Independently demonstrates and implements techniques of professional nursing work and counsel for promotion of health, prevention of disease and protection of the health of the public.  Serves as team lead for a sub-group within a larger project and/or serves as lead nurse in designated program. Assist in data collection and review associated with clinics and projects. Work is performed in accordance with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act, agency regulations, program policies, provider orders and evidence-based public health nursing practice. Work is accomplished through clinic assignments, home visits, project assignments or contact with community providers and agencies. Employee must have strong understanding of public health concepts, nursing theory and practice.  Employee must apply critical thinking skills ensuring orders, policies and procedures are followed. Interprets and implements public health laws, regulations and policies related to specific programs as they affect individuals, families and population systems.

Public Health is responsible for preparedness activities in the event of a natural disaster, disease outbreaks and other threats to the health of the public. Individuals in this role will be required to participate in preparedness response activities which may include mass vaccination clinics, sheltering and or dispensing medications from the Strategic National Stockpile.

Position Duties

Functions as a back-up nurse in the assigned program.

Makes short-range plans and adjusts to meet needs of program and clients.

Takes the lead role in coordinating and planning referrals and resources for clients.

Provides community outreach, functioning independently outside of the department.

Works with program lead in program development and development of community partnerships.

Takes active role in quality assurance and quality improvement activities as assigned.

Co-coordinates and/or oversees specific operations related to preparedness response drills and activities including disaster sheltering.

Obtains client assessment, including family history, medical history, interval history, nutritional history, psychosocial history, health literacy, and current status.

Performs testing and completes procedural processes per program requirements/needs.

Manages sub-group programs i.e. Newborn Screens, Lead, and/or as assigned.

Assesses clients' needs for services and/or follow-up based on department standing orders, policies and procedures.

Adapts Public Health Nursing care to individuals, families, and groups based on cultural needs and differences.

Is mindful of cultural considerations while communicating with clients.

Dispenses medications according to the North Carolina Pharmacy Act / North Carolina Public Health Nurse dispensing rules.

Administers vaccines according to department standing orders, policy and procedures.

Maintains medical records per EHR Policy.

Follows all departmental policies and procedures.

Participates in community outreach events and department strategic planning as assigned.

Participates in UCDPH emergency response activities as needed.

Follows OSHA and HIPAA policy, standards and guidelines.

Complies with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

POSITION SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:

Child Care Health Coordinator 

Works with childcare centers to assess, plan, implement and evaluate strategies to achieve high quality, safe, healthy childcare environments. 

Assesses the health and safety of childcare environments.

Develops strategies for inclusion of children with special health care needs.

Supports early educators with preventing and managing injuries and infectious diseases.

Connects early educators and families to community health resources.

Provides up-to-date information on regulations and best practices.

Provides health and safety technical assistance and training.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Graduation from a school of professional nursing and one (1) year of full-time professional nursing experience. 

Licenses or Certifications:

Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Must have a valid Driver’s License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Basic Life Support - CPR 

Special Requirements: 

Individuals employed in a local Health Department without a BSN Degree which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation or a master’s in public health, are required to successfully complete the North Carolina Credentialed Public Health course within eighteen (18) months employment as a condition of continued employment to meet requirement described in administrative code 10A NCAC 46. 0301. 

Completion of didactic and on the job supervision phase of expanded role specialty to program which assigned, if applicable.

Successful completion of the NC CCHC Training Course within the first year of employment if applicable.

In order to perform work in this role you must provide immunization records, provide proof of immunity, or receive/start the required vaccination series, as applicable, along with complying with any necessary screenings, as required by the Union County Public Health Department and its Public Health Personnel Immunization and Tuberculosis Screening Policy, in accordance with applicable law. All documentation must be provided to the Union County Public Health Employee Health Nurse prior to the first day of employment to allow time to review for compliance.

This position may be subject to a fingerprint background check.  Per NC General Statute 153A-94.2(b), applicants for a position of employment required to work with children in any capacity will be required to electronically submit fingerprints to the NC State Bureau of Investigation for a state and national criminal history record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

B.S. in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and two (2) years of Public Health nursing experience.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions including computers, stethoscope, hemostat, portable scales, emergency cart, telephones, etc. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.