About the Department
Performs independent, population-focused public health nursing work within the scope of Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. Provides professional public health nursing services with an emphasis on prevention through implementation of evidence-based programming. Works collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team while exercising appropriate professional autonomy in accordance with evidence-based practice, professional standards, and departmental policies.
Practice includes implementation of assigned public health nursing programs encompassing prevention, gap-filling primary care services, care coordination, communicable disease response, and maternal and child health services. Assesses client health needs; coordinates client care; maintains accurate health records; and performs administrative and documentation activities necessary to support public health programs.
Position Duties
Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.
Participate in meetings of the assigned unit/program including (if applicable): one-on-ones with supervisor, staff huddles, unit/program/division/funder meetings, department All Staff meetings, and other meetings and trainings as required or applicable.
Serves as a subject matter expert for assigned unit/program; participates in ongoing development of subject matter expertise for assigned unit/program.
Represents the department; serves on committees; and presents on public health concerns, services, and programs at public meetings, community forums, and/or other related events.
Maintains awareness of relevant services in the region and provides resources, referrals and navigation to other public health programs and services and to outside agencies as appropriate.
Provides direct public health nursing services within the scope of Registered Nurse license, including prevention-focused clinical care and evidence-based Nurse Family Partnership services.
Conducts comprehensive nursing assessments; develop, implement, and evaluate care plans; and deliver patient-centered nursing interventions in accordance with evidence-based practice.
Manages assigned caseload and prioritize work activities to meet program requirements, client needs, and documentation timelines.
Identifies health, safety, and psychosocial risks; implement appropriate nursing interventions; and initiate referrals or mandatory reporting in accordance with laws and policies.
Supports continuity of care by coordinating referrals and services that reduce gaps in essential needs and improve access to care and health outcomes.
Provides patient-centered health education and counseling focused on prevention, risk reduction, and health maintenance.
Delivers culturally responsive, patient-centered nursing care, by adapting approaches to individual needs, respecting client preferences, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Conducts targeted outreach with health care providers, partner organizations, and community members to increase awareness of and participation in public health programs.
Maintains compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, professional standards, and departmental policies, including protection of confidential and protected information (HIPAA).
Completes accurate and timely documentation required for service delivery, medical billing, program evaluation, grant applications, and regulatory compliance.
Collaborates within a multi-disciplinary team; practice within scope of licensure and training, and appropriate escalate clinical or administrative concerns.
Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities to ensure high-quality public health nursing services.
Participates in communicable disease response and emergency preparedness activities, including activation during public health emergencies, in accordance with agency plans.
Participates in required professional development to maintain licensure, competencies, and evidence-based public health nursing practice.
Assists in creating a positive work environment that promotes productivity, mentoring, teamwork and cooperation. Elicits and considers differing viewpoints when analyzing issues.
Expands efficiency, effectiveness, community awareness and uptake of program areas.
Demonstrates proficiency in the effective use of medical interpretation services to ensure equitable, culturally responsive, and linguistically appreciate care.
Perform public health nursing duties primarily in a clinic setting, with additional services provided in community-based settings, including client homes and offsite outreach locations, as required.
Provide direct public health nursing services to individuals and populations, including prevention-focused, gap-filling clinical care and care coordination, in accordance with evidence-based practice and established protocols.
Facilitate access to primary, specialty, medical, and dental care by assessing client needs, providing referrals, supporting linkage to a medical and/or dental home.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position would be:
Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in nursing required. Bachelor’s degree in nursing highly preferred.
One (1) year of professional Registered Nursing (RN) working experience. Public health nursing experience preferred.
Advanced Spanish proficiency strongly preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Driver's License
Active and unrestricted nursing license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Colorado.
Current BLS Certification (or higher)
Certified Medical Interpretation in Spanish Certificate strongly preferred
Other Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of public health nursing, including population-based care
Epidemiology and communicable disease prevention and control
Community health assessment methods and health indicators
State and federal public health laws, regulations, and reporting systems
Disease surveillance systems and outbreak investigation protocols
Immunization schedules, vaccine storage/handling, and contraindications
Maternal, child, and family health principles
Chronic disease prevention and health promotion strategies
Environmental health concepts affecting population health
Infection prevention and control standards
Health education theories and behavior-change models
Cultural humility, health equity, and social determinants of health
Emergency preparedness and public health response frameworks
Documentation standards and electronic health record (EHR) systems
Interdisciplinary care coordination and community resource networks
Skill in:
Conduct comprehensive community and individual health assessments
Apply clinical nursing skills in non-traditional, community-based settings
Perform disease investigation, contract tracing, and case management
Administer vaccines and medications accurately
Analyze public health data to identify trends and priority needs
Develop and deliver health education programs for diverse populations
Communicate effectively with individuals, families, communities, and partners
Prepare clear, accurate reports, records, and legal documentation
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, agencies, and stakeholders
Use EHRs, surveillance data bases, and reporting systems effectively
Provide culturally responsive care and adapt interventions to community needs
Manage multiple priorities and work independently in the field
Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment in complex public health situations
Respond effectively during public health emergencies
Provide guidance, mentorship, or clinical consultation to peers or students as assigned
Ability to:
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate public health nursing interventions
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and policies in practice
Work autonomously while maintaining accountability
Establish trusting relationships with diverse populations
Communicate complex health information clearly and compassionately
Adapt practice based on emerging public health threats
Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards
Prioritize workload in a fast-paced or high-stress environment
Collect, analyze, and use health data to inform decisions
Participate in and support emergency response activities
Perform fieldwork, including home visits and community outreach
MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Standard clinical nursing equipment
Laboratory and specimen handling materials
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control supplies
Electronic health record (EHR) systems and public health surveillance databases
Computers, tablets, cell phones, and standard office equipment