Public Health Nurse II

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description

Functions under the Community Health Services Program with direct supervision by the PHR 6/5S Nurse III manager under the general direction of standing delegation orders of the Regional Medical Director. Performs clinical nurse duties in the absence of and in support of assigned clinical nurses which includes daily/weekly travel to DSHS clinics in PHR 6/5S rural counties including Austin, Colorado, Liberty, Waller, Walker, Matagorda, and Wharton counties. Utilizes the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, delivering and evaluating population based, specialized public health nursing services in the regional 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. Position will participate in coordinating day to day operations of clinic services and will provide planning/direction when assigned nurse is absent. Requires extensive individual initiative in instituting, monitoring and evaluating projects. Conducts and documents quality assurance monitoring activities, assists in training new nursing staff to include use of electronic medical records data entry system. Assists in developing in-service training and educational programs. Assist in reviewing standing delegation orders (SDOs) annually. Will assist in the coordination and implementation of community health education programs and assist with community preparedness activities. Ability to practice in an autonomous setting. Works with minimal supervision and with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJF’s)

EJF 1: Direct Clinical Services-45% - Provides essential public health nursing services in PHR 6/5S counties without local health departments. Requires daily/weekly travel to rural clinics/field offices in PHR 6/5S in seven counties without local public health departments (Austin, Colorado, Liberty, Waller, Walker, Matagorda, and Wharton counties) to provide specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services to include, but not limited to, child and adult immunizations, tuberculosis case management, and STD treatment. Will serve as backup and support for clinical nurses on staff. Will provide clinical services in offices when assigned nurse is absent. 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. Will coordinate vaccination events as needed.

EJF 2: Coordination & Leadership-40% - Conducts and documents quality assurance monitoring activities to include review of medical records and clinic/team operations. Makes recommendations for improvement based on findings. Assists in training new nursing staff to include use of electronic medical records data entry system. Will assist with annual clinical skill assessments. Assists in developing in-service trainings and educational programs. Prepares/maintains program, statistical, and special reports as assigned. Participates in interdisciplinary teams to plan, develop, and assess appropriateness of patient care. Responsible for inventory and coordination of all clinical resources/supplies. Responsible for coordination and oversight of day-to-day clinic operations when assigned nurse is absent. This may require coordination of clinical schedules and assigning/delegating work to assure the provision of services. Provides guidance to staff, collects data, and provides input and feedback to nurse manager regarding staff performance.

EJF 3: Population Based Services-10% - Provides support to clinical/field-based staff to assist in the implementation of Title V population-based maternal and child health activities and initiatives. Will assist in the coordination and implementation of community health education programs. Required to document and report population-based activities in reporting tools. May represent DSHS on local community 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. Coordinates community outreach and health education presentations, as needed.

EJF 4: Other duties as assigned 5%-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. Will assist with community preparedness activities.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse License Compact. BSN preferred. Required to maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.

Knowledge, Skills and 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, co-workers and local agency personnel.  Ability to travel daily. 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.

Initial Screening Criteria

Must be registered as a Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or in a state covered through the Nurse Licensure Compact. BSN Preferred.

Minimum 3 years performing clinical or hospital nursing or public health population-based work.
 

Additional Information

Must provide own transportation and meet driving policy to include checking driving records. Requires daytime and occasional late afternoon travel to assigned rural counties.  Mileage reimbursed in accordance to state policy. Required to serve as essential personnel in disaster response activities within regional jurisdiction, to include alternate work hours.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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 DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.  

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form