Public Health Nurse

Job Description:

Public Health Nurse I: Under the supervision of the Community Health Improvement Manager or Supervisor (PHN III), uses the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, coordinate, deliver and evaluate public health nursing services in the assigned geographic area. Provides services to individuals, families, groups and communities with health needs ranging from simple to complex but focused on the promotion of optimum wellness and disease prevention. Serves as the team leader for the DSHS staff in the community. Coordinates the day-to-day operations of population-based services and direct clinic services to include meeting program directives and Title V Maternal Child Health performance measures. Responds to a variety of state or regional emergencies, including disease outbreaks and pandemics, hurricanes, tornados and other natural or man-made disasters. Works with general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

During public health emergencies, including pandemic responses such as COVID-19, all PHR 8 employees are expected to provide related public health or emergency response services. This may include response, recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities. This participation may require a change in shift, location and/or supervisor.  

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
POPULATION BASED SERVICES (45%): Provides essential public health services to assigned communities. Participates in community assessments. Identifies health needs. Plans and implements strategies. Evaluates outcomes in conjunction with community stakeholders/partners and regional work plans. Develops, implements, and evaluates community health education programs and materials as well as action plans to meet selected Title V Maternal Child Health (MCH) performance measures. Establishes and maintains communication and partnerships with stakeholders including local/county officials, community leaders, other agencies, groups, health care providers, schools and the general public. Provides consultation, training and technical assistance to health care providers, academia, and the community. Represents DSHS on local coalitions/collaboratives. Participates in local planning for community preparedness.

DIRECT CARE SERVICES (30%): Provides specialized and comprehensive public health nursing services in the field office, home or community. Uses components of the nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the physical, emotional and psychosocial health status of clients, families and communities. Provides individualized care according to policy, procedure, program standards, physician orders and standing delegation orders. Participates in the development and revision of policies, procedures, and standing delegation orders. Develops and monitors individualized plans of care, which may include lab testing, counseling, home visits, administering medications and vaccines, education, case management, referrals and follow-up. Performs disease intervention, surveillance and prevention functions for TB, HIV, STDs, perinatal hepatitis B and immunizations, including administering vaccines. Applies epidemiological principles and methods to assess, prevent, and control disease and promote health.

COORDINATION AND TEAM LEADERSHIP (15%): Participates in the evaluation of nursing services; training/orientation of staff; interpreting program operations, policies and procedures; and writing and monitoring annual clinic and MCH goals. Coordinates schedules. Assigns and delegates work to assure that services are provided. Manages clinical resources and supplies. Conducts and documents quality assurance monitoring activities to include review of medical records and clinic operations. Makes recommendations for improvement based on findings. Prepares and maintains program, statistical and special reports as assigned. Participates in interdisciplinary teams to plan, develop and assess patient care and population-based services. Serves as the team leader for the Community Health Improvement staff in the field office. Provides significant input to the Manager in the development, review and updating of job descriptions and participates in the screening and selection process. Orients, trains and monitors the performance of the field office staff. Makes recommendations regarding discipline and reward. Provides guidance to staff, collects data, and provides input to the manager/supervisor regarding staff performance for evaluations.

OTHER DUTIES (10%): During public health emergencies, including pandemic responses such as COVID-19, all PHR 8 employees are expected to provide related public health or emergency response services, which may include response, recovery, or Continiuity of Operations (COOP) activities. Participation may require an alternate schedule, location, and/or supervisor. Safe operation of a state-owned, personal or rental vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained. Complies with the Department of State Health Services Immunization Policy.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed to practice nursing as a Registered Nurse in Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Texas Class C Driver License or equivalent from another state

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification)  

If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, employee must possess a current valid driver's license for the appropriate type of vehicle. Employees/applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license and proof of insurance prior to beginning employment

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing process and the legal framework of nursing including the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners' rules and regulations, the Nurse Practice Act and medical standing delegation orders.
Knowledge of pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations.
Knowledge of public health principles and practice, epidemiology, disease prevention and health promotion.
Knowledge of teaching and learning theories.
Knowledge of cultural, social and economic forces in families and communities.
Knowledge of principles of quality assurance.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of the use of health assessment tools.
Skill in developing and providing individual and group education or training.
Skill in the assessment of clients, including communities, with complex health problems.
Skill in providing direct nursing care to individuals, families and communities.
Skill in basic computer use including data input, word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail and internet.
Ability to problem solve, prioritize, plan and execute work using supervisory and consultation resources as needed.
Ability to identify and interpret laws, regulations and policies related to specific programs that protect health and inform communities about these policies.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal formats.
Ability to function as a team member.
Ability to initiate and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with the public, local officials, various levels of health care professionals and local agency personnel.
Ability to travel.
Ability to meet agency employee immunization requirements.
Ability to meet physical demands of the job functions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience working in a health setting, or a public or community health clinic.

Experience providing group or individual education, especially in a public health setting.

Experience administering injection, drawing blood and screening clients.