Siouxland District Health Public Health Nurse (BSN)

Summary

Public Health Nurses provide services to individuals, families and population groups.  Nursing actions are directed toward the goals of prevention, assessment, risk reduction and health status improvement for individuals, families and communities.  Nursing activities include, but are not limited to, systematic analysis of health data, care plan development, health education and advocacy, coalition building and collaborating with community partners to promote the health of a population.  Public Health Nurses often collaborate and consult within multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams to achieve desirable outcomes for families and communities.  Public Health Nursing interventions occur at individual, family, community and system levels depending upon the responsibilities of the position and the issues involved.

Essential Functions

• Perform comprehensive individual and family assessments:  health history; physical; growth monitoring; developmental; psychosocial; basic needs including food, housing, income, resources and supports; and access to health care.
•  Develop, implement and evaluate individualized plans of care based on assessment of client/family needs.
•  Use established medical record forms, databases and documentation practices.
•  Provide care coordination, referral and follow-up to individuals and families who are members of a vulnerable population and/or high-risk groups.  Evaluate outcomes, effectiveness of plan and make changes as necessary.
•  Advocate on behalf of vulnerable individuals and populations by assessing and evaluating health care services to ensure that individuals are informed of available health department and community programs and services and are assisted in accessing those services.
•  Provide education, counseling and anticipatory guidance to individuals, families and community groups that are adapted to their age, developmental status, disability, unique needs, lifestyle, cultural and socio-economic situation which promote health and prevent disease.
•  Read and interpret lab reports and perform a variety of related procedures in a clinic, home and community setting.
•  Serve on internal and external committees providing information about public health services and participate in the assessment of community needs to establish or revise public health programs, policies and procedures.
•  Recognize and report potential legal or physical hazards.
•  Collect data, complete required programmatic documentation and develop reports following program/funder/agency requirements in a timely manner.
•  Educate clients and families on their rights as related to privacy of medical information.
•  Assist with reviewing, updating and researching policies and procedures.
•  Provide reproductive health education to include family planning options, community reproductive health services, birth control options, including emergency contraception services.
•  Administer vaccinations, TB tests and medications and follow medication/vaccine administration rights and protocols.  (Right client, Right Medication/Vaccine, Right Route, Right Time and Right Dose).  
• Educate clients on potential side effects and monitor for adverse reactions.
•  Monitor vaccine storage and handling to assure maintenance of vaccine cold chain storage process following established procedures and processes.
•  Investigate and monitor reports of communicable diseases.  Coordinate efforts with physicians, school personnel and others regarding spread and treatment of diseases. 
• Provide health care services, education and information to clients in compliance with related public health laws.  
• Use public health surveillance/disease investigation methods in community outreach, screening and case finding of communicable and infectious diseases.
•  Assume responsibility for own professional practice, growth and development by participating in continuing educational opportunities, pursuing additional education, attending conferences, participation in professional organizations, workgroups or agency committees.
•  Contribute to a work environment that fosters ongoing educational experiences regarding public health practice for colleagues, other health-related students, healthcare professionals and members of the community.
•  Adhere to applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, such as those concerning bloodborne pathogens, airborne pathogens, communicable diseases or exposure to other hazards during routine assignments or during public health emergencies.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Education, Experience and Special Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited school of nursing, including coursework in public health/community health required.
•  Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa.
•  Minimum of two years of experience in general nursing is required.  Experience in maternal/child health, public health, office/clinic setting and/or home health is encouraged.
•  Mandatory Child and Adult Abuse Reporter Certificate or be willing to obtain.

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• CPR Certification required or be willing to attend training.
•  Must have valid driver's license, reliable transportation and ability to obtain car insurance at agency-specified liability level.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills and Personal Characteristics:

• Knowledge of applicable state professional nursing practice act and other state/federal laws or regulations related to the practice of public health nursing.
•  Knowledge of health care technology, equipment, supplies and materials needed for service provision.
•  Ability to apply nursing process to clients, families and the community in a public health setting.
•  Ability to independently draw blood samples and administer injections.
•  Ability to provide services in unstable and challenging family settings and high risk neighborhoods.
•  Ability to demonstrate and apply critical thinking processes (identifying a problem, determine the best solution and choose the most effective method of reaching that solution).
•  Knowledge of community resources and basic information in health and human services.
•  Knowledge of current professional practice and research findings.
•  Knowledge of the core functions and essential services of public health as they relate to current public health nursing principles and processes.
•  Knowledge of human systems (wellness, illness, growth and development, basic nutrition, human behavior, psychosocial development, family and community systems).
•  Knowledge of prescribed treatments and medical interventions; ability to effectively monitor and document the treatment progress and response; ability to refer to appropriate providers as indicated.
•  Knowledge of chart documentation requirements, medical record forms, state/federal laws that govern release of health care information and patient consent for services.
•  Knowledge of population-based health status indicators, determinants of health and illness, factors contributing to health promotion and disease prevention and factors influencing the use of health services.
•  Knowledge of relevant OSHA standards.
•  Knowledge of health care systems structure and function; ability to make appropriate client referrals based upon patient need, program guidelines and community resources.
•  Knowledge of current epidemiological data analysis and surveillance methods used in the management of communicable and infectious disease.
•  Knowledge of Iowa State law relating to professional nursing practice and the American Nurses Association Scope of Practice for Public Health Nursing.
•  Knowledge of current recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for vaccination of infants, children and adults.
•  Ability to be open to reflective practice.  (Awareness for introspection, communicates awareness of self in relation to others and recognizes value to supervision.)
•  Ability to assist with required data collection, monitoring for completion and accuracy, data analysis and reporting by funder, including programmatic reports.

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses

A completed application form, copy of current Registered Nurse Licensure and transcripts are required. 

Deadline for receipt of applications shall be: 4:30 p.m., November 19, 2024 or until filled 

Woodbury County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.