Public Health Nurse I/Ii

Summary

Public Health is currently recruiting to fill several full-time, regular help nursing positions in multiple locations as follows:

1. Nurse-Family Partnership (Two Vacancies - One in Butte County and One in Glenn County). Nurse will perform home visits for pregnant women and their infants until two years of age. Fluent Spanish-speaking ability is highly desirable. Experience in perinatal or pediatric nursing is highly desirable.

2. Foster Care (Two Vacancies in Oroville): Nurse will perform case management services for children and youth in the Child Welfare system.

3. Options for Recovery (One Vacancy in Chico): Nurse will perform home visits for infants and children zero to five years of age in a specialized Foster Care program throughout Butte, Glenn and Tehama Counties.

4. Adult Protective Services (Oroville): Nurse will perform home visits and create care plans for at-risk adults. New baccalaureate nursing graduates are welcome to apply for PHN I position but must receive RN License and PHN Certificate within 6 months of hire.

This recruitment is for Level I, and Level II.The salary rage for level I is $2573.60 -$3449.60 biweekly ($32.17 -$43.12 per hour).The salary range for level II is $2843.20 - $3,810.40 biweekly ($35.54- $47.63 per hour).

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision (Public Health Nurse I) or direction (Public Health Nurse II), performs a variety of nursing care services in the examination and treatment of clients in various settings including health assessments, case management, care coordination, counseling and referral services, and education to high risk and special populations for the prevention and mitigation of diseases and adverse health conditions; coordinates client care and community services to support the goals of the Public Health Department; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Public Health Nurse I) or direction (Public Health Nurse II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Public Health Nurse I:

This is the entry-level classification in the Public Health Nurse series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine nursing care services. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Public Health Nurse II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Public Health Nurse II:

This is the journey-level classification in the Public Health Nurse series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Health Nurse I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Public Health Nurse I/II class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

This class is distinguished from the Public Health Nurse III in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, including program and contractor oversight.

Essential Job Functions

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typicalfunctions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, 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. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Performs a variety of nursing and coordinative duties in the provision of public health services to special populations and high risk, high acuity clients and their families to enhance the health and safety of the community; to treat and prevent the spread of communicable diseases; addresses prenatal, child, and adolescent health care concerns; and provides resources for healthy living choices for the populations served.

• Conducts comprehensive physical, psycho-social, and developmental assessments, performs diagnostic testing, reviews and interprets laboratory findings, and provides treatment and intervention pursuant to standardized procedures and protocols in a clinical, home, office, community or other setting.

• Performs in-home visits to assess the health of clients and their families; identifies behaviors and lifestyle choices that place clients at risk for disease or adverse health conditions.

• Provides case management and care coordination services to clients to aid in the development and maintenance of healthy living choices; sources private, public, and community health and social services agencies for the provision of services based on client needs and acuity such as prenatal and postpartum care, addiction recovery, and communicable disease treatment and prevention; works with clients who have co-existing conditions which require the coordination of care from multiple service providers.

• Follows up on treatment recommendations with clients and other involved agencies to ensure effective care and to provide guidance to clients and their families.

• Provides counseling and guidance to clients who have contracted a communicable disease; records communicable disease occurrences as mandated; explains doctor instructions and recommendations to clients and their families including isolation and preventive techniques.

• Develops comprehensive nursing care plans, acts as a client liaison and advocate to medical and other community resources; educates and counsels individuals, families, and groups regarding specific diseases or health conditions as well as health maintenance, promotion, and rehabilitation.

• Provides preventive healthcare such as well-patient clinics, vaccinations, and prenatal and postpartum nursing care; performs selected diagnostic tests using standardized procedures; gives prescribed treatments; assists physicians in outpatient clinics; acts as telephone advice nurse.

• Reviews, evaluates, and prioritizes incoming communicable disease reporting data and additional information on cases of infectious diseases to determine the health risks of clients and the community; may investigate the most difficult and sensitive communicable disease cases; assists in the development of methods to prevent, control, and treat communicable diseases.

• Determines medical eligibility for the California Children's Services (CCS) program; initiates case management services; processes requests for services and equipment; assists in estimating cost of medical care; makes case closure determinations and determines appropriate Notice of Action responses.

• Works with other providers and community partners to coordinate care for individuals or groups with infectious diseases.

• Develops and conducts educational and outreach activities for community, professional, and educational groups on selected public health concerns, best practices, and early detection and prevention techniques.

• Evaluates and addresses the health needs of special populations including the elderly, recent immigrants, and other cultural and socioeconomic groups; assesses cultural and linguistic differences and coordinates language interpretation services as needed.

• Serves on interdisciplinary committees and task forces as a public health advisor and subject matter expert; acts as a public health consultant to community groups and participates on a variety of health planning and educational committees.

• Assists with training, orientation, oversight and evaluation of precepting nursing students.

• Updates and maintains a variety of client charts, files, and other records; prepares a variety of periodic and special reports as required.

• Receives and responds appropriately to client complaints and concerns.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operations and services of comprehensive public health nursing programs.

• Principles, practices, and current trends of public health nursing, including population-based nursing practices in high risk and high acuity populations.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances including the California Nursing Practice Act.

• Demographic, biostatistical, and data collection methods utilized in evaluating public health needs and problems.

• Major health concerns and risk factors of the populations served.

• Principles and practices of public health case management and coordinative care.

• Principles, practices, and techniques used to assess the physical, behavioral, and developmental health of children and adults.

• Principles and practices of prenatal and postpartum healthcare.

• Methods and techniques of conducting interviews to extract information relevant to patients' health.

• Safe medication practices.

• Common medical terminologies.

• Community health resources and government funded public health and social service program offerings.

• Principles and practices of communicable disease prevention, transmission, diagnoses and treatment.

• Principles, practices, and techniques of developing and delivering public health education and outreach in a variety of formats.

• Pathophysiology of the major causes of illness and disease.

• The role of proper nutrition in developing and maintaining good health in children, adults, and the elderly.

• Principles and practices of medical record keeping, including client confidentiality.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Manage and prioritize the provision of public health nursing intervention to individuals, families, communities, and at-risk populations.

• Provide specialized healthcare case management to diverse pediatric and adult populations with varying levels of acuity.

• Identify risk factors for disease and other adverse health conditions and develop comprehensive health plans for mitigation and prevention.

• Perform focused physical assessments, apply selected diagnostic screening, and develop effective interventions.

• Apply the principles of epidemiology to a broad range of social, health, and wellness concerns.

• Identify community health needs through analysis of epidemiological data and information.

• Coordinate services across a broad range of disciplinary practices for patients with multiple risk factors for adverse health conditions.

• Manage a caseload and establish priorities for case management, treatment and referral.

• Perform nursing assessments and selected diagnostic tests and give prescribed treatments.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Nursing; and

Public Health Nurse I: None.

Public Health Nurse II: One (1) year of professional experience in public health nursing or community setting equivalent to the Public Health Nurse I-level.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Public Health Nurse I: Applicants who have recently graduated from a Baccalaureate Nursing program, and have not taken the NCLEX-RN may apply using a California Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) interim permit (IP). The IP will also serve until they receive their Public Health Certificate. Theinterim permit is not renewable and is in effect to the expiration date (6 months after issuance) or until the results of the examination are mailed, at which time it becomes null and void. Continued employment is dependent on receiving a passing score on the NCLEX-RN.

• Public Health Nurse II: Possess and maintain a valid license as a Registered Nurse and a valid Public Health Nurse certificate issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

• Possess and maintain valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting, or clinical setting, and use standard office equipment, including a computer and medical equipment; standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; travel to various clinical, community, and home settings may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.

• Vision to assess emergency situations, including medical incidents and to read printed material and a computer screen.

• Hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.

• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office and medical equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions.

• Incumbents may be exposed to blood and bodily fluids in the performance of their assigned duties.

• Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, county car, lab supplies, scale, and other medical and laboratory equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.