Public Health Nurse - Maternal Health

General Statement

The Public Health Nurse, under general supervision, provides advanced level of primary and preventive professional nursing work to individuals and families served by Union County Division of programs. Independently demonstrates and implements techniques of professional nursing work and counsel for promotion of health, prevention of disease and protection of the health of the public.

Serves as team lead for a sub-group within a larger project and/or serves as lead nurse in designated program. Assist in data collection and review associated with clinics and projects. Work is performed in accordance with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act, agency regulations, program policies, provider orders and evidence-based public health nursing practice.

Work is accomplished through clinic assignments, home visits, project assignments or contact with community providers and agencies. Employee must have strong understanding of public health concepts, nursing theory and practice. Employee must apply critical thinking skills ensuring orders, policies and procedures are followed. Interprets and implements public health laws, regulations and policies related to specific programs as they affect individuals, families and population systems.

Public Health is responsible for preparedness activities in the event of a natural disaster, disease outbreaks and other threats to the health of the public. Individuals in this role will be required to participate in preparedness response activities which may include mass vaccination clinics, sheltering and or dispensing medications from the Strategic National Stockpile.

Essential Functions

POSITION SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:

Maternal Health

Provides patient care in clinic and follows all standing orders, policies, and the current Agreement Addenda guidelines.

Documents all interactions with patients.

Adjusts lunch breaks to ensure at least one maternity nurse is present while patients are still in Maternal Health for appointments.

Serves as liaison between clinic and local hospitals to coordinate referrals and care of patients.

Ensures clinic rooms remain stocked with supplies, equipment, and educational materials.

Processes results of ultrasounds and lab tests and notifies provider of any abnormal results.

Maintains NST certification. Provides coverage in triage as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and two (2) years of Public Health nursing experience; Master's in Public Health and graduation from a school of professional nursing and two (2) years of professional nursing experience; or Graduation from a school of professional nursing and three (3) years of professional nursing experience including two (2) years of Public Health nursing experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Basic Life Support

• CPR

Special Requirements:

Individuals employed in a local Health Department without aBSNDegree which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation or a Master's in Public Health, will be required to successfully complete the "Introduction to Public Health Nursing" course within one year of employment as a condition of continued employment in accordance with Health Services Commission Rule.

Completion of didactic and on the job supervision phase of expanded role specialty to program which assigned, as applicable.

In order to perform work in this role, within (30) thirty days of employment you must provide immunization records, provide proof of immunity, or receive/start the required vaccination series, as applicable, along with complying with any necessary screenings, as required by the Union County Division of Public Health and its Healthcare Personnel Immunization and Tuberculosis Screening Policy, in accordance with applicable law.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

B.S. in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and two (2) years of Public Health nursing experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Basic Life Support

• CPR

Special Requirements:

Individuals employed in a local Health Department without aBSNDegree which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation or a Master's in Public Health, will be required to successfully complete the "Introduction to Public Health Nursing" course within one year of employment as a condition of continued employment in accordance with Health Services Commission Rule.

Completion of didactic and on the job supervision phase of expanded role specialty to program which assigned, as applicable.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be physically able to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions including computers, stethoscope, hemostat, portable scales, emergency cart, telephones, etc. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.