Public Health Nurse; Child Health

General Statement

This position is classified as Public Health Nurse II by the North Carolina Division of Public Health.

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 Public Health Department 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 a designated program.

Assists in data collection and reviews 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.

• Functions as a back‑up nurse in assigned program.
• Makes short‑range plans and adjusts to meet the needs of the program and clients.
• Takes lead role in coordinating and planning referrals and resources for clients.
• Provides community outreach, functioning independently outside of the department.
• Works with program lead in program development and development of community partnerships.
• Takes active role in quality assurance and quality improvement activities as assigned.
• Co‑coordinates and/or oversees specific operations related to preparedness response drills and activities including disaster sheltering.
• Obtains client assessment, including family history, medical history, interval history, nutritional history, psychosocial history, health literacy, and current status.
• Performs testing and completes procedural processes per program requirements/needs.
• Manages sub‑group programs i.e. Newborn Screens, Lead, and/or as assigned.
• Assesses clients' needs for services and/or follow‑up based on department standing orders, policies and procedures.
• Adapts Public Health Nursing care to individuals, families and groups based on cultural needs and differences.
• Is mindful of cultural considerations while communicating with clients.
• Dispenses medications according to the North Carolina Pharmacy Act / North Carolina Public Health Nurse dispensing rules.
• Administers vaccines according to department standing orders, policy and procedures.
• Maintains medical records per EHR Policy.
• Follows all departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates in community outreach events and department strategic planning as assigned.
• Participates in UCDPH emergency response activities as needed.
• Follows OSHA and HIPAA policy, standards and guidelines.
• Complies with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Completes orientation and assumes program lead for one or more of the following programs:
Lead, Sickle Cell, Abnormal Newborn Screenings, Records and Referral, SIDS, Foster Child Care Coordination and/or Immunization Benchmark.

Graduation from a school of professional nursing and have one (1) year of full‑time work experience as a registered nurse.

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

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