Associate Public Health Nurse PT; Communicable Disease

Overview

This position is classified as Public Health Nurse I by the North Carolina Division of Public Health. The Associate Public Health Nurse PT, under general supervision, provides primary and preventive professional nursing work to individuals and families served by Union County Division of Public Health programs. Independently demonstrates and implements techniques of professional nursing work through counseling, educating, and administering care and treatment for the promotion of health, prevention of disease and protection of the health of the public.

Work is performed in accordance with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act, North Carolina Pharmacy Act, North Carolina Public Health Nurse dispensing rules, agency regulations, program policies, provider orders and evidence-based public health nursing practice. Work is accomplished through clinic assignments, home visits, or contact with community providers and agencies. Employee must have strong understanding of public health concepts, nursing theory and practice.

Employee must utilize critical thinking skills while ensuring orders, policies and procedures are followed. Public Health is responsible for preparedness activities in the event of a natural disaster, disease outbreak and other threats to the health of the public. Employees in this classification participate in preparedness response activities which may include mass vaccination clinics, sheltering, dispensing medications from the Strategic National Stockpile and/or other needed response activities as directed.

Provides clinical support, on rotation, for Triage, Maternal Health, Family Planning, High-Risk Maternity, Child Health, Immunizations as applicable.

• Completes comprehensive assessments/screenings as indicated by program guidelines and client s needs. Provides appropriate follow-up based on findings.
• Adapts Public Health Nursing care to individuals, families, and groups based on cultural needs and differences.
• Demonstrates cultural competency while communicating with internal and external customers.
• 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 and North Carolina Vaccine for Children law.
• Completes home-visits as assigned with appropriate assessment, education, referral and follow-up for the type of visit completed.
• Provides client education/information based on health literacy level.
• Serves as a client advocate with community providers and agencies.
• Maintains medical records per EHR Policy. Follows all departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates in UCDPH emergency response activities as needed.
• Participates in community outreach events and department strategic planning as assigned.
• Takes an active role in quality assurance and quality improvement activities as assigned.
• Follows OSHA and HIPAA policies, standards and guidelines.
• Complies with North Carolina Nurse Practice Act and Department policies and procedures. Incorporates ethical standards into all aspects of Public Health Nursing practice.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Education and Experience: Graduation from a school of professional nursing.
• Licenses or
  
  Certifications:
  
  Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Certified in Basic Life Support (CPR). 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.
• Special Requirements: Individuals employed in a local Health Department without a BSN Degree which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation or a master’s in public health, are required to successfully complete the North Carolina Credentialed Public Health course within eighteen (18) months employment as a condition of continued employment to meet requirement described in administrative code 10A NCAC 46. 0301.
• In order to perform work in this role, within thirty (30) days of employment you must provide immunization records, provide proof of immunity, or receive/start the required…