Public Health Nurse II Twp

Public Health Nurse II – Overview

This is a professional nursing position involving the assessment, education, promotion, and maintenance of the physical and psychosocial health of individuals, families, and the public as a whole. Work involves selecting, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic measures essential to the execution of a nursing regimen or prescribed medical regimen, and conferring with other disciplines in the community. The Public Health Nurse II utilizes independent judgment and critical thinking skills to assess and prioritize immediate needs and resolve unpredictable health problems, demonstrating flexibility and a high level of proficiency in professional nursing skills.

• Performs the activities associated with Public Health Nursing by utilizing the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation) to maximize the health status of individuals and families.
• Provides a variety of public health services through direct delivery of nursing duties, including, but not limited to, home visits, clinics, correctional facilities, community and liaison services.
• Develops, implements, reviews, and modifies nursing care plans for individuals and families.
• Directs or conducts clinic service activities according to the policies and procedures of each Public Health program offered through the Department.
• Conducts nursing case conferences with professional and non‑professional personnel within the health center or clinic to ensure the continuity of nursing care.
• Provides education through teaching and counseling to individuals, families, and groups to promote and maintain health.
• Assesses health needs and available resources and recommends necessary health care services.
• Develops collaborative and cooperative relationships with other community agencies and groups engaged in planning and implementation of health services.
• Participates in the follow‑up of individuals and families referred from various health care resources.
• Demonstrates public health nursing practices for affiliate nursing students by providing observational experiences.
• Participates in epidemiological investigations and surveys, health research activities, special studies, and projects.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of electronic systems used by the Department to submit records and reports required for epidemiological and funding purposes.
• Employees may be required to perform additional work that follows prescribed or well‑established procedures that can be learned within a reasonable time by training on the job; detailed instructions will be provided at the beginning of work.
• Ability to make independent judgments in relation to the nursing care of individuals, families, and the public.
• Ability to plan and assess immediate and long‑term health goals of individuals, families, and the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication skills.
• Ability to give, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to acquire new knowledge, skills, and techniques required to stay current in community health nursing practice in compliance with the State Board of Nursing requirement for completion of CEU’s on an annual basis.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to recognize the limitations of one’s capabilities and seek help/guidance when necessary.
• Skill in the application of basic nursing practices and methodology.
• Skill in the application of professional public health nursing practices.
• Skill in the application of nursing techniques in interviewing, observing, recording, and reporting.
• Skill in computer technology at an intermediate level.

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or related health care program.
• One (1) year of public health nursing experience; or
• Three (3) years of recent nursing experience in a healthcare setting where the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of individuals and/or families was practiced on a regular basis.
• Possession of a current license to practice as a registered nurse as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Knowledge of the theories and practices of professional nursing as well as professional community health nursing.
• Knowledge of the purpose and functions of other health care and social organizations in the community.