Licensed Vocational Nurse III; A262933-1 Public Health Services

Position: Licensed Vocational Nurse III, (A262933-1), 209, Public Health Services

Performs advanced technical nursing duties and assists with other related nursing duties including phlebotomy. Involved in providing patient care in infectious disease, chronic disease primary care, and provides disease control, prevention and investigation (in such areas as immunization, epidemiology, tuberculosis control), counsels on disease management, refers patient to medical home. Performs work under the administrative supervision of a licensed physician and/or the immediate supervision of a Texas Registered Nurse and/or program manager.

ESSENTIAL

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Conducts early detection screening services, including phlebotomy.
• Supervises, plans, schedules, and assigns work to subordinates; instructs and trains in correct methods and procedures.
• Provides administrative, program and advanced clinical support in patient care, clinical services, preventive health disease control on epidemiology.
• Monitors program performance utilizing objectives and productivity as guidelines and assists program registered nurses with case management.
• Assists medical and clinical personnel, obtains health histories and other pertinent information, may take blood pressures, heights, and weights; fills out lab slip and instructs patients on collection of specimens or clinical care services.
• Provides patient education and instruction using appropriate tools and literature that are culturally appropriate.
• Provides specific clinical and program nursing support and preventive measures, such as: administers PPDs and other therapeutic injections as ordered by physician; gives initial prescription and refills prescriptions as indicated and instructs patient or parent accordingly; assists the physician during clinics, completes records, and keeps CSAs (Community Service Aide) informed with information regarding patient follow up.
• May administer vaccines as appropriate for both children and adults and provides instruction and planning on vaccine preventable disease control; conducts surveillance and disease investigation as per program guidelines.
• Provides counseling and education for disease management (diabetics, hypertension, TB concern).
• Supports specific service such as preventable disease control, primary care, and immunization services.
• Serves as a team leader for program and staff. May act as Program Supervisor in the absence of RN, Nurse Supervisor or when vacancy occurs.
• Performs high skilled program judgment, provides training and follow up to assure compliance.
• May assist in developing and implementing quality assurance programs.
• May assist in developing in-service training and educational programs.
• Screens patients as per program guidelines for any symptoms of Tuberculosis; screen patients for drug compliance and administration.
• Assists or fully functions in the tuberculosis elimination services, and preventive health services.
• May perform outreach activities by traveling to surrounding areas of community; screens patients and provides educational and referrals to other programs according to their health risks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES Knowledge of

• Knowledge of disease prevention and early detection.
• Knowledge of infection control, disease prevention, and chronic disease primary care.
• Knowledge of modern nursing practices, procedures, and techniques.
• Knowledge of nursing assessment techniques and triage and screening services.
• Knowledge in epidemiology.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to follow regulations, procedures, policies, and proper protocol of local and state health department.
• Ability to work with patients of all ages and the public tactfully and courteously.
• Ability to plan, direct, supervise, train, and coordinate the work of subordinates.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Effort Requirements

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise…