Community Health Nurse

Community Health Nurse

This 32 hour/week position assesses and educates clients and provides community-based nursing services delivered to individual clients, families, public facilities, and populations with the goal of preventing disease, promoting healthy behaviors, and protecting communities from threats to the health of the public.

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Assesses, evaluates, and manages communicable disease cases and outbreaks; investigates and educates regarding prevention and control in accordance with State mandates and statutes and maintains Kansas disease surveillance documentation.
• Provides leadership in planning, preparing, and responding to Public Health preparedness events, including mass clinics.
• Provides direct client services:
• Assesses, educates, and evaluates client needs (pregnant and postpartum women, infants, reproductive health clients, tuberculosis program clients, general public health clients) via home visits, clinic/office visits, or phone calls.
• Develops nursing care plans and coordinates care.
• Assesses, educates, and evaluates clients regarding acute and chronic health conditions, psychosocial, and environmental needs and refers to appropriate resources.
• Conducts physical examinations, assesses health of infants, children, and adults.
• Completes referrals to physicians and other medical services as needed.
• Organizes, manages, updates, and oversees various Public Health programs as assigned.
• Administers and manages client medication.
• Assists with vaccine storage, handling and inventory management; monitors and records temperatures for vaccine refrigerators/freezers.
• Immunizes clients and provides tuberculosis screening; performs venipuncture and collects lab specimens as indicated.
• Conducts public health investigations, case management, and follow up as needed.
• Prepares, updates, and maintains client records, utilizing various electronic health record systems.
• Assists with health education programs/classes.
• Refers eligible clients to WIC program.
• Collaborates with WIC personnel to ensure quality services for clients.
• Provide initial and on-going nutritional and psychosocial assessments to clients as needed.
• Provide referrals to prenatal, medical and social services as necessary.
• Provide general health education for all Health Department clients, including, but not limited to, pregnancy, breastfeeding, reproductive health, child growth and development, nutrition, alcohol and drug use/abuse, and child abuse and neglect.
• Works with local prenatal care providers to ensure early and adequate prenatal care.
• Reports any vaccine adverse events to VAERS and Assistant Director or Director.
• Provides dental screenings to children and adults.
• Makes referrals to area dentists or other area agencies as needed for dental care.
• Facilitates and participates in community coalitions, and works with community partners to provide collaboration, outreach, and education.
• Participates in quality improvement projects and incorporates quality improvement principles.
• Participates in community health needs assessments and improvement planning.
• Provides surge capacity to Public Health Emergency and Epidemiology for investigative work and community containment in a public health emergency or severe outbreak.

Knowledge of the principles, standards, practices, and techniques of professional and public health nursing.

Knowledge of the inherent dangers and precautions to be taken in using drugs and other medication.

Knowledge of treatment, assessment, immunization, and related medical services for patients in the area of assignment.

Knowledge of local and State rules, regulations, procedures and policies pertaining to nursing services.

Knowledge of regulations to maintain preparedness and public health competencies.

Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the County.

Knowledge of community resources, and alternative care resources.

Knowledge of legal requirements including privacy,…