Public Health Nurse

The work involves responsibility for performing public health nursing activities including planning, providing, directing and evaluating nursing care for individuals and families. The incumbent is responsible for initial implementation of nursing care plans and providing nursing care in accordance with the policies and regulations of the agency. The employee is also responsible for periodic reevaluation of individual and family nursing needs.

Supervision is usually received from a nursing supervisor but may be provided by other administrative staff depending on the program to which assigned. Clinical supervision must be provided at the direction of nursing administration. Supervision is exercised over nursing personnel, paraprofessional and other health care staff assigned to carry out nursing care plans. Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner.

Does related work as required.

Plans and provides nursing care and prescribed treatments to individuals and families in a variety of settings including homes, clinics, schools and community agencies and demonstrates nursing care to individuals and families.

Conducts home visits which includes reviewing referral information, interviewing client, and conducting physical assessments to determine clients’ needs.

Coordinates plans for service with nutritionists, social workers, paraprofessionals, physicians and other professional workers involved with individual and family health care needs.

Educates and guides individuals and families towards self-sufficiency in recognizing and solving physical, emotional and environmental health problems.

Provides for the continuity of care by promoting referral of individuals and their families to appropriate community or human service agencies.

Compiles and collates data, records and statistical information for the evaluation and planning of the assigned programs.

Participates in the conduct of surveys and studies related to public health.

Participates in community planning for health care and nursing issues.

Provides educational programs to groups; may offer class presentations.

May lead and evaluate the effectiveness of a team of professionals, including peers and subordinates, in providing nursing service.

Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.

Thorough knowledge of current public health nursing practice.

Working knowledge of socioeconomic problems and their relation to illness and disability.

Working knowledge of the organization and services provided by other units of the Health Department, community health facilities, social service organizations, other government service providers, community groups, et al.

Skill in the application of nursing procedures and techniques of patient care.

Ability to plan and coordinate nursing care plans for individuals and families.

Ability to supervise nursing personnel assigned to assist with nursing care plan.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other health care and community organizations, physicians and other professionals.

Ability to perform duties in accordance with the American Nurses Association Code for Professional Nurses.

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

• Possession of a license and current registration to practice as a registered professional nurse in New York State.

Minimum qualifications derived from Part 11 of the State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR).