Staff Nurse

Under the immediate supervision of the Public Health Head Nurse, Staff Nurse Supervisor, or designee, the Staff Nurse I is a Registered Nurse who performs professional nursing work involving the delivery of public health nursing services in designated areas within the department. An employee in this class is responsible for assessing patient and client needs, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering prescribed treatments and medications, providing health education, monitoring patient progress, and maintaining accurate health records.

Provides direct patient care utilizing the nursing process, including assessment, planning, implementation, intervention, and evaluation to promote, maintain, and restore health.

Conducts comprehensive nursing assessments and documents findings to identify actual and potential health care needs.

Develops, implements, and updates individualized nursing care plans based on patient needs, nursing diagnoses, physician orders, and established standards of care.

Administers prescribed medications, treatments, and therapeutic procedures in accordance with accepted nursing practices, physician orders, and established policies and procedures.

Observes, assesses, records, and reports on patient responses to medications, treatments, and changes in physical, emotional, and psychosocial status.

Provides health education, counseling, and guidance to patients, families, and caregivers regarding disease prevention, treatment plans, medications, and health maintenance.

Collaborate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to coordinate and evaluate patient care and ensure continuity of services.

Maintains accurate, timely, and confidential patient records, nursing notes, reports, and other required documentation in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and departmental policies.

Identifies actual or potential health and safety hazards within the patient care environment and initiates appropriate corrective action.

Applies clinical judgment and established nursing standards in responding to patient needs, emergencies, and changes in patient condition.

Assists in the orientation, instruction, and support of nursing personnel, students, and other healthcare staff as assigned.

Participates in quality improvement activities, staff development programs, continuing education, and other professional activities to maintain and enhance nursing competency.

Ensures compliance with infection prevention and control practices, patient safety standards, and applicable nursing laws, regulations, and professional standards.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited professional nursing program that prepares graduates for registered nursing practice and eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse.

• Knowledge of professional nursing principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of current nursing standards, procedures, and evidence-based practices applicable to assigned patient care areas.
• Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and disease processes.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control principles and patient safety practices.
• Knowledge of healthcare laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards governing nursing practice.
• Knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education principles.
• Skill in applying professional nursing practices in the delivery of patient care.
• Skill in assessing, monitoring, and evaluating patient health status and responses to treatment.
• Skill in administering medications and treatments safely and accurately.
• Skill in maintaining patient records, care plans, reports, and other required documentation.
• Skill in interviewing, observing, recording, and reporting patient conditions and changes in health status.
• Ability to assess patient needs and develop appropriate nursing interventions.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment in the delivery of patient care.
• Ability to identify actual or potential health and safety hazards and take appropriate action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, healthcare providers, and employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to provide health education and guidance to patients and their families.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and adhere to established policies and procedures.
• Ability to recognize the limitations of one's knowledge and abilities and seek assistance when necessary.
• Ability to adapt to changing patient needs and acquire knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to maintain professional competency.

Work is assigned by the Public Health Head Nurse or designee through patient assignments, established nursing policies and procedures, physician orders, and program priorities that define objectives, deadlines, and performance expectations. The employee independently…