Public Health Nurse

Overview

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE - HEALTH

General Statement Of

Duties And Responsibilities:

The purpose of this position is to perform professional nursing work administering various public health programs relating to promoting and protecting the health of residents.

Works under the general direction of the Health Director and Supervising Public Health Nurse. Performs responsible nursing functions which require the exercise of independent judgment as well as in the interpretation and application of public health and emergency management practices, laws and regulations to frequently changing conditions, threats and public health problems within limits set by the Department.

• Provide case management for patients with communicable diseases and their contacts; including testing; education and referral of services to control spread of communicable illness
• Plans, implements and coordinates medical, nursing, outreach and social service systems for those suspected and confirmed cases of communicable disease including starting and completing appropriate and effective treatment. Includes contact at various locations including home visits
• Develops plans of care and evaluates on an ongoing basis
• Maintains local communicable disease surveillance system through follow up of disease reports and investigation, enforcement of isolation and quarantine regulations and control of outbreaks
• Prepares reports to Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Maintains tracking system of those contacted, treated and manages and provides follow up as needed
• Provides training and consultation to individuals and practitioners such as residents, school nurses, physician and day care staff
• Plans, implements and evaluates immunization clinics, orders and maintains supplies and administration of vaccines
• Reviews permanent public health records and statistical information on mortality and morbidity to assess community needs
• Participates in local emergency planning committee, working with other departments for emergency planning
• Participates in education and trainings to maintain licensure and certifications
• Inspects camps in collaboration with Health Inspector
• Coordinates childhood wellness program, develops brochures, markets the program
• Coordinates as necessary with state agencies on a variety of initiatives and programs
• Maintains records in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), and coordination of billing of administration of vaccinations.
• Such other related duties as required.

Errors, such as failure to use proper medical and nursing techniques, could cause delay or loss of service, personal injury, injury to others and possible legal repercussions for the City, self and/or professional licensure.

• Graduation from an accredited registered nursing program. Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, plus six months’ experience in community or public health nursing required, and two years additional nursing experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Licensure in the Commonwealth of MA as a Registered Nurse
• Basic Life Support CPR Certification
• Possession of Valid Class D driver’s license

• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and use computer software to create reports, notices, publications, or other necessary paperwork
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to nursing and public health practice; knowledge of communicable diseases, epidemiology and related medical procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Ability to complete work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines
• Ability to follow departmental rules, regulations, policies & practices
• Ability to enforce and interpret regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially; ability to plan and organize clinics and recognize potential disease trends
• Assists with answering telephones, questions, and…