Public Health Nurse

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.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Provide case management for patients with communicable diseases and their contacts; including testing; education and referral of services to control spread of communicable illness
• Plan, implement and coordinate medical, nursing, outreach and social service systems for suspected and confirmed cases of communicable disease including starting and completing appropriate and effective treatment. Includes contact at various locations including home visits
• Develop plans of care and evaluate on an ongoing basis
• Maintain local communicable disease surveillance system through follow‑up of disease reports and investigation, enforcement of isolation and quarantine regulations and control of outbreaks
• Prepare reports to Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Maintain tracking system of those contacted, treated and manage and provide follow up as needed
• Provide training and consultation to individuals and practitioners such as residents, school nurses, physicians and day‑care staff
• Plan, implement and evaluate immunization clinics, order and maintain supplies and administer vaccines
• Review permanent public health records and statistical information on mortality and morbidity to assess community needs
• Participate in local emergency planning committee, working with other departments for emergency planning
• Participate in education and training to maintain licensure and certifications
• Inspect camps in collaboration with Health Inspector
• Coordinate childhood wellness program, develop brochures, market the program
• Coordinate as necessary with state agencies on a variety of initiatives and programs
• Maintain records in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) and coordinate 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 as needed in performance of duties such as computer, calculator, copiers, fax machine and multi‑line telephone system. Working knowledge of computers and software applications, including those specific to department to create reports, notices, publications, or other necessary paperwork.
• Knowledge of the federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to current scope and standards of nursing and public health practice. Thorough knowledge of approved methods and equipment used in providing community health services. Thorough knowledge of communicable diseases, epidemiology and…