Public Health Nurse

General Description

Under direction of the Individual and Family Health Services Lead, provide standard public health nursing services to individuals and families at the Bear River Health Department, in homes, in group settings, or off-site clinics..

Minimum Qualifications ( Education and Experience)

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in nursing;

AND

two (2) years post-graduate experience in nursing field.

AND

Must have a current RN license from the State of Utah. Must have a current CPR certification or be able to obtain.

Substitutions:

Additional years of post-graduate experience in nursing field for Bachelor’s Degree. Associates Degree in nursing. Four (4) additional years of experience required.

Minimum Qualifications (Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Must:

• Have considerable knowledge of public health nursing;
• Have common public and community health care resources;
• Understand social and economic factors influencing individual and community health;
• Understand differing cultural, religious and social attitudes about hygiene, family planning, childcare, and health treatment;
• Properly handle contaminated items;
• Handle causes, control, detection, prevention and treatment of common communicable diseases, environmental illnesses, sexually transmitted diseases, and food/water-borne illnesses;
• Be skilled in computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing, and email use;
• Have good written, verbal, and public communication skills;
• Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other agencies, and the community;
• Be able to work well under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work well in team situations, meet deadlines, and be able to work independently on a day-to-day basis.

Special Qualifications

Must:

• Be able to pass a full background check and drug screening;
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid Utah Driver License at the time of employment;
• Be able to provide your own transportation;
• Be able to lift 50 pounds and be able to perform strenuous activities requiring flexibility and stamina, and overall general good health;
• Have a flexible schedule and be available for scheduled work in the evenings and/or weekends and holidays as the job requires;
• Always be reachable by cell phone.

Summary of Duties

Immunization Program

• Prepares and administers immunizations appropriately;
• Educates parents/caregivers about immunizations including after-care, contraindications, health benefits, and recommended immunization schedules;
• Monitors immunization status in community;
• Provides consultation to community regarding immunizations as needed.

Communicable Disease Control Program

• Provides the community with the needed resources and information on communicable disease prevention;
• Conducts investigations as needed on communicable diseases and TB;
• Assists TB patients with medication compliance including Directly Observed Therapy (DOT).

STD Program

• Screens, tests, treats and refers clients as needed for sexually transmitted diseases.

Other Duties

• Attends staff meetings and conferences as appropriate;
• Completes other duties, as assigned.