Public Health Nurse II - Time-Limited

The Orange County Health Department is accepting applications for a Public Health Nurse.  This is a time-limited, fully benefited position that is primarily responsible for continued pandemic recovery activities including management of vaccines for COVID-19 and other vaccine preventable diseases and tracking and documenting COVID-19 clusters and outbreaks per North Carolina requirements. Other activities include communicable disease investigation and management, and providing intermediate public health nursing to patients seen in the medical clinics..

This position is primarily responsible for providing intermediate public health nursing care in the medical clinics and in communicable disease program. The primary focus of this position will be on continued pandemic recovery activities, including tracking and documenting COVID-19 clusters and outbreaks as needed, provision and management of vaccines for COVID-19 and other vaccine preventable diseases. Other activities will include case investigation and management of tuberculosis and all other reportable communicable disease.

 Work is performed under the general supervision of the Clinical Nurse Supervisor I, with leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions public health needs and requests. Supervision is not a responsibility of this class. Does related work as required.

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the residents we serve. Each position is a key contributor to the work in the department to address systemic racial inequities and prevent discrimination on the basis of race, age, color, disability, national origin, or sex. This work requires us to confront inequities of the past, reveal inequities of the present and develop effective strategies to move all of us towards an equitable future for all people in Orange County. 
 
 * This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background Check is required.  

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The employee may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.  A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

Assists with the integration of COVID-19 vaccinations into the medical clinic along with administration of currently approved COVID-19 vaccines and vaccines for other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Assists with Vaccines for Children program coordination, provides recommended adult and pediatric vaccines during clinic sessions.
 
Provides assistance to the Public Health Services Manager in providing technical assistance to daycares, schools, universities, long-term care facilities, and congregate living settings that continue to experience clusters and outbreaks.
 
Provides community outreach services through case management or any other nursing activity that involves functioning independently outside of the agency.
 
Assists patients with referrals to appropriate services such as medical care services, daycare, psychosocial services, financial assistance services and other community resources. Assists patients with completing applications; writes referrals and letters of need as appropriate.

Serves as a back-up contact person for potential human exposure to rabies and communicable disease referrals; Provides consultation, investigation, counseling and follow-up, as needed maintains records, and enters data into the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR) and the North Carolina Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS).

Provides treatment and case management to clients with active and latent tuberculosis.

Conducts periodic nursing assessments of Adult Day Health facilities per NC guidance.

Participates in outbreak investigations and management.

 
Assists with development and maintenance of departmental policies and procedures, and creates standing orders.

Assists with planning and coordination of clinic programs.

Adheres to the department’s safety protocols, rules and regulations.

 
Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as electronic medical records, spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public health and public health nursing.

Thorough knowledge of the federal, state and local laws, ordinances, standards and regulations regarding public health, communicable diseases, sexually-transmitted diseases and immunizations.

Thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations, procedures, protocols, and policies pertaining to medical services of the County.

Thorough knowledge of the treatment, diagnostic, immunization and related medical services for the type of patients in area of assignment.

Thorough knowledge of universal precautions, CPR, basic life support, first aid and emergency medical procedures.

Thorough knowledge of the dangers inherent in and the precautions to be taken in the use of drugs and other medication.

Thorough knowledge of current pharmacy laws pertaining to health department pharmacy and dispensing by nurses in health department programs.

Thorough knowledge of HIPAA guidelines and the ability to apply guidelines to client information and records.

Good knowledge of current social, economic and health trends and services, and the ability to adapt trends to practical program applications.

Good knowledge of vaccine administration, storage, transport, and contraindications.

Good knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws.

Good knowledge of and ability to apply available resources and agency guidelines.

Skill in public and interpersonal relations.

Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.

Skill in conducting assessments and performing hearing and vision screenings.

Skill in venipuncture and administering vaccines.

Skill in operating standard and emergency medical equipment such as a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, audiometer, centrifuge, nebulizer, and needles/syringes.

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.  

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to express information and ideas clearly and concisely.

Ability to establish and maintain working professional relationships with co-workers and staff; ability to collaborate with others and work as part as a team.

Ability to recognize and analyze problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and make effective decisions.

Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, Electronic Medical Records, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing AND one (1) year of professional nursing experience; OR 
 
Graduation from an accredited School of Professional Nursing AND one (1) year of professional nursing experience; OR 
 
An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience. 
 
Possession of a valid, current unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of North Carolina. 
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Individuals hired without a BSN will be required to complete the Introduction to the Public Health Nursing course within twelve months of hire.  
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a Driver License valid in the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
 
All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check and pre-employment drug testing. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared. 
 
May be required to possess additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the Public Health Nursing Director or Unit Supervisor. 
 
All required OCHD immunizations and TB testing, including COVID-19 vaccination and any current and future recommended COVID-19 boosters prior to employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of standing, walking, stooping, crawling, typing, talking, sitting, bending, kneeling, climbing, grasping, hearing, handling, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, reaching and repetitive motions of the hands/wrist/feet. 
 
Ability to perform light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. 
 
Must possess the visual acuity to perform extensive reading and operate a computer terminal.  
 
Must be able to be exposed to chemicals, contagious and/or infectious diseases, and blood borne pathogens. 
 
May be subject to possible hazards that include emotional stress due to the nature of interactions with clients or service providers, irate clients and/or family members who may be hostile, resistant or violent.

Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer 

Salary : $63,523 - $83,806