Public Health Nurse II

Performs complex nursing work including assessment, care and treatment of patients, working under general supervision of the Public Health Nursing Manager, with moderate latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. Serves as a team lead for professional community health nursing staff. Assists in developing and providing in-service training, educational programs, and one-on-one staff training. Plans and provides comprehensive Nursing Skills and Public Health Nurse Case Management and essential services and population-based activities for county/counties of responsibility. Performs community and stakeholder outreach activities. Assesses the health status of populations, determinants of health and illness, and factors contributing to health promotion and disease prevention. Provides support and technical assistance for communicable disease control and prevention, surveillance, investigative, and consultative activities regarding reportable conditions. Administers vaccine and medications, as directed, in response to communicable disease investigations and in accordance with CDC’s control and prevention guidelines for Tuberculosis, STD/HIV, perinatal Hepatitis B virus, and Immunizations.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

1) Provides consultative services to the general public regarding infectious diseases and routine prevention measures. Administers vaccines and medications, as directed, in response to communicable disease investigations and in accordance with CDC’s control and prevention guidelines including Tuberculosis, STD/HIV, perinatal Hepatitis B virus, and Immunizations. Collects and/or assists in the collection and shipment of specimens from assigned area related to the investigation of notifiable conditions. Call Out: Will be called out after hours, including weekends and holidays, in response to temperature excursion notification from Sensaphone System on vaccine refrigerator and/or freezer vaccine storage units. Will follow vaccine contingency plan. (35%)

2) Serves as team lead for professional community health nursing staff. Participates in employee selection process. Provides clinical guidance and coaching/mentoring to staff, in collaboration with Manager. Provides one-on-one trainings, assists in group educational programs, and assists to identify staff development opportunities. Gives input to Manager on employee clinical performance/skills development, and adherence to procedures. Promotes effective communication, collaboration with others involved in public health and delivery of client services, and a team approach to problem-solving. (25%)

3) Conducts essential Public Health Nursing functions in county/counties assigned by providing, promoting, monitoring, tracking and reviewing population based health services as it relates to family health. Conducts community health education for targeted groups; collaborates with others in the community to address health risks; promotes community health and wellness through a variety of activities. Communicates effectively and timely with community stakeholders, such as, school nurses, local health authorities, correctional facilities, local emergency officials, and private providers regarding changes in protocols, available services through the regional community health clinic, and anticipated public health issues/trends. (25%)

4) Conducts public health essential functions related to public health preparedness/epidemiology with emphasis on Bioterrorism and Communicable disease response. Participates in local planning for community preparedness in responding to bioterrorist or public health event. Participates as directed in all hazards response. (10%)

5) Actively participates by performing "Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation will require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.” (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:
General knowledge of professional nursing techniques, basic sciences and interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of principles and practices of public health nursing family, and group relationships, teaching methods and management techniques.
Knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology, signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings.
Knowledge of Texas Public Health laws, especially those governing control and reporting of notifiable conditions.
Knowledge of the components and process for a successful quality assurance program.
Knowledge of the use of health assessment tools.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health systems.
Ability to use computer systems/software, including email, web, word processing, database, spreadsheet.
Ability to deliver general and public health nursing. Ability to utilize consultation skills.
Ability to organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate orally and in written communications.
Ability to plan, organize and carry out training/educational presentations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients/families; central office, regional and local health department staff; private practice healthcare providers; hospital staff; community leaders; media; the general public.
Ability to identify and interpret laws, regulations and policies related to specific programs that protect health, and to inform communities about these policies.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in appraising situations.
Ability to function as an effective team member and team leader.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to plan, organize and conduct trainings/educational presentations.
Skill in interpreting laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms and information in medical records.
Skill in conducting community assessments.
Skill in precepting individual licensed nurses in regional protocols and clinical procedures/practices.
Skill in evaluating licensed nurse competencies and completing competency/skills check-offs.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing or a compact state to practice as a Registered Nurse. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification (basic life support).

Submission of an employment application for this Nursing position serves as your permission for Department of State Health Services to access the Nursy's e-Notify database with the Texas Board of Nursing to verify your licensure and disciplinary history for purposes of licensure, endorsement and/or employment.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Two years of public health nursing experience in a clinical setting and/or field setting, preferred.
Experience in working with communities.
Experience in developing and/or providing health education presentations/training.
Experience with computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and the internet.

Additional Information:
DSHS is a Tobacco-free workplace. Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, employee must possess a current valid Texas driver's license for the appropriate type vehicle. Employees/applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license prior to beginning employment. May be required to work a flextime schedule, which would include weekends and holidays and to travel on short notice. Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Tdap, annual vaccination against influenza (and hepatitis B if applicable).

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68B, 46NX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and
veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information, see the Texas State
Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
MOS Code: 68B, 46NX

This position is headquartered in the Marble Falls Regional Clinic in Marble Falls, TX; position will cover public health services in Burnet, Llano, and Blanco Counties.

Travel consists of primarily one-day trips during the work day between clinics and in assigned counties.
Occasional day trips are made to the Regional Headquarters in Temple, TX.
Occasional overnight trips within Texas are made to attend trainings, conferences, etc.

Mileage and travel reimbursement per the state travel policies.

MOS Code:
68B, 46NX

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