Under general direction, performs public health nursing practice in all areas of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and renders nursing services to individuals, families, and special groups. Works directly in areas of communicable disease including STD/HIV, family care health, occupational care, chronic disease, wellness, and child and adult immunizations. Provides leadership and direction to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Certified Medical Assistants (CMA).

• Follows protocols and standing orders for completion of various health physicals to include vision, hearing and physical examination.
• Follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols and standing orders for the treatment of patient/clinics with sexually transmitted diseases.
• Promotes health education and safety and engages in health counseling on an individual basis, making referrals when appropriate.
• Assists with interview for communicable disease outbreak.
• Assists in carrying out various community responses following a public health emergency.
• Provides immunizations to all ages of populations.
• Provides clinical direction and guidance to Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Medical Assistants in providing client care.
• Properly documents all care activities in patient charts.
• Interacts with other health care professionals to promote a viable and effective public health program; obtains necessary information from physicians and other health care providers.
• Conducts outreach clinics as needed for communicable diseases; responds to specific incidents/events within the community.
• May provide first aid to county employees in county disaster response settings.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of professional nursing principles and practices, including a thorough knowledge and understanding of approved first aid.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation laws.
• Knowledge of approved medical terminology and the documentation of care.
• Knowledge of the causes, diagnosis, spread, and treatment of communicable diseases.
• Working knowledge of public health practices and procedures, including community health problems, disaster preparedness preventive measures, and community resources.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to Public Health.
• Knowledge of the National Center for Disease Control standards and requirements.
• Knowledge and experience with immunization administration to the adult and pediatric population.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County employees, physicians and other health care professionals, patients, and the general public.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations/use interpreter or language line appropriately.
• Ability to guide, direct, and monitor the work of others.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Ability to follow policies, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings and flexibility of assignments based on needs of response.

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree in a nursing program approved by the State of Iowa Board of Nursing, or
• An Associate degree in a nursing program approved by the State of Iowa Board of Nursing, and
• At least two years of appropriate clinical experience such as industrial clinics, office nursing, outpatient or emergency department, pediatrics, administering immunizations, or public health nursing, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Must possess and maintain licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Iowa as issued by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

• For assignments in the Health Department, CPR/AED and First Aid training for healthcare workers and CDC Intensive STD training is required within six months of hire.
• Mandatory Reporters of Child/Adult Abuse training is required within six months of hire.
• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• If applicable, candidate must pass a Criminal History Record Check through the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and a Child/Adult Abuse Record Check through the Iowa Department of Human Services as defined in the State of Iowa licensing and approved standards (IAC 441, Chapter 105).