Public Health Nurse or Registered Nurse (Family Health) Job Opening

Public Health Nurse or Registered Nurse (Family Health)

McLeod County

• Glencoe, Minnesota

$23.65 - $35.45 an hour

Category: Nurse RN

Job Summary

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Public Health Nurse provides public health nursing services to individuals, families, and population groups. Nursing actions are directed toward the goals of prevention, assessment, risk reduction, and health status improvements for individuals, families, and communities. Nursing activities include, but are not limited to, systematic analysis of health data, care plan development, health education and advocacy, coalition building, and collaborating with community partners to promote the health of a population. Public Health Nurses often collaborate and consult within multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams in order to achieve desirable outcomes for families and communities. Public Health Nursing interventions occur at individual, family, community and system levels depending upon the responsibilities of the position and the issues involved.

REGISTERED NURSE

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Registered Nurse (RN) provides nursing services to individuals and families. Nursing actions are directed toward the goals of prevention, assessment, risk reduction, and health status improvements for individuals and families. Nursing activities include, but are not limited to assessment, care plan development, health education and care coordination. RN's often collaborate and consult within multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams in order to achieve desirable outcomes for individuals and families.

Duties and Responsibilities

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under general supervision and/or as a part of various workgroups and teams, the Public Health Nurse performs the following essential functions within the framework of McLeod County Health Department's provision of the core functions and essential services of public health. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Public Health Sciences
1. Performs comprehensive individual and family assessment which includes health history, physical assessment, growth monitoring, developmental assessment, psycho-social assessment, assessment of family functioning, assessment for substance abuse or domestic violence issues, and assessment of basic needs including food, housing, income, resources and supports, and access to health care.
2. Provides care coordination, case management, referral and follow-up to individuals and families who are member of a vulnerable population and/or high-risk groups. Evaluates outcomes, effectiveness of plan, and makes changes as necessary.
3. Uses public health surveillance/disease investigation methods in community outreach, screening, and case finding of communicable and infectious diseases that threaten the health of the community.
4. Investigates complaints regarding environmental health problems and initiates enforcement or corrective actions as required.
5. Provides education and counseling to individuals, families and community groups that are adapted to their unique needs, lifestyle, cultural and social-economic situation.
6. Obtains and completes appropriate patient "Authorization of and Consent for Care" forms, ensures patient confidentiality and maintains orderly medical records. Follows established Public Health medical record policies and procedures as well as the State and Federal laws that govern the release of health care information.
7. Documents patient assessment, intervention, care plan, and all formal and/or informal service data in medical records. Uses established medical record forms, databases and documentation practices.
8. Responds to individual client emergency situations in the clinical or home setting with basic life support and first aid skills. Summons other health care providers and emergency response personnel in a timely and appropriate manner.
9. Collaborates in development and delivery of programs and activities for individuals, families and population groups that promote health and prevent disease, in settings including, but not limited to the all Health Department buildings/sites, clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, customized living facilities, homes, community organizations and businesses, schools, and the community in general.
10. Collaborates in the development of and contributes to individual, team, Departmental, and managed care organization quality improvement, performance management, and evaluation activities.
Community Dimensions of Practice
1. Collaborates in McLeod County Public Health Department's community health assessment and health improvement planning and interventions activities.
2. Delivers targeted, culturally-appropriate information to help individuals and groups understand health promotion and disease prevention information, policies, regulations, and local code.
3. Actively participates in and acts as a liaison with other community agencies and professionals in collaborative efforts to address community health priorities.
4. Advocates on behalf of vulnerable individuals and populations; participates in assessing and evaluating health care services to ensure that people are informed of available health department and community programs and services and are assisted in the utilization of those services.
5. Participates in McLeod County Health Department research and demonstration projects that seek to improve the health of communities and determine new ways to address health issues.
6. Contributes to a work environment that fosters ongoing educational experiences regarding public health nursing for colleagues, nursing and other health-related students, healthcare professionals and members of the community.
7. Participates in response teams to prevent, minimize, and contain adverse health events and conditions resulting from communicable diseases; food-, water-, and vector-borne outbreaks; chronic diseases; environmental hazards; injuries; and health disparities.
Analysis and Assessment
1. Ensures accuracy, completeness and quality of data for health promotion and disease prevention, evaluation and quality improvement efforts.
Leadership and Systems Thinking
1. Demonstrates knowledge of applicable state professional practice guidelines for registered professional nurses, the American Nurses' Association Scope and Standards of Practice for Public Health Nursing and any other federal and state laws and regulations applicable to practice as a Public Health Nursing professional.
2. Adheres to applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, such as those concerning exposure to blood borne pathogens, toxic substances, airborne pathogens or exposure to other hazards during routine assignments or assignments during public health emergencies.
3. Collaborates in developing a work environment where performance management and continuous quality improvements in professional practice is pursued.
4. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education and participation in professional committees and work groups and contributing to a work environment where continual improvements in practice are pursued.
Policy Development and Program Planning
1. Promotes the community's understanding of, and advocacy for, policies and activities that will improve the community's health.
2. Assists in policy development by gathering relevant information, developing policy options, and assisting with impact analysis of options on services and population health.
3. Assists in developing and implementing a community involvement process that assures the information exchange necessary to provide public health's input into appropriate plans and policies; identifies potential barriers to new policy development and implementation.
4. Collaborates in and contributes to individual, team, and departmental performance management, quality improvement and evaluation activities.
Communication and Cultural Competency
1. Delivers targeted, culturally appropriate information to help individuals and groups understand local environmental public health policies, regulation and code.
2. Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles, physical abilities, and mental abilities
3. Adheres to ethical principles and McLeod County Public Health Department policy in the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information.
Financial Planning and Management
1. Collaborates in activities such as time studies that contribute to the development of budgets and the efficient use of resources.
Other
1. Performs public health emergency response duties as assigned and consistent with job classification and training provided, in response to threats to the public's health.
2. Participates in Department and community emergency response training and drills consistent with job classification in support of public health emergency and disaster preparedness.
3. Utilizes quality improvement (QI) and performance management (PM) processes and/or techniques to improve the effectiveness of the respective public health program. This includes, but is not limited to: creating, implementing, and evaluating performance standards and identifying, implementing, and assessing program quality improvement processes.

Due to the need for all Health Department personnel to respond to public health emergencies, the employee must be assessed for his/her ability to meet the physical demands of performing the following activity:

Must be able to be fitted and wear a NIOSH 95 mask.

If unable to demonstrate this all reasonable accommodations will be made, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and any other applicable Federal and Minnesota law.

REGISTERED NURSE

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under general supervision and/or as a part of various workgroups and teams, the RN performs the following essential functions within the framework of McLeod County Public Health Department's provision of the core functions and essential services of public health. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Public Health Sciences
1. Performs comprehensive individual and family assessment which includes health history, physical assessment, growth monitoring, developmental assessment, psycho-social assessment, assessment of family functioning, assessment for substance abuse or domestic violence issues, and assessment of basic needs including food, housing, income, resources and supports, and access to health care.
2. Provides care coordination, case management, referral and follow-up to individuals and families who are member of a vulnerable population and/or high-risk groups. Evaluates outcomes, effectiveness of plan, and makes changes as necessary.
3. Provides education and counseling to individuals and families that are adapted to their unique needs, lifestyle, cultural and social-economic situation.
4. Obtains and completes appropriate patient "Authorization of and Consent for Care" forms, ensures patient confidentiality and maintains orderly medical records. Follows established Public Health medical record policies and procedures as well as the State and Federal laws that govern the release of health care information.
5. Documents patient assessment, intervention, care plan, and all formal and/or informal service data in medical records. Uses established medical record forms, databases and documentation practices.
6. Responds to individual client emergency situations in the clinical or home setting with basic life support and first aid skills. Summons other health care providers and emergency response personnel in a timely and appropriate manner.
7. Collaborates in development and delivery of programs and activities for individuals and/or families that promote health and prevent disease, in settings including, but not limited to the all Health Department buildings/sites, clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, customized living facilities, homes, community organizations and businesses, schools, and the community in general.
8. Collaborates in the development of and contributes to individual, team, Departmental, and managed care organization quality improvement, performance management, and evaluation activities.
Community Dimensions of Practice
1. Participates in McLeod County Public Health Department's community health assessment and health improvement planning and interventions activities.
2. Delivers targeted, culturally-appropriate information to help individuals and families understand health promotion and disease prevention information, policies, regulations, and local code.
3. Acts as a liaison with other community agencies and professionals in collaborative efforts to address identified community health priorities.
4. Advocates on behalf of vulnerable individuals and populations; participates in assessing and evaluating health care services to ensure that people are informed of available health department and community programs and services and are assisted in the utilization of those services.
5. Participates in McLeod County Health Department research and demonstration projects that seek to improve the health of communities and determine new ways to address health issues.
6. Contributes to a work environment that fosters ongoing educational experiences regarding nursing for colleagues, nursing and other health-related students, and health care professionals.
7. Participates in response teams to prevent, minimize, and contain adverse health events and conditions resulting from communicable diseases; food-, water-, and vector-borne outbreaks; chronic diseases; environmental hazards; injuries; and health disparities.
Analysis and Assessment
1. Ensures accuracy, completeness and quality of data for health promotion and disease prevention, evaluation and quality improvement efforts.
Leadership and Systems Thinking
1. Demonstrates knowledge of applicable state professional practice guidelines for registered professional nurses, the American Nurses' Association Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice and any other federal and state laws and regulations applicable to practice as a Registered Nurse.
2. Adheres to applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, such as those concerning exposure to blood borne pathogens, toxic substances, airborne pathogens or exposure to other hazards during routine assignments or assignments during public health emergencies.
3. Collaborates in developing a work environment where performance management and continuous quality improvements in professional practice is pursued.
4. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development by pursuing education and participation in professional committees and work groups and contributing to a work environment where continual improvements in practice are pursued.
Communication and Cultural Competency
1. Delivers targeted, culturally appropriate information to help individuals and groups understand local environmental public health policies, regulation and code.
2. Utilizes appropriate methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, lifestyles, physical abilities, and mental abilities
3. Adheres to ethical principles and McLeod County Public Health Department policy in the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and information.
Financial Planning and Management
1. Collaborates in activities such as time studies that contribute to the development of budgets and the efficient use of resources.
Other
1. Performs public health emergency response duties as assigned and consistent with job classification and training provided, in response to threats to the public's health.
2. Participates in Department and community emergency response training and drills consistent with job classification in support of public health emergency and disaster preparedness.
3. Utilizes quality improvement (QI) and performance management (PM) processes and/or techniques to improve the effectiveness of the respective public health program. This includes, but is not limited to: creating, implementing, and evaluating performance standards and identifying, implementing, and assessing program quality improvement processes.

Due to the need for all Health Department personnel to respond to public health emergencies, the employee must be assessed for his/her ability to meet the physical demands of performing the following activity:

Must be able to be fitted and wear a NIOSH 95 mask.

If unable to demonstrate this all reasonable accommodations will be made, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and any other applicable Federal and Minnesota law.

Minimum Qualifications

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of the core functions and essential services of public health.
2. Knowledge of current public health nursing principles and processes, including evidence-based standards of practice.
3. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, physical assessment and basic pharmacology.
4. Knowledge of human systems (wellness, illness, growth and development, basic nutrition, human behavior, psychosocial development, family and community systems).
5. Knowledge of prescribed treatments and medical interventions; ability to effectively monitor and document the client's treatment progress and response; ability to refer to appropriate providers as indicated.
6. Knowledge of health care technology, equipment, supplies and materials needed for medical treatment.
7. Knowledge of chart documentation requirements, medical record forms, Minnesota Department of Human Services waiver review standards, Minnesota managed care organization standards, state and federal laws that govern release of health care information and client consents required to release health information.
8. Knowledge of population-based health status indicators, determinants of health and illness, factors contributing to health promotion and disease prevention, and factors influencing the use of health services.
9. Knowledge of relevant OSHA standards.
10. Knowledge of health care systems structure and function; ability to make appropriate client referrals based upon client need, program guidelines, and community resources.
11. Knowledge of current epidemiological data analysis and surveillance methods used in management of communicable and infectious disease.
12. Knowledge of Minnesota State law relating to professional nursing practice and the American Nurses Association Scope of Practice for Public Health Nursing.
13. Knowledge of adult learning and health education techniques and principles including reproductive health education, related services information, option counseling and emergency contraception services.
14. Knowledge of group processes including facilitation, collaboration, negotiation and conflict resolution.
15. Knowledge of research techniques and principles as well as quality assurance/improvement systems.
16. Knowledge of data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques.
17. Knowledge of emergency preparedness – at home, work, and in the community.
18. Knowledge of incident command structure and its use.
19. Knowledge of current recommendations of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for vaccination of infants, children and adults.
20. Demonstrates knowledge of ACIP guidelines to determine which immunizations are needed for an individual based on individual demographics and medical history.
21. Demonstrates knowledge of administration of immunizations to infants, children, and adults.
22. Demonstrates knowledge of a systematic approach to client care that includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, interventions, evaluation, consultation, referral, and follow up.
23. Demonstrates ability to maintain working relationships with diverse populations and cultures; ability to engage clients and families in a plan of care.
24. Ability to maintain regular and timely work attendance.
25. Demonstrates ability to provide option counseling and referral for terminations.
26. Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.
27. Demonstrates communication skills (oral and written).
28. Demonstrates effective knowledge of the leadership skills required to delegate tasks, coordinate client and family care, and mobilize community resources.
29. Treat others with courtesy and respect.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with National League of Nursing-approved program in nursing plus a minimum of 2 years of public health nursing work experience.

Required Training

24 hours of continuing education credits every two years

Required Certifications/Licenses

Minnesota Registered Nurse licensure required
Public Health Nursing Certification Required
Valid MN driver's license and proof of insurance
Current Health Care CPR certification within the past 12 months required

Preferred Education and Experience

One year of home or community based work experience preferred.

REGISTERED NURSE

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Provides other services and activities dependent upon current agency needs and employee's areas of expertise.
2. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, physical assessment and basic pharmacology.
2. Knowledge of human systems (wellness, illness, growth and development, basic nutrition, human behavior, psychosocial development, family and community systems).
3. Knowledge of prescribed treatments and medical interventions; ability to effectively monitor and document the client's treatment progress and response; ability to refer to appropriate providers as indicated.
4. Knowledge of evidence-based care and the ability to find the best treatment for the client.
5. Knowledge of health care technology, equipment, supplies and materials needed for medical treatment.
6. Knowledge of chart documentation requirements, medical record forms, Minnesota Department of Human Services waiver review standards, Minnesota managed care organization standards, State and Federal laws that govern release of health care information and client consents required to release health information.
7. Knowledge of relevant OSHA standards.
8. Knowledge of health care systems structure and function; ability to make appropriate client referrals based upon client need, program guidelines, and community resources.
9. Knowledge of Minnesota State law relating to professional nursing practice and the American Nurses Association Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice.
10. Knowledge of adult learning and health education techniques and principles including reproductive health education, related services information, option counseling and emergency contraception services.
11. Knowledge of current recommendations of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for vaccination of infants, children and adults.
12. Demonstrates knowledge of ACIP guidelines to determine which immunizations are needed for an individual based on individual demographics and medical history.
13. Demonstrates knowledge of administration of immunizations to infants, children, and adults.
14. Demonstrates knowledge of a systematic approach to client care that includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, interventions, evaluation, consultation, referral, and follow up.
15. Demonstrates ability to maintain working relationships with diverse populations and cultures; ability to engage clients and families in a plan of care.
16. Demonstrates ability to provide option counseling and referral for terminations.
17. Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.
18. Demonstrates effective communication skills (oral and written).
19. Demonstrates the skills required to delegate tasks, coordinate client and family care, and to utilize community resources.
20. Treat others with courtesy and respect.
21. Ability to maintain regular and timely work attendance.
22. Ability to solve problems creatively.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience

Minnesota Registered Nurse degree from a 2 or 4 year accredited college
Two (2) years of home or community based work experience preferred

Required Training

24 hours of continuing education credits every two years

Required Certifications/Licenses

Minnesota Registered Nurse licensure required
Valid MN driver's license and proof of insurance
Current Health Care CPR certification within the past 12 months required

Preferred Education and Experience

See above under education and experience.

Other Information

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

County Board of Commissioners to provide educational and informational consultative services to the Board to assist with policy development, decision making, and priority setting.
Hospital, clinics, EMS to ensure a seamless continuum of care, collaborating on grant opportunities, performing the community health assessment and health improvement plan.
Emergency Management with Police, Fire, Ambulance to respond to any emergencies following the County's Emergency Operations Plan, All Hazards Plan, Mass Dispensing Plans etc.
Ridgewater College on EP planning, and educational offerings at the college and in conjunction with individual departments within the county.
Other organizations serving groups of people with health needs to provide health consultation, care coordination, case management, resource finding, and health promotion.
Agency public health paraprofessionals to direct their work activities
This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organize and direct the work of Licensed Practical Nurses.
Directs health-related work of school, jail, and McLeod Treatment Program staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is done in an office setting, community clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, customized living facilities and in client homes and other community sites including, but not limited to, workplaces and schools.
Work performed in the community is sometimes subject to conditions that range from inclement weather to dangerous conditions such as snow/ice, cold, heat, noise, wetness/humidity, vibration, sudden temperature changes, and poor illumination at the job site or due to travel on the job. Travel to and from field locations may subject employee to increased risk of driving hazards. Community locations may subject worker to communicable diseases, insects or other disease vectors, toxins, hazardous materials, chemicals, and animals.
In all settings, employees in this classification may occasionally need to relate to members of the public who exhibit challenging, atypical or hostile behaviors and/or communication.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION:

Sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time to perform work at a computer and/or talk on the phone.
Hear and speak effectively to communicate in person and over the phone with contacts listed under Internal/External Relationships above.
Visual acuity to read computer screens and medical instrument displays and to see to drive a motor vehicle.
Apply physical coordination in order to safely drive an automobile throughout the county under various road and weather conditions.
Physical ability to enter small spaces in motor vehicles, exert physical leverage to demonstrate hands-on installation of child passenger seats in a wide assortment of motor vehicles.
Manual dexterity to:

o Type on a keyboard and use a computer mouse.
o Perform manual tasks such as handwriting and compiling material.
o Correct and re-position seat belt webbing on child safety seats.

Work may require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping and repetitive motions.
Ability to lift and carry files and boxes weighing up to 40 pounds, with occasional exertion up to 50 pounds of force.
Intake duties may include exposure to body fluids and blood-borne pathogens.

Equipment Used to Perform Essential Functions

Desktop/laptop computer, copier, fax
Desktop Phone
Mobile phone
Weight scale, thermometer, BP cuff, stethoscope
Motor vehicle
Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, masks, flea suits, boot covers, etc.

Additional Notes:

Position assumes responsibility for professional liability by carrying additional insurance.
All positions at McLeod County are subject to a background check. This may include, but is not limited to, the following checks: criminal history, credit, driver's license, pre-employment physical assessment, pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and psychological testing.

REGISTERED NURSE

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

County Board of Commissioners to provide educational and informational consultative services to the Board to assist with policy development, decision making, and priority setting.
Hospital, clinics, EMS to ensure a seamless continuum of care, collaborating on grant opportunities, and health improvement planning.
Emergency Management with Police, Fire, Ambulance and regional coalition to respond to any emergencies following the County's Emergency Operations Plan, All Hazards Plan, Mass Dispensing Plans etc.
Ridgewater College on EP planning, and educational offerings at the college and in conjunction with individual departments within the county.
Other organizations serving groups of people with health needs to provide health consultation, care coordination, case management, resource finding, and health promotion.
Agency public health paraprofessionals to direct their work activities.
This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.