AMVETS Jobs

Hendricks CountyJob Description

Title:Public Health Nurse

FLSA Status:Exempt

Department:Health - Nursing

Supervisor:Health Department Administrator

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Public Health Nurse promotes individual and population public health by providing the essential services of public health within a variety of settings. Public health nursing actions are directed toward serving individuals, families and population groups with the goal of promoting and protecting health through knowledge of professional nursing practice based on public health sciences, principles, and concepts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Interprets, implements, and enforces compliance of public health laws, codes, rules, and ordinances.

Prepares and administers medications per Health Officers standing orders for immunizations or as prescribed by patients physician, i.e. tuberculosis medications. Conducts individual health assessment, provides patient education about potential side effects, and monitors for adverse reactions. Assesses and translates immunization records to determine recommended vaccines.

Organizes and facilitates immunization, child health, and adult wellness clinics.

Demonstrates knowledge of vaccine storage and handling procedures, and stores vaccines per policy.

May be called upon to secure safety of vaccines during after hours power failures when notified that monitor alarm has been activated. If necessary, must transport vaccines to hospital for safe storage.

Performs epidemiological investigations of communicable diseases in the office setting, patient home, or medical facility. Institutes disease outbreak control measures. Coordinates investigation efforts with physicians, school personnel, the Indiana State Department of Health, and other stake holders as appropriate regarding spread and treatment of disease. Provides health care services, instruction, education, and information to clients in compliance with public health laws. Conducts contact investigations and surveillance of individuals who may have been exposed to a communicable disease.

Provides Tuberculosis (TB) case management in the office setting and in patients homes including directly observed therapy (DOT) of TB medications.

Provides follow-up, education, post exposure prophylaxis recommendation, and referral for all county residents receiving an animal bite.

Identifies public health needs in the county and works in a team environment to facilitate interventions and address the needs using concepts of prevention, assessment, risk reduction, and health status improvement.

Receives referrals and completes home visit assessments of clients needs and families ability to provide and maintain adequate care in the home, providing education and referrals as indicated.

Provides home visits and health assessments for pregnant women, children 0-5 years, elderly, physical and/or mentally challenged clients, and other individuals as assigned.

Develops, implements, and evaluates individualized health care plans for patients and families based on nursing assessment and includes input from the client, family, other health care personnel and referral agencies.

Provides education to individuals, families and groups in office or home setting regarding relevant public health needs and issues, i.e. prenatal care, parenting, breast feeding, nutrition, health care, safety, substance abuse, or communicable diseases.

Provides management and coordination of services through a multidisciplinary approach collaborating extensively with multiple community agencies for abnormal public health conditions. Assists clients in obtaining health care through referral when the Health Department cannot meet their needs.

Complies with all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements and health department policies and procedures ensuring that clinical documentation is kept secure and confidential.

Prepares, submits, and maintains accurate medical records and all other related or required reports and documents for programs and p