Community Health Nurse

Summary of Responsibilities:

Provides nursing care, health counselling, screening and education to individuals, families and groups in the wider community with a focus on patient independence and health promotion. Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition. Provide clinical assistance at the Perkins Family Clinic when needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Provide health related counseling on the prevention of communicable diseases; coordinate health programs with outside organizations and agencies; introduce general health related information and instruction to individuals, families and community groups.
• Administer a variety of pre-examination tests including skin tests, blood tests, and other tests used in determining communicable disease; provide information and education to patients before and after tests as necessary.
• Maintain open channels of communication and clear flow of information between all appropriate PFC providers, PFC administration and all relevant facilities.
• Provide health related information on the prevention of communicable diseases; coordinate health programs with outside organizations and agencies; provide general health related information and instruction to individuals, families, and community groups
• Assess and evaluate patient's response to treatment and medication
• Advise patients on available and appropriate medical and social services available
• Keep accurate patient records; maintain confidentiality at all times
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the areas of disease prevention and treatment, chronic diseases
• Compile and submit necessary medical/statistical reports and data in a timely fashion
• Apply basic time management and patient care coordination skills to effectively provide nursing and health care services
• Participate and/or lead as needed, in quality improvement activities
• Act as a resource and provide leadership to community groups and co-workers
• Assist in research and investigation of communicable diseases when requested
• Conduct home visitation to patients and families per program guidelines and as appropriate.
• May assess, plan, and implement care, evaluate patient's response to plan, make changes in plan as appropriate. 
• Coordinate and administer employee health requirements for the Perkins Family Clinic
• Supervise the scope of work of the Community Health Representative.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with a major in nursing
• R.N. or B.S.N. License
• Must have in-depth knowledge of home/community health services and case management.
• Must have previous experience in giving immunizations and doing patient assessments for health prevention, health promotion and health maintenance needs. Must have knowledge of Utilization Management.
• Two years registered nursing experience including one year of community health nursing experience in community outreach programs associated with the Native American culture.

Certificates:

• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Active Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of Principles, procedures, methods, and techniques of nursing practice.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act HIPAA) in regard to confidentiality and the release of medical information.
• Ability to assess and evaluate patient's response to treatment and medication.
• Ability to interview patients prior to examinations in order to assess their health status.
• Ability to work with others on an individual basis utilizing high interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to read, understand, apply and retain knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to educate patients on a variety of health care related issues.
• Ability to provide responsible health and nursing care, including health education.
• Ability to document patient activities using electronic medical record applications.
• Ability to prepare and administer immunizations and vaccines.
• Ability to administer a variety of pre-examination tests.
• Ability to administer first aid
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office applications Word, Excel) and internet resources.

Conditions of Employment:

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.

• Must submit to and pass applicable drug test.
•  Must pass background investigations for suitability of character identified in accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Negative Annual TB testing results.
• Hepatitis A&B, Tdap, MMR and Varicella vaccinations, proof of previous vaccinations or proof of positive titer.