Public Health Nurse II (Family Planning)

General Description of Duties

The Public Health Nurse, under general supervision, provides advanced level of primary and preventive professional nursing work to individuals and families served by Anson County Health Department programs. Independently demonstrates and implements techniques of professional nursing work and counsel for promotion of health, prevention of disease and protection of the health of the public. Serves as team lead for a sub-group within a larger project and/or serves as lead nurse in designated program. Assist in data collection and review associated with clinics and projects. Work is performed in accordance with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act, agency regulations, program policies, provider orders and evidence-based public health nursing practice. Work is accomplished through clinic assignments, home visits, project assignments or contact with community providers and agencies. Employee must have strong understanding of public health concepts, nursing theory and practice. Employee must apply critical thinking skills ensuring orders, policies, and procedures are followed. Interprets and implements public health laws, regulations, and policies related to specific programs as they affect individuals, families, and population systems.

Public Health is responsible for preparedness activities in the event of a natural disaster, disease outbreak, and other threats to the health of the public. Employees in this classification participate in preparedness response activities which may include mass vaccination clinics, sheltering, dispensing medications from the Strategic National Stockpile and/or other needed response activities as directed.

Essential Duties and Tasks

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management form assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are logical assignment to the position.

• Functions as lead nurse in the assigned program (Family Planning).
• Makes short-range plans and adjusts to meet the needs of the program and clients.
• Manages nurse-screening clinics, as applicable, based on policy, standing orders and NC PH Law.
• Takes the lead role in coordinating and planning referrals and resources for clients.
• Provides community outreach, functioning independently outside of the department.
• Works on program development and development of community partnerships.
• Takes active role in quality assurance and quality improvement activities as assigned.
• Obtains client assessment, including family history, medical history, interval history, nutritional history,
• psychosocial history, health literacy, and current status.
• Performs testing and completes procedural processes per program requirements/needs.
• Assists in other clinics in the department such as TB program, Communicable Disease, Immunizations, Maternity, Adult Health and the STD Program.
• Assesses clients' needs for services and/or follow-up based on department standing orders, policies and procedures.
• Adapts Public Health Nursing care to individuals, families and groups based on cultural needs and differences.
• Dispenses medications according to the North Carolina Pharmacy Act / North Carolina Public Health Nurse dispensing rules.
• Administers vaccines according to department standing orders, policy and procedures and North Carolina Vaccine for Children law.
• Maintains medical records per EHR Policy.
• Follows all departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates in community outreach events and department strategic planning as assigned.
• Participates in Anson County emergency response activities as needed.
• Follows OSHA and HIPAA policy, standards and guidelines.
• Complies with the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and two (2) years of Public Health nursing experience; Master's in Public Health and graduation from a school of professional nursing and two (2) years of professional nursing experience; or Graduation from a school of professional nursing and three (3) years of professional nursing experience including two (2) years of Public Health nursing experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. 

Licenses or Certifications: Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.  Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Anson County Vehicle Use Policy. Basic Life Support - CPR.

Special Requirements: Individuals employed in a local Health Department without a BSN Degree which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation or a Master's in Public Health, will be required to successfully complete the "Introduction to Public Health Nursing" course within one year of employment as a condition of continued employment in accordance with Health Services Commission Rule.