PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

Essential Job Functions

Identifies the health problems of an assigned geographical area or target population by monitoring the health problems of patients in clinics, homes, and the community; evaluates identified problems; and provides nursing services or recommends the provision of appropriate health services such as primary care or environmental health or social services involvement.
Identifies adverse findings during initial assessments and takes appropriate actions in accordance with policies and procedures.
Documents information during initial and ongoing assessments in accordance with policies and procedures.
Prioritizes assignments in accordance with program manual guidelines and standards and community public health needs.
Manages a caseload of patients or consults on patients within an assigned geographical area by determining priorities for the follow-up of patients’ physical and mental health problems and patient and family health needs that may require home evaluations, nursing care, and other services.
Performs and interprets diagnostic procedures and administers therapeutic treatments and preventive measures in accordance with medical orders or standardized procedures.
As directed by supervisor, conducts investigations, makes nursing diagnoses, and makes responses in connection with the health problems of a geographic area or target population; assists in setting priorities for public health nursing action based on public health program goals and improvement objectives related to community and system-level interventions.
Collaborates with patients and providers to identify needs and desired outcomes based on patients’ value and belief systems and documents these findings in accordance with applicable policies and guidelines.
Researches and reviews current trends and practices in the field of public health in order to identify appropriate nursing interventions.
Identifies, interprets, and implements public health laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Leads and participates in group discussions with patients and stakeholders on matters concerned with the health status of the population.
Participates in epidemiological investigations to identify and locate persons who have, or are suspected of having, infectious diseases in order to encourage and ensure their treatment; counsels involved persons on examination and treatment needed to prevent further spread of the disease and treat the existing condition.
Provides public health education and training to various groups through public speaking, multimedia presentations, and written materials to explain the function of public health and its roles and services in order to improve individual, family, and community health outcomes and encourage community members to become more responsible for the community’s health.
Promotes collaboration and dialogue between the agency and community-based organizations in order to identify public health needs within the community.
Involves the population of interest and other health professionals, organizations, and stakeholders in formulating expected public health outcomes.
Integrates and applies current standards and emerging trends, statutes, regulations, policies, and research in nursing and public health-related fields during the planning process.
Leads and participates in group discussions with other health professionals and community members in order to provide guidance and support toward improving the health status of the community.
Participates in systematic and ongoing criterion-based evaluations of expected goals and outcomes concerning the population of interest.
Participates in public health emergency response as needed.
Orients and instructs new staff concerning agency policies, procedures, and practices.
Collaborates with community groups to implement new policies and changes to existing policies designed to improve public health outcomes.
Provides technical supervision to lower-level nursing employees and ancillary staff, as assigned.