Public Health Nurse #1626 - Sequoyah Clinic - Health Services Division

The Hamilton County Health Department has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently when public health emergencies occur. All Hamilton County Health Department employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should a public health emergency arise. The Hamilton County Health Department maintains a call down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. During a public health emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. During a public health emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County Health Department employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.

DEFINITION :

Under the general supervision of Program Managers; provides a variety of specialized public health care nursing services in the areas of assessment, prevention, treatment, case management, quality management, outreach and education to the residents, indigent and underserved populations of women, children and families; may act as a coordinator or lead on assigned program specialty.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)

Provides patient/client services in a manner that maintains quality care and documentation while ensuring the safety of patients/clients and compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines; may perform audits of charts and facilities; conducts required laboratory proficiency/comparison of laboratory testing; identifies physical, social and emotional needs of clients; works as a team member, collaborating services

within the clinics including WIC, Family Planning, Families First, Prenatal, Dental, Primary Care, Child Health, TennCare, etc.

May work in a variety of programs such as Immunization, Communicable Diseases; Occupational Health and Safety related to employees exposed to possible contagious blood and/or body fluids; Vaccination Programs, Infection Control, Radiological Monitoring, Homeless, Hispanic, Sexual Health, etc; assists medical doctors and nurse practitioners by performing assessments of patients medically, mentally, physically and socially.

Teaches patients and/or family about their conditions, preventative measures to control/maintain or improve their condition/situation; refers patients to appropriate resources in community; performs duties of case management in patient homes, nursing facilities, nursing homes; develops protocol and policy changes to meet needs; performs all duties of professional registered nurse; maintains current licensure; researches new medical information; performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of federal, state, and county laws, rules, regulations, policies, practices and procedures related to provision of Public Health Professional Nursing services.

Knowledge of professional Registered Nurse medical methods, practices and procedures.

Knowledge of community and county medical, social, and emotional services.

Knowledge of quality reviews and audit methods, practices and procedures.

Knowledge of specialty methods, practices and procedures related to area of assignment.

Knowledge of patient chart documentation, recordkeeping, case management; and specialized medical procedures related to area of assignment.

Skill utilizing specialized medical equipment utilizing proper universal health and safety precautions.

Skill managing upset and/or confrontational patients/clients or family members.

Skill reading, analyzing, and interpreting medical research, reports, tests, and information.

Skill utilizing verbal and written communication in providing presentations, counseling, educational materials, and instructions related to medical information.

Skill providing case management to indigent or underserved populations.

Skill utilizing customer service/public relations techniques when responding to inquiries and complaints.

Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

Must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse. Must be licensed or eligible for licensure as a registered professional nurse in TN. Applicants must also possess current CPR certification and a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Work requires long periods of standing, walking, lifting medical supplies or patients weighing up to 50 pounds, assisting patients in transfers to examination tables, performing routine lab work such as blood draws and specimen collection; extensive contact with infectious diseases, mentally ill or combative patients, home visits, case management and attention to detail. Some positions require occasional travel and on-call duties.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.

All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.