Public Health Nurse 1

Job Description

Under the general supervision of a Public Health Nurse supervisor, the Public Health Nurse 1 performs various professional nursing duties aimed at promoting and protecting the health of communities and populations. The PHN 1 works within a variety of health and community settings to assess health needs, prevent and control disease, provide clinical care and case management, develop programs, policies, and partnerships to improve health outcomes, provide health education and support to individuals and groups, and ensuring access to healthcare services especially for underserved populations. The PHN 1 may work in a variety of programs across the Public Health and Clinical Care Services Division as part of the Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services. This includes, but is not limited to Communicable Disease, Immunizations, Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV, lead, maternal child health, and health promotion programs.

Responsibilities

Required Tasks Under the general supervision of a Public Health Nurse Supervisor and in accordance with Public Health and Clinical Care Services Division policies and programs, independently deliver professional nursing services to the community, including children and adults. Provide services that pertain to assigned program(s) in Public Health and Clinical Care Services division including, but not limited to, communicable diseases, STI/HIV, immunizations, lead program, health promotion and maternal child health programs. Deliver services by telephone, in clinic settings, schools and in various locations in the community depending on the program. Provide consultation, health education and promotion on topics of public health significant. Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness and promote health literacy. Deliver culturally and developmentally appropriate health promotion strategies focusing on underserved and at-risk populations. Conduct various activities in communicable disease prevention and control including monitoring and investigating communicable diseases with the community, performing contact tracing and monitoring, implement strategies for disease prevention and outbreak response. Provide clinical nursing services including assessing and treating clients; developing care plans; performing screening and testing services including collecting and processing variety of specimens; administering vaccines, medications, and other therapeutic under standing orders. Ensure proper storage, handling, monitoring, and distribution of vaccines and therapeutics. Assist in organizing and ensuring adequate supplies and equipment. Coordinate, support, and provide education to health systems and facilities on infection prevention and control. Maintain detailed, accurate and confidential records and documentation including in electronic health records, surveillance, and data management systems. Triage and address inquiries from the public, community, and healthcare providers. Monitor and keep up-to-date on public health guidelines, nursing practice, and emerging public health issues. Adhere to all policies, procedures, and guidelines including internal and those associated Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other public health agencies. Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, community and local and state partners through written, electronic, and verbal formats, and through presentations, training sessions, and meetings. Manage information (electronic, verbal, and written) according to Division policies and procedures to protect confidentiality and meet departmental and professional standards. Engage in quality and process improvement efforts. Identify community resources for health issues and concerns and develop community partnerships. Coordinate care including client referrals and follow up with individual client care plans, including results, treatments, and health education according to client needs. Adhere to protocols to carry out standing medical orders. Exercise professional judgment in the application of medical orders. Promote the personal and professional development of self and team members. Participate in Emergency Preparedness training and responses. Perform other duties as assigned.