Public Health Nurse II - Bristol Twp.

This is a professional nursing position involving the assessment, education, promotion, and maintenance of the physical and psychosocial health of individuals, families, and the public as a whole. Work involves selecting, implementing, and evaluating those therapeutic measures essential to the effective execution of a nursing regimen or prescribed medical regimen; and conferring with other disciplines in the community. The Public Health Nurse II utilizes independent judgment and critical thinking skills, often without the availability of other health care resources, in the assessment and prioritization of immediate needs of individuals and families and in the resolution of unpredictable health problems. Work assignments vary in complexity and the employee is required to demonstrate flexibility and a high level of proficiency in his or her professional nursing skills.

The Public Health Nurse II will participate in staff development programs and provide ongoing orientation and on-the-job education to non-professional nursing personnel. Work is received in the form of oral or written instructions and is reviewed while in progress and upon completion by a professional nursing supervisor for the attainment and application of established nursing standards, skills, and competence levels.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs the activities associated with Public Health Nursing by utilizing the nursing process (i.e., assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation) in order to maximize the health status of individuals and families.
• Provides a variety of public health services through the direct delivery of nursing duties. This includes however is not limited to, home visits, clinics, correctional facilities, community, and liaison services.
• Develops, implements, reviews, and modifies nursing care plans for individuals and families.
• Directs or conducts clinic service activities according to the policies and procedures of each Public Health program offered through the Department.
• Conducts nursing case conferences with professional and nonprofessional personnel within the health center or clinic to ensure the continuity of nursing care.
• Provides education through teaching and counseling to individuals, families, and groups to promote and maintain health.
• Assesses health needs and available resources and recommends necessary health care services.
• Develops collaborative and cooperative relationships with other community agencies and groups engaged in the planning and implementation of health services.
• Participates in the follow-up of individuals and families referred from various health care resources.
• Demonstrates public health nursing practices for affiliate nursing students by providing observational experiences.
• Participates in epidemiological investigations and surveys, health research activities, special studies, and projects.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of electronic systems used by the Department to submit records and reports as required for epidemiological and funding purposes.

Employees may be required to perform additional work that follows prescribed or well-established procedures that can be learned within a reasonable time by training on the job. More detailed instructions, as to the nature of their duties, will be given to employees at the beginning of work.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing or other related health care program.
• One (1) year of public health nursing experience; or three (3) years of recent nursing experience in a healthcare setting where the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of individuals and/or families was practiced on a regular basis.
• Possession of a current license to practice as a registered nurse as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Knowledge of the theories and practices of professional nursing as well as professional community health nursing.
• Knowledge of the purpose and functions of other health care and social organizations in the community.

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands: Stooping, Pushing, Climbing, Crouching, Pulling, Kneeling, Standing, Talking, Turning, Reaching, Hearing, Depth Perception, Mobility, Lifting: Light (20-25 lbs), Carrying: Light (10-25 lbs).

Aptitudes: Form perception, Problem solving, Motor coordination, Working speed, Computer/VDT ability, General learning ability, Clerical perception.

Environmental Conditions: Temperature changes, Wet conditions, Humid conditions, Noise and vibration, Exposure to chemicals, Inclement weather conditions; Inside/outside weather conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.