What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health Nurse position at Island Health Care Community Health Center?
Overview
The Public Health Nurse (PHN) promotes and protects the health of populations, including individuals, families, groups, communities, or systems using targeted evidence-based programs and services to prevent disease, injury, premature death, and improve neighborhood quality of life. The PHN provides surveillance and assessment for services and programs for all people not just those who seek services, are poor, or otherwise vulnerable. PHN actions are directed toward the goals of primary prevention and health equity. The PHN partners with communities and populations to identify, implement, and evaluate programs and interventions to reduce health risks and to promote, maintain, and restore health. PHN advocates for system level changes to improve the health of populations.
Minimum Skills, Experience, and Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Registered Nurse License and CPR Certification. Ability to provide nursing assessments, screening, and counseling of clients, referral and follow-up as needed. Experience in program planning, policy development, and educational programs. Excellent communication skills and cultural competency. Must have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to operate a variety of office equipment, Electronic Health Record experience preferred. One year nursing experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Performs continuous surveillance and assessment of the social determinants of health and ensures appropriate referral to resources and support services.
- Provides individual nursing assessment, screening, and counseling of clients; referral and follow up as needed.
- Performs comprehensive individual and family assessments which include health history, physical assessment, growth monitoring, developmental, substance use, and mental health assessments.
- Provides care coordination, referral, and follow up to individuals and families who are members of a vulnerable population and/or high-risk group.
- Provides education and counseling to individuals, families, and community groups that are adapted to their unique needs, lifestyle, cultural and socio-economic situation.
- Evaluates outcome of public health nursing interventions; works with clients and other professionals to make changes as necessary.
- Integrates the best current evidence with professional expertise and community or stakeholder’s preferences or values to create synergistic practice and learn from one another to influence population health
- Provides primary care nursing at the health center as a PCMH team member
- Participates in Quality Improvement initiatives and evidence-based processes/techniques to improve the effectiveness of public health programs
- Possesses knowledge and adheres to the Core Competencies for Public Health Nursing, the Code of Ethics for Nurses with interpretive Statements, Principles of Ethical Practice of Public Health Principles, Recommendations for Public Health Nursing.
- The PHN will work in a highly professional and collaborative manner with Board of Health Agents for the six towns of Martha’s Vineyard, stakeholders and community partners.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Physical Setting:
- Clinic
Supplemental Pay:
- Differential pay
- Overtime pay
Work Location: In person