PT Public Health Nurse

Location:

Hamilton County is one of Indiana’s fastest growing, highest educated and wealthiest counties in the state and the Midwest. Two-thirds of the workforce lives and works in the county - a percent that has remained constant since 2010. Hamilton County is continually recognized in rankings ranging from “Best Cities to Relocate To” and “Best City to Raise a Family” to “Healthiest County in Indiana” and “Happiest Suburbs in the Nation”. Come be a part of all Hamilton County has to offer as we work together to serve the citizens of Hamilton County.

Job Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTION

COUNTY OF HAMILTON, INDIANA

POSITION: Part-time Public Health Nurse

DEPARTMENT: Health

WORK SCHEDULE: As Assigned

STATUS: Part-time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

HOURLY RATE: $35.1336 per hour

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Hamilton County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Part-time Public Health Nurse for the Health Department, responsible for providing health screenings, treatment, and education.

DUTIES:

Implements immunization programs according to Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) guidelines, interviewing/educating parents, explaining consent forms, pre- registering children, determining/administering appropriate vaccines or holding children, and maintaining written and computer client records.

Responds to telephone inquiries regarding diseases, immunizations, and general health information.

Monitors/maintains tuberculosis prevention and treatment program, including administering/interpreting Mantoux tests for children and adults; maintaining detailed records; counseling/explaining treatment and universal health precautions and monitoring adherence; conducting periodic follow-up tests and testing contacts for disease spread; and communicating with medical personnel regarding patient care. Providing TB medication for both latent and active Tuberculosis. Provides directly observed therapy (DOT) for all cases of active TB, involving watching individual take every dose of medication for 6 to 9 months.

Investigates reports of communicable diseases according to state and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, including interviewing, educating and testing patients and their contacts, maintaining records, communicating with/reporting to CDC, and conducting follow-up interviews as needed.

Promotes community health education, including providing oral and printed information to patients and office/clinic visitors, maintaining information regarding international travel concerns, and maintaining database of various health topics, such as diseases, treatment, and sources. Serves as resource/referral agency for schools and physicians, and the community.

Interviews and assesses/evaluates endangered adults in home visits, and makes referrals to appropriate health providers.

Periodically assists in testing children exposed to lead, including taking blood samples, assisting with forms, forwarding results to parents, and conducting home visits.

Follows and adheres to all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) guidelines for protected health information (PHI).

Maintains current knowledge of public health issues by attending conferences and seminars.

Performs related duties as assigned.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Baccalaureate Degree (preferred) in nursing, and current Indiana registered nurse license, and certifications in basic life support, and tuberculosis testing.

Working knowledge of and ability to apply state and local public health regulations, accepted principles, practices and common issues in public health nursing, including, but not limited to, administering immunizations and potential complications, tuberculosis control, communicable disease symptoms/treatment/control, lead screening/testing, and public health education.

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to maintain accurate records, and prepare detailed reports.

Ability to effectively examine and screen individuals, assess needs, and provide appropriate information, treatment, assistance, and referrals.

Ability to properly use various medical equipment, including stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, syringes, lancets, filter paper, and thermometer.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other county personnel, ISDH, health care providers, school personnel, community organizations, local Family and Social Services Administration, children, and adults, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.

Ability to and properly use standard office equipment, including computer, printer, telephone, copier, fax machine and scanner.

Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the position.

Ability to work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure, and complete assignments effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.

Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions/directions, and appropriately respond to constructive criticism.

Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.

Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers.

Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements and HIPAA.

Ability to occasionally work extended and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for home visits, but not overnight.

Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

As a result of the duties associated with this job, there is the potential of becoming exposed to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious diseases. To safeguard employees and eliminate the liability placed on Hamilton County, employees working in this position shall begin the three shot Hepatitis B vaccination and subsequent training within 10 days of their initial job assignment per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030(f)(2)(i).

The initial and two subsequent vaccinations shall be administered by the Hamilton County Health Department and free of charge to the employee. If the employee has previously received the three shot Hepatitis B vaccination, official documentation must be provided to the supervisor identifying the dates in which each shot was appropriately administered. A Temporary Medical Declination may be made for a period of up to six months. A Declination form must be completed, outlining the medical reasons for the temporary declination and forwarded to the Safety & Risk Manager. Employees temporarily declining the vaccine are prohibited from performing any duties in which they may be exposed to a blood borne pathogen or other potentially infectious disease until they are able to begin/continue the series of vaccinations. Failure to comply will result in termination of employment.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent's duties are broad in scope, involving many variables or considerations. Incumbent performs according to standard practices of the profession and department policies and procedures, exercising independent judgment in adapting to varying work environments, and determining appropriate treatment and referrals for individuals.

III. RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent applies standardized practices to specific cases, working with supervisor in setting work assignments and priorities, and referring to supervisor in unusual and/or unprecedented situations as needed. Work is periodically reviewed for technical accuracy and adherence to instructions and guidelines.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County personnel, ISDH, local health care providers, school personnel, community service organizations, local Family and Social Services Administration , and the public for purposes of exchanging and explaining information, and providing health screenings, treatment, referrals, and education.

Incumbent reports directly to Director of Nursing.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Incumbent performs duties in an office, health clinic, and at various residential sites, such as patient homes and institutions. Duties may involve sitting for long periods, standing/walking for long periods, sitting and walking at will, keyboarding, reaching, bending, crouching/kneeling, close vision, color and depth perception, hearing sounds/communication, speaking clearly, handling/grasping/fingering objects, frequently pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying objects weighing under 25 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Incumbent is occasionally exposed to potentially hostile/violent persons.

Incumbent is exposed to normal hazards associated with driving, and with public health nursing, such as communicable diseases and blood-borne pathogens, for which universal health precautions must be followed to ensure safety of self and others. Incumbent occasionally works extended and/or evening hours, and occasionally travels out of town for home visits, but not overnight.

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The job description for the position of Part-time Public Health Nurse for the Health Department describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.

Hamilton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We participate in E-Verify.