Licensed Practical Nurse

Position Summary:  

Working under the direction of the assigned supervisor, performs comprehensive professional community health nursing services to county residents, primarily high-risk populations to promote heath & wellness and to prevent & manage disease. 

A public health nurse may be assigned to a specific group/program and have responsibility to manage the program, serve as a team leader, provide clinical supervision of ZMCHD employees assigned to the specific group/program, assign, review, and direct work of group.  

Essential Duties:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below.  

Basic PHN Responsibilities  

• Contribute to creation and completion of specific performance objectives in personal work plan which links to the ZMCHD strategic plan. 
• Provides services under various local, state, and federal programs.  
• Provides child and adult immunizations in accordance with mandated guidelines. Educates clients regarding immunization policies, adverse reactions, precautions, follow-up immunizations, etc.  

• • Identifies and reports health needs and concerns of the community to appropriate persons at ZMCHD and collaborates with the supervisor to address and manage these issues.  
  • Works with diverse cultures including non-English speaking clients to overcome barriers to obtaining health care and social/economic services.  
    • Maintains confidential personal information that must be safeguarded to prevent damage to client’s lives or reputations. Utilizes sound judgment and caution in communications with individuals inside and outside ZMCHD. 
    • Reports allegations/suspicions on abuse, neglect and related incidents according to federal and state guidelines.  

Case Management Responsibilities  

• • • Maintains a network of community resources to meet the needs of low-income and fragile families and individuals in the target populations.  

Communicable Disease Screening & Treatment / Disease Monitoring Responsibilities 

• • • Investigates and monitors reports of communicable diseases.  
    • Provides health care services, instruction, and information to clients in compliance with related public health laws.  
    • Initiates and discusses sensitive issues with clients that potentially might have life-altering consequences.  

ASSESSMENT:  

Collects and documents data pertinent to the health of individuals in various settings; history, weight, height, blood pressure; Collects appropriate specimens; Monitors lab results 

PLANNING:  

Assists in grant writing, reports, analysis, and other related documentation; Confers with other health professionals; Contributes to the development of policies and protocols; Makes arrangements for specialty clinics and screenings; Prepares referral reports for physicians; Participates in the development and maintenance of health care policies and educational materials.  

DIRECT CARE/INTERVENTION:  

Travels to homes, social service agencies, schools and other community settings to perform health services providing educational interventions and/or community resources; Refers and connects individuals to needed health services; Presents educational programs and health counseling to individuals, students, and community groups regarding health maintenance, illness management, and disease prevention; Provides direct nursing services per programmatic protocols in accordance with standard nursing practice; Technical procedures and treatments, medications as prescribed by physician; Administers immunizations, medications and first aid; Schedules appointments and procedures; Follow up on lab results; Follow up on telephone questions; Ability to perform CPR & use AED 

EVALUTION:  

Evaluates effectiveness of patient and community education, direct care, program activities; Documents statistical reports of program activities monthly; completes time studies 

  Demonstrate the Values outlined in the ZMCHD Strategic Plan: 

 Work Together: We engage with our community to establish common goals and achieve desired results 

Help Others: We are helpful, adaptive, and take pride in providing excellent service  

Do The Right Thing: We are fair, honest, ethical, and accountable. 

Improve: We continually look for ways to improve our efficiency and effectiveness 

• Help in the promotional efforts for ZMCHD programs and activities, both internal and external. This includes attending health fairs and special events, preparing displays for events, developing educational materials and working with the ZMCHD PIO and media. 
• Support and participate in quality improvement activities. 
• Adhere to ZMCHD policies and procedures. Practices dependable attendance habits. 
• Other Duties: May be required to report to the emergency command center in the event of a public health emergency.  

Qualifications:  An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is: 

• • • High school diploma or GED 
    • Must be a licensed practical nurse with a current unrestricted license 
    • Minimum of 2 years working experience as a licensed practical nurse 
    • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, as well as strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain working relationships with the public.  
    • Working knowledge of computers and comfort with technology required.  
    • Preferred experience, training and abilities in the following areas: 
    • Program design 
    • Implementation and evaluation 
    • Immunizations 
    • Research 
    • Public speaking 
    • CPR certification 
    • Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to reliable transportation required 
    • Non-tobacco user 

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within 3 days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform & Control Act requirements. 

Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons, covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements. 

• • • Frequently sits for extended periods of time. Regularly stands and walks moderate distances. Occasionally climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, and crouches.  
    • Regularly exhibits manual dexterity when working on the computer, typing, entering data and performing other related tasks.  Regularly uses hands to hold and control equipment and perform nursing procedures. Regularly reaches with hands and arms. 
    • Regularly talks and hears when working with the general public.   
    • Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision, with the ability to adjust focus when typing or reading a computer screen.   
    • Occasionally lifts and carries up to 50 pounds short distances.   
    • Regularly drives motor vehicle to various locations locally and occasionally within the State. 

 Work Environment:  

• • • General office setting in the health department facility. 
    • Exposure to needles, diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and bodily secretions. 
    • Exposure to various environments in homes, schools, and other community settings.  
    • Exposure to all types of weather conditions and road hazards. 

This job description in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the employee filling this position, who will be required to follow  instructions and perform any duties required by the employee's supervisor or designee. 

Salary : $20 - $28