POSITION SUMMARY
The incumbent will provide quality comprehensive nursing services to individuals, families, communities and schools supported by evidence based practice. The Public Health Nurse (PHN) will be responsible to lead mobilization efforts by developing and coordinating services with a multi-disciplinary care team to positively impact services to high risk groups to contain communicable disease outbreaks including; foodborne illnesses, immunization preventable illnesses, TB, and Sexually Transmitted Disease. The role of the PHN includes home visits in the areas of Maternal/Child/Health, prenatal to Geriatric nursing; chronic patients with varying health conditions; school health to provide immunization updates.
Under the direction of the PHN Manager, the PHN will provide program support by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive community health nursing program to meet the care needs of the patients and clients in the assigned area.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assists with direct patient care and related tasks; provides nursing services and education to patient’s one-to-one, group, or in a community setting. Independently makes home visits, elicits or explains medical information, provides basic care and education to patients with a variety of conditions, illnesses and/or injuries. Responsible for obtaining and recording patient information as assigned by PHN policies (i.e., vital signs, blood sugar, pain assessment, medication information, etc.).
- Coordinate and participate in the planning and delivery of health care services through collaboration with various resources to include TCRHCC providers, case management, various Tribal, State, and County agencies. Communicates utilizing a variety of tools to effectively convey ideas, updates regarding program goals and objectives to appropriate entities. Develops and maintains knowledge of regulatory agencies within the geographic service area.
- Coordinates and leads multi-disciplinary care team in the planning and implementation of care for high risk group (Food Borne Illnesses, TB, STD, Vaccine Preventable disease). Collaborates and coordinates care activities with existing Navajo Nation Tribal programs (TB Technician, STI Technician, Community Health Representatives, Community Health Educators).
- Conducts and coordinates epidemiological surveys and investigation with appropriate personnel, surveillance of index case and contacts. Provides and participates in Epi-response/emergency preparedness in the community in collaboration with all local, Tribal, State, County, and National Emergency Preparedness Programs.
- Provides/coordinates clients care in the home setting for newborns, infants and children; prenatal, postpartum, and other gynecological and obstetrical conditions; high-risk conditions such as teens or elderly; a comprehensive plan of care for adults and elderly clients based upon community health needs and resources. Identifies and prioritizes care to clients with high-risk conditions and refers to appropriate resources.
- Manages and/or coordinates an immunization/disease-preventable control program for children and adults.
- Coordinates needs assessment survey, identifies community resources in assigned area, gathers/complies community profile data and prioritizes health needs.
- Participates in quality assurance activities including evaluation of PHN program activities and improving quality patient-care outcomes. In-depth knowledge of public health principles, including population-based services, evidence-based practice, prevention and community assessment.
- Participates in health promotion/disease prevention activities, community health fairs, outreach activities, flu clinics, immunization clinics, school vision and hearing screenings. Assists with community needs assessment survey, identifies community resources, gathers/complies community profile data and prioritizes health needs.
- Participates in program meetings, in-service activities, committees regarding PHN services and orientation of new personnel. Participates in performance improvement activities and data management responsibilities. Participates in reviewing charts and reporting information according the PHN policies.
- Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control. Fosters a collaborative environment, using a team approach to share ideas and to promote safe, patient centered care.
- Maintains proficiency and knowledge regarding trends and evidence based Nursing practice. Participates in program planning, evaluates, in-service activities, and orientation of new personnel.
- Patient/Client documentation reflects appropriate Nursing process in the “S.O.A.P” format submitted in timely manner. Responsible for documenting patient care encounter or information on a Patient Care Component (PCC) form. Adheres to confidentiality TCRHCC policies, and HIPAA regulations. Documents actions and activities by completing required forms, reports, logs, and patient records.
- The PHN will assist the PHN Manager to develop short and longterm program goals and objectives based upon the community needs assessment, and National Healthy People initiatives.
- Carries out routine office like activities and administrative functions such as; utilizing computer software to enter immunization information, access patient information and medications, follow-up on laboratory results or other computer functions as required by PHN department. Maintains a courteous and professional manner at all times. Provides excellent customer service to patients, family, and staff. Assists in answering telephones and supplying routine information per policy.
- Keeps vehicle and equipment operating by following operating instructions; daily observations and documentation, troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs.
- Performs general non-direct patient care duties related to PHN services, including cleaning, arranging, and restocking supply cabinets; assists with maintenance of inventory and ordering supplies; cleaning and sorting supplies, instruments and equipment; calling attention to deficiencies in supplies and equipment; and maintains a clean and safe patient environment.
- Maintain professional appearance and personal conduct at all times.
- Responsible for electronic health records data entry pertinent to patient service role.
- Performs other related duties under the Community Health Division, or as necessary per supervisor.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL EFFORT
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical:
The work requires extensive driving between communities, and ability to drive in all types of roads in adverse weather conditions. Involves standing, bending, and walking within schools, clinics and homes. Lifting and carrying is necessary to assist disabled patients in ambulation; moderate physical effort is required in handling bulk supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds in homes, schools, and community. Using appropriate body mechanics and proper lifting techniques is required.
Mental:
The work involves assessing the health of communities, individuals, families and schools. Must be able to prioritize and use good judgment; coordinate a variety of issues while being frequently interrupted; and be able to cope and manage stressful situations such as chronic or terminal illnesses, child or elderly abuse, and social issues or concerns among patients and families.
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