DEPARTMENT:    

Community Health Nursing

POSITION NUMBER:

30

POSITION:            

Community Health Nurse (RN)

LOCATION:          

La Marque

SALARY/RANGE:

Grant-funded Position

Starting salary based on experience

STATUS:               

Full-time/Exempt

Under the direction of the Director of Community Health Services and Deputy Health Authority of Galveston County, performs a variety of public health nursing services that benefit community populations in Galveston County in accordance with strategic health priorities and goals of the Galveston County Health District.  Traditional public health nursing activities include, but are not limited to, educational presentation about various public health issues; preventive health screenings according to established standing delegation orders  (e.g., blood pressure, STD screening, breast & cervical cancer screening, well-child visits, hearing and vision screening, blood sugar screening, etc.); community assessments; serving as a representative on community health coalitions and committees, public health home assessments and case management duties according to established guidelines; newborn screening follow-ups; home nursing assessments for referred children with elevated blood lead levels; pre- and post-disaster nursing assistance with special needs populations and public; and other public health nursing duties as assigned by the Director of Community Health Services (e.g. assist in TB clinic, STD/HIV outbreaks, provide immunization to public during major immunization campaigns and during disasters).

 

Essential Job Functions

40% - Direct care duties:  Perform all clinical tasks as trained, and those designated by Health Authorities under Standing Delegation Orders (SDOs). Enter necessary data in appropriate databases (Immtrac, TWICES).  Direct care duties include but are not limited to providing immunizations at designated clinics; Direct observed therapy and clinic care for tuberculosis patients; breast exams; collect specimens for pap tests and sexually transmitted disease evaluations for men and women; assists Community Health Services Director with employee physicals (taking/recording vital signs, heights and weights, vision screens);  Home visits including home assessments, locating patients with critical findings and those lost to follow up, patient education, lab draws, and  flu shots for those who are home bound. 

 

50% - Population-based duties:  Engages in door-to-door surveys and outreach; Meets with community to determine health related needs based on assessments; Investigate health problems and health hazards in the community; Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility and quality of private and population based services; Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable; Serve as group leader for educational projects in schools, day care centers, and other community establishments; Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues related to environmental and behavioral changes; Assists in the development of policies and plans that affect the health and social economic status of a community; Participates and helps in the formation of local coalitions and/or other community groups; Plans and organizes community health services including identification and interpretation of specific health needs; Provides assistance in control and follow up of communicable diseases, including but not limited to tuberculosis

 

10% - Other duties:  Maintains daily logs to provide accountability for services rendered; Gathers and reports statistical data monthly on outreach completed; Provides orientation, education, and supervision of staff nurses, students and auxiliary workers and volunteers on Public Health and the role of Community Health Nurses; Other duties as assigned by Community Health Services Director.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of Scope and Standards of Practice for Public Health Nurses according to the American Nurses Association and practice according to these guidelines and procedures.  Those who participate in Breast and Cervical Screening Should be have proficient understanding of Texas Department of State Health Services policies and procedures found the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening (BCCS) Program Manual of Operations.

Skill in providing excellent customer service and support; organizing and prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines; and excellent written and verbal communication. Once training is obtained, perform appropriate clinical examinations, including but not limited to: Clinical breast examinations,

Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, education, racial, ethnic and professional backgrounds; work effectively with managers, co-workers, members of the public and professional groups; communicate effectively, clearly, concisely with others (internal and external customers, both verbally and in writing), consistently demonstrate positive/proactive customer service attitude; consistently maintains ethical behaviors exemplary of quality public service and fair standards, inclusively, among all employees and members of the public; work as an effective team member; function independently, exercise sound judgment and initiative; be flexible to shift priorities; maintain confidentiality; establish and maintain effective interpersonal work relationships, work toward goals and objectives of Strategic Health Plan and those listed our Texas Department of State Health Services Local Public Health Service Delivery Plan (000) ; follow Health District policies – including adhering to the Health District’s immunization policy and the mission, vision, and Guiding Principles of the Health District; receive constructive feedback; and be available to accept new assignments to meet disaster–related Health District responsibilities.


Education / Experience

Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing and licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas with two years paid, full-time experience as a practicing Registered Nurse OR Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing and licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.  Completion of one year (30 semester hours) of collegiate nursing that earned academic credit from an accredited college or university after graduating from nursing school.  One year of paid, full-time experience as a practicing Registered Nurse OR Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university

 

Must complete all required trainings to perform clinical tasks as assigned.

 

License and/or Certification

Licensed as a RN in the State of Texas, Valid Texas Drivers License, CPR certified - level C (must be obtained before completion of probationary period)

 

Special Requirements

Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel between GCHD facilities.   Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours as necessary.

 

Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until this position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer