Registered Nurse (RN) - Public Health
Big Spring State Hospital
Big Spring, TX

Public Health Nurse I

Public Health Nurse I Under the general direction of the Family & Community Health (FCHS) Services Nurse Supervisor II, the Program Manager and medical direction of the Regional Medical Director, this position performs routine public health nursing work in clinical and/or non-clinical settings which will require regular and frequent travel to the field offices located in Brady, Sonora, Fort Stockton and other satellite sites. This position coordinates the delivery of public health nursing services and essential public health services through the application of education, assessments, quality assurance and direct client services. Will work under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions: 35%) DIRECT CLIENT SERVICES: Administers medications, immunizations, testing and treatments according to regional and DSHS Standing Delegation Orders and procedures. Assesses and plans the delivery of direct public health services and essential public health services to individuals, families, and communities. Conducts physical assessments of patient health needs and implements appropriate actions. Prepares and maintains patient records, program reports and patient assessments. Instructs, counsels and assists patients in meeting their health care needs. Responsible for using independent clinical judgement when making referrals for medical and social services with follow-up as necessary. Responsible for the management of pharmaceuticals, vaccine inventory and storage. (35%) POPULATION BASED COMMUNITY OUTREACH ACTIVITIES: Provides and explains information regarding Child Health, Maternal Health, and Perinatal Infant Health and Tobacco free information to the public through one:one education sessions, presentations and community events. Must plan events, attend trainings, and network with community stakeholders and community members. Assists with public health need assessments and verification of reports data. Assists other public health staff in communicating with agencies/individuals on the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases or injury. (20%) DISEASE PREVENTION/CONTROL Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related services. Support the implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive case management service plan for clients and families. Makes home visits independently. Supports the implementation of the surveillance of communicable diseases and other health conditions, and plans interventions at the community or regional level. Assures compliance with Immunizations; Tuberculosis Control; HIV/STD, vector-Bourne diseases and prevention of vector-Bourne diseases. (10%) OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED Other related duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. Such participating may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Complete all trainings related to job duties on a timely manner. Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of professional Nursing theory and process, including cultural, social, and economic forces in family, community and group dynamics. Knowledge of Texas State Board of Nursing Practice Rules and Regulations Knowledge of Public Health Principles, practices, epidemiology, disease prevention and health promotion Knowledge of clinic/office operations. Skill in assessment of clients with complex health problems. Skill in basic computer data input through database programs, word processing and internet. Ability to maintain current CPR certification. Ability to perform basic nursing skills. Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships and collaboration with public, local officials, physicians, and local agency personnel. Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and written format to individuals, groups and communities. Ability to demonstrate independent judgment in appraising clinical situations and correctly interpret findings. Ability to comprehend and implement program goals, policies, and procedures. Ability to prioritize and demonstrate leadership. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to travel in state/personal vehicle. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Curent license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or eligible for Texas license. If eligible for Texas license, must obtain prior to employment date. Immunization Requirements: All employees who have direct contact with clients or the public, on a regular basis, must maintain current immunizations. Current Texas Class C Drivers license required. Currently be certified in CPR Initial Selection Criteria: * Registered Nurse by the State of Texas or a state that recognizes Reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact. * Work experience in Nursing, Public Health, Case management or infectious disease experience (2) years. * Experience in a medical clinical setting (2 years). * Able to travel via Automobile and/or air with overnight stay 35% of the time. Additional Information: * Phone or TEAMS Video interview may be utilized. Valid Texas Driver's license. Travel requirements and possible working hours other than 8-5 are applicable and must be able to accommodate. MOS Code: 66B, 46NX-Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are not limited to: 66B, 46NX HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS