Registered Nurse (RN) - Public Health
Chester County, PA
Government Services Center, PA

Public Health Nurse - Clinical Services

Chester County Health Department (CCHD) is currently hiring a full-time Registered Nurse for our Clinical Services Division. This Public Health Nurse would be responsible for providing professional nursing services in clinics, homes and communities to ensure that effective health promotion and disease prevention services are provided. This position is primarily in our Immunizations Program. Must have a PA RN license or an active Multistate RN license; BSN required. Reliable vehicle and valid driver's license required. Mileage will be reimbursed in accordance with County policy. Full-time employment (40 hours/week). Primarily weekday hours and one evening a week. Expanded evening and/or weekend clinics in the Fall and during Public Health emergencies.  This is an Essential Employee position.  Essential employees are obligated to report to work as scheduled or remain at work during emergencies. Following is the Duty Statement for Essential Employees: "Carries out essential job functions or assigned emergency duties which may involve assignments within the Department of Health Command Center, deployment to a field location to participate in public health activities, or other duties as required during periods of emergency.  If received, emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions and continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks." A criminal background check and Pennsylvania child clearances are required. Essential duties, tasks and accountabilities will vary and may include the following depending on program assignments: * Conduct a nursing assessment during each client interaction in assigned program areas: Immunization, TB, STD/HIV. * Accurately obtain clinical history, screen, administer and document medication/vaccines, according to accepted standards, protocols and standing orders, to infants, children and adults. * Store and handle medication/vaccines according to best practices. * Perform vena puncture for TB screening and STIs, including HIV, and other related testing, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and maintaining universal precautions. * Conduct surveillance activities and interviews of county residents who have reportable diseases.  * Engage in health promotion through outreach and education activities, with a focus on elimination or control of vaccine-preventable diseases and preventable communicable diseases.  * Link clients and their families with community resources relevant to their specific needs.  * Proficiently gather and perform data entry into statewide and program databases according to established protocols. * Engage in continuing education and certification activities to support communicable disease program goals. * Engage with community coalitions. * Engage with other Health Department programs related to disease prevention/control and emergency preparedness, as needed. * Participate in the orientation of new staff. * Participate in providing public health experiences for students and interns * Promote positive team dynamics through participation in team meetings, contributing input for program development initiatives, and supporting healthy communication patterns.  * Work effectively with interpreters as needed in home visit and clinic settings. * Submit program outcomes data by designated due dates. * Participate in relevant Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives to pursue program excellence. * Perform other duties, tasks and special projects as required to support CCHD and clinical programs. * Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN). * Graduate of an accredited Nursing School or College. * Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN), issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing or an active Multistate RN license. * Current CPR certification. * Strong professional ethics. * Strong working knowledge of nursing theory, principles and practices.  * Broad knowledge of public health issues and concerns. * Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills. * Ability to follow protocol. * Excellent interpersonal skills and positive communication patterns. * Ability to work as part of a team. * Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to take self-initiative to accomplish program goals and tasks.  * Excellent organizational skills. * Time management skills and ability to establish priorities. * Positive customer service skills. * Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. * Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters. * Ability to work extended hours, as necessary. * A valid driver's license and proof of insurance is required.   Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience: * One to two years of experience in the Community or Public Health field. * Excellent physical assessment skills. * Venipuncture proficiency.       Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.  Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have: * Proficient keyboarding skills * Basic Word skills * Basic Access skills * Basic OutLook skills (Email and Calendar) * Ability to use web-based tools   Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, lift or carry items, drive a vehicle during working hours, and talk or hear.  Occasionally, the employee will need to stand; reach or work with arms above shoulders; bend, twist or rotate at the waist; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; climb stairs; push items; or work with office machinery.   The special vision requirements for this position are: * Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) ability to read drug labels accurately for name, lot numbers and dates and ability to read syringe calibrations * Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)  * Ability to adjust focus of the eye to bring an object into sharp focus       Work Environment: * The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. * Typically work at clinics, patients' homes, or other community settings. * Will sometimes be required to work at outdoor health fairs, etc.