Public Health Nurse Practitioner (Grade 27)

Under limited supervision, performs professional specialized nursing care of considerable difficulty in public health programs in the field and office; this position has department specific responsibility.

(Illustrative Only) Evaluates and treat patients as medically necessary including prescription of medications, administering injections and immunizations, instructing patients on prescribed treatments and counseling patients on health problems; identifies, develops, implements and evaluates a plan of care for a patient to promote, maintain and restore health; document patient encounters and follow up care according to department procedures; provides ongoing health maintenance and clinical management; directs and assists in screening programs; orders, interprets and follows up on laboratory and diagnostic tests; acts as a consultant to other professionals; participates in in-service training and education; maintains appropriate confidentiality of all information encountered in performance of duties; maintains patient data, files and correspondence according to protocol; reviews and interprets clinical policies and procedures and provides guidance as needed; coordinates and maintains supplies and medications necessary to provide advanced nursing services; assists epidemiologic and clinical staff in the implementation of measures to control communicable disease; works in conjunction with other public health professionals to assess the health needs of the community; refers clients to community resources for care, information and specialty treatments; responds to emergency situations and works cooperatively with other emergency personnel to assist the client; maintains patient electronic medical records including the recording of chief complaint, review of systems, health history, diagnosis and treatment plan; assists in the collection of statistical data for services provided through Health District programs; provides educational programs for community outreach regarding health prevention and promotion; may supervise nursing staff in the absence of the nursing supervisor; provides oversight of medical assistants assigned to clinical areas; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned.

Masters of Science (MSN) in Nursing from a nationally accredited college or university; valid unrestricted Arizona Registered Nurse License; National Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Midwife (failure to maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for separation); must possess a valid driver's license AND successful completion of a background check and fingerprinting clearance card. Special Notice Items: Department of Labor Regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this category may have a high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens, TB screening, Hepatitis B vaccine, and individual safety training and equipment will be provided.

Knowledge of: Yuma County policies and procedures; nurse practitioner theory and practices; community health nursing principles and practices; techniques and methods of nursing; community resources for appropriate referrals; supervision and management.
 

Skill in: The use of medical instruments and laboratory equipment; clinical service practices; physical health assessments; applying public health nursing principles; effectively monitoring and evaluating advanced nursing services; exercising initiative and judgment in selecting proper treatment; responding appropriately to emergency situations; preparing complete and accurate reports and records; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public; following written and verbal instructions; communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
 

Ability to: Research and write detailed reports; select, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; read, to write and synthesize data and reports; write grant applications, statistical and narrative reports; use modern office equipment and computers; communicate effectively verbally and written; planning and organizing work; lift at least 20 lbs.

Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity; generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing; working at a computer monitor for extended periods required; the job is performed under minimal temperature variations and may have a high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens, TB, body fluids, Hepatitis Special requirements: Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment; operate laboratory and health related equipment, including protective devices such as masks or gloves.