Public Health Nurse

Pay Schedule III, Grade 18N, Regular Schedule:  35 hours per week.

A vacancy exists in the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Animal Health Services.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring within this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice.  Applicants are advised to apply promptly.
 
 All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered.  Proof of license(s) certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Under general supervision, plans, coordinates, and provides professional public health nursing services to individuals, families, and groups in the home, community, and health centers.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provides comprehensive public health nursing and case management services to individuals with active tuberculosis (TB) disease and latent TB infection (LTBI).

• Conducts nursing assessments, provides health education and counseling, administers and monitors prescribed treatment, evaluates medication adherence and potential side effects, and coordinates appropriate follow-up care.

• Provides services in the clinic, client homes, and other community settings as appropriate.

• Conducts home visits to assess clients, monitor treatment progress, provide medications, and identify barriers that may affect successful completion of treatment.

• Monitors clients throughout the course of therapy and communicates changes in condition or concerns to the appropriate medical provider.

• Works collaboratively with physicians, nurse practitioners, public health investigators, laboratory staff, nursing assistants, and other members of the multidisciplinary TB team to develop and implement individualized plans of care.

• Coordinates services with hospitals, primary care providers, specialists, pharmacies, and other healthcare organizations to promote continuity of care.

• Coordinates and monitors Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), including in-person and electronic/video DOT when appropriate.

• Provides oversight and delegation to nursing assistants involved in medication delivery, DOT, and other assigned client services.

• Assesses clients for medical, social, financial, transportation, insurance, language, and other needs that may interfere with treatment.

• Makes appropriate referrals to internal Health Department programs and external community-based organizations and follows up to support access to needed services.

• Provides education to clients, families, healthcare providers, and community partners regarding TB transmission, prevention, treatment, medication adherence, and infection-control practices.

• Reinforces the importance of completing treatment and attending required medical, laboratory, and radiology appointments.

• Maintains accurate and timely nursing documentation, case management records, treatment information, and required reports.

• Monitors client progress and ensures appropriate communication and coordination among all providers involved in the client's care.

• Participates in TB-related public health activities, including contact investigations, screenings, coordination of testing and evaluation, and other disease-control activities as assigned.

• Assists with the orientation, training, and oversight of new staff, nursing assistants, students, and others involved in TB services.

 
Examples of Other Duties:
 Performs other related duties as required.
 
 (NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in nursing.
OR 
Graduation from an accredited diploma school of nursing:
Plus
At least one-year of professional nursing experience.
Additional qualifying education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
OR
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate in arts degree in nursing;
Plus 
At least two years' professional nursing experience.
Additional qualifying education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid license to practice as a professional registered nurse, issued by the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses, is required at the time of appointment. Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a noncommercial, class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Proof of license(s) certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN:  Public Health Nurse
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You must attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Qualified applicants will be assigned a rating based on an evaluation of their training and experience as submitted on their application and supplemental questionnaire.  Applicants are advised to state the dates, duties and responsibilities of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification may include the performance of physical activities such as walking, standing, and lifting, the operation of medical equipment and instruments, and travel throughout the County. Duties may expose incumbents to various bio-medical hazards.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.