Part-Time Licensed Practical Nurse - Communicable Disease

Linn County Public Health Department is seeking a qualified Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to support the Communicable Disease Program, providing case management assistance, immunizations, and public health clinic services on a part-time basis. If you have a passion for public health and want to support the prevention and control of communicable disease in our community, this job is for you!

The LPN in this position supports Communicable Disease Program case management and Public Health Clinic services under the direction of an RN or Public Health Nurse Supervisor. Demonstrates flexibility in adapting as program and/or service needs change.

Communicable Disease Program Services

Supports efforts to prevent and control the spread of communicable disease. Related duties include but are not limited to:

• Assists with communicable disease surveillance and service activities, including reportable disease and outbreak response support.
• Participates in case review under RN/supervisor direction to maintain basic knowledge of assigned caseload.
• Identifies client needs and communicates appropriate referrals to the supervising nurse.
• Assists with implementation of nursing care plans, including:
  • Home visits to support Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), under RN direction.
  • Routine medication assessment support and monitoring.
  • Communicable disease screening (e.g., TB skin testing, administration and reading).
• Collects specimens, draws blood, and administers tests and vaccinations per the patient treatment plan and standing orders.
• Assists with contact investigation and follow-up.
• Educates and counsels clients regarding disease process, risk behaviors, healthy lifestyles, prophylaxis, medication management, and treatment goals.
• Coordinates and consults on plan of care with the supervising RN, Health Officer, and outside providers/agencies.
• Assists with evaluation and appropriate follow-up of x-ray/lab/sputum results, as directed.
• Drives to client homes or other sites to provide services, attend off-site meetings, pick up specimens, or conduct field investigation of communicable disease.
• Utilizes computer and internet resources to access information and document activities.
• Performs accurate and timely documentation in the state reportable disease database and electronic medical record.
• Provides or coordinates services to non-English or non-Spanish speaking clients via telephonic or in-person interpreter.

General Public Health Clinic Responsibilities

• Provides direct client services, including administration of injections.
• Follows policies and procedures specific to the services provided.
• Provides health information and education relevant to services sought by the individual, per policy.
• Provides timely, accurate, and complete documentation of services.
• Obtains and transports supplies from refrigerator/freezer, overhead cabinets, and other storage areas.
• Greets clients in waiting area, escorts to clinic service area and back to front desk.
• Documents services provided accurately and completely at time of service.
• Checks and records refrigerator and freezer temperatures each AM and PM and informs supervisor of temperatures falling outside range.
• Participates in returning client calls, following up on labs, chart audits, and drug counts.
• Drives to community sites to provide services and attend meetings and trainings.

Immunizations to Infants, Children, and Adults

• Administers vaccines as forecasted unless medically contraindicated, per standing orders.
• Provides immunizations in Linn County clinics and special off-site clinics.
• Assures documentation of services meets state and local standards.

Shared Program Duties with the Public Health Team

• Participates in team meetings, and contributes to policies, procedures, and program documents.
• Provides services and communication to community partners (e.g., shelters, school nurses).
• Communicates client and program issues to the Nursing Supervisor and/or Program Manager.
• Participates in planning, implementation, and evaluation of program activities, including quality improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• May flex schedule to provide services outside normal business hours; occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required to meet business needs.
• May include response to public health emergencies to provide essential nursing or non-nursing services, including mass clinics for immunizations/medication, outbreak response, or other functions.

Response Level 2: In the event of an emergency, employee makes a reasonable effort to report to work. Employee may be required to perform duties outside of their regularly assigned duties and may be requested to work an extended or flexible schedule. Staff at this response level must complete Incident Command System 100 and 700 training, online or in-person.

Experience and Training

• Completion of an accredited Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, and one year of experience as a nurse in a public health, clinical, social services, or community health setting; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Linn County.

Standard Requirements

• Possession of a current license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Oregon at the time of appointment.
• Must have a current CPR certificate.
• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving record that meets the county's requirements.
• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency — testing requirements must be met.
• Prior public health or community-based nursing experience.
• Experience administering immunizations across age ranges.
• Experience with TB testing, screening, or case management.