Public Health Nurse – Communicable Disease, Immunizations & Prevention

Under the direct supervision of the Public Health Supervisor, this position supports the Nicollet County Health and Human Services department. This position leads disease prevention and control efforts at both an individual and population level through communicable disease surveillance, investigation, direct clinical interventions, and education. This position also prepares for and responds to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies in collaboration with key stakeholders, community partners, and interagency personnel. Additionally, this position maintains situational awareness and current knowledge of emerging infectious diseases and jurisdictional disaster risks, organizes and implements training and planning activities, and provides public health response efforts, as well as coordinates all aspects of the department’s immunization program. This position collaborates with community partners to plan, implement, and evaluate evidence-based substance use prevention strategies with a focus on policy, systems, and environmental change approaches that create healthier communities. 

• Develops and delivers public health education and risk communication regarding infectious disease prevention, vaccination, and outbreak response to diverse population 
• Ensures proper storage, handling, administration, and documentation of vaccines. Maintains required standards for MnVFC and UUAV programs including vaccine ordering and inventory, temperature monitoring devices, vaccine reporting, and emergency planning. Manages inventory of vaccination supplies, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Coordinates substance use prevention grant activities, including community partnerships, implementation of prevention strategies, and required reporting
• Collaborates with community stakeholders to advance policy, systems, and environmental change efforts that promote health and prevent substance use
• Assists in coordinating and providing support preparing for and responding to public health emergencies, disease investigations, and vaccination clinics. Participates in exercises, delivers just-in-time training to staff and volunteers, and oversees responders
• Conducts, attends, and actively participates in regular local, regional, and select state emergency management or public health meetings, trainings, and exercises to assure coordination of activities during emergencies 
• Receives, screens, and investigates reports of Tuberculosis in the county. Provides direct and indirect nursing care to tuberculosis patients; evaluates general health and medical conditions; coordinates care; collects sputum samples; checks for adverse effects of anti-TB drugs; provides TB education to clients and medical provider; and makes specific medical assessments based on TB physician orders and CDC guidelines
• Uses public health surveillance and disease investigation methods in community outreach, screening, and case finding of communicable and infectious diseases that threaten the health of the community
• Administers and performs laboratory procedures, emergency first aid, and other medical treatments as necessary. Provides backup correctional health services under the guidance of the correctional health nurse and jail administrator
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation in state and local data systems

• Valid MN Driver’s license, and 
• MN Registered Nurse License, and 
• Public Health Certification, and 
• Four-year (4) degree in nursing, and 
• Two (2) years of experience, OR 
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job 

• Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with community stakeholders
• Ability to effectively collaborate with medical providers 
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize client caseloads 
• Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification 
• Ability to perform computer and program related software applications 
• Ability to perform medical testing, injections, and medication administration 
• Ability to work both independently and with team members 
• Ability to work with diverse populations and language interpretation services 
• Considerable knowledge of infectious disease and immunization policies and procedures 
• Considerable knowledge of the health care delivery system and community resources 
• Knowledge of effective interviewing skills to perform tuberculosis and other communicable disease investigations 
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and reimbursement mechanisms pertaining to public health nursing services 
• Knowledge of tuberculosis nursing case management and medical treatment of all ages 
• Skill in effective oral, written, and electronic communication and presentation skills 
• Skill in using a computer, Microsoft Office and related software applications