Public Health Nurse III, Child Health Enhanced Role Registered Nurse

Forsyth County Department of Public Health is seeking a Public Health Nurse III.  This is a full-time Child Health Enhanced Role position responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare services to children, including health assessments, developmental screenings, immunization assessments and administration, parent education, referrals, and care coordination.  This position also supports the Immunization Program by ensuring vaccines are administered safely, immunization records are maintained accurately, and families receive education regarding vaccine recommendations and disease prevention.  A well-qualified applicant will find this position rewarding due to the opportunity
to positively influence children’s health and development, support families in accessing essential healthcare services, and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

The work hours are on a rotating schedule:

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday (Rotating Late Clinic) 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

A well-qualified applicant shall have the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Clinical and Technical Skills:
• Knowledge of pediatric nursing, child health assessments, and preventive healthcare.
• Ability to conduct developmental screenings and identify potential health concerns.
• Knowledge of childhood immunization schedules, vaccine administration, storage, and handling requirements.
• Ability to assess immunization histories and determine vaccine needs.
• Knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization recommendations.
• Ability to recognize health concerns requiring referrals or further evaluation.

Patient Care and Education:
• Ability to educate parents and caregivers on child development, preventive health, and immunizations.
• Skills in providing age-appropriate, family-centered care.
• Ability to address vaccine questions and concerns using evidence-based information.
• Ability to coordinate referrals and follow-up care for children with identified needs.

Administrative and Organizational Skills:
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential medical records.
• Knowledge of immunization documentation systems and applicable reporting requirements.
• Ability to track vaccinations, screenings, referrals, and follow-up appointments.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to balance Child Health and Immunization responsibilities.
• Knowledge of applicable clinical policies, procedures, and public health guidelines.

Critical-Thinking and Professional Skills:
• Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Ability to recognize and respond to potential vaccine reactions or other clinical concerns.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with the healthcare team.
• Flexibility to support changing clinic needs and staffing priorities.
• Commitment to quality improvement, accountability, and equitable access to healthcare.

  


Completion of approximately three months of training that includes both a didactic and on-the-job supervision phase in the expanded role specialty to which assigned; AND

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and two years of Public Health nursing experience; or 

Master’s in Public Health and graduation from a school of professional nursing and two years of professional nursing experience; or 

Graduation from a school of professional nursing and three years of professional nursing experience including two years of Public Health nursing experience; or 

An equivalent combination of training and experience 

[Note: three months training can be obtained concurrently with other experience required for the position].

Possession of a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license to practice in the state of North Carolina.

Completion and maintenance of CH ERRN roster.

Maintain CPR certification.

A valid driver's license is required for use of a county vehicle.

**Please Note: If the RN does not already hold a Child Health ERRN certification, the RN will begin employment as a Public Health Nurse II until the Child Health ERRN course has been completed satisfactorily.**

*All Public Health Nurses employed by a local health department shall complete an introductory course in principles and practices of Public Health/Public Health Nursing and any refresher courses sponsored by the NC Department of Health and Human Services.  10A NCAC 46.0301 (2), (b), (c)Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Child Health Enhanced Role Nurse:
- The nurse will perform examinations on children birth to twenty-one years of age. The nurse will provide a thorough medical, nutritional,
social history, and then a complete well child physical.
- The nurse will complete appropriate documentation on Bright Futuretools.
- The nurse will ensure completion of Ages and Stages Questionnaire and/or developmental assessment as appropriate.
- The nurse will ensure that appropriate screenings, immunizations, lab work are performed on each child following the guidelines of the North
Carolina Child Health Manual and FCDPH policies.
- The nurse will provide health education, counseling and anticipatory guidance to parents, as well as interpretation of physical and developmental findings.
- The nurse will refer abnormal findings or further care to appropriate agencies and/or medical care providers.
- The nurse will follow up and make referrals per Well Child clinic policy.
- Maintain core nursing competencies and skills needed for position to
maintain ERRN competency.

2. Float immunization nurse:
- After review of the patient s vaccine history the nurse will educate the patient on needed vaccines and provide current vaccine information statements.
- The nurse will follow standing orders and administer vaccines to the public in accordance with ACIP, NC immunization law, and vaccine manufacturer recommendations
- The nurse will be familiar with choosing the right vaccine from separate funding sources and complying with VFC program requirements.
 - The nurse will reconstitute and handle vaccines using manufacturer recommended processes.
- The nurse will enter all vaccines into the electronic medical record and NCIR at the time of administration and provide the client with an updated record of vaccines received.
- The nurse will follow all vaccine storage and handling processes and requirements.
- The nurse will follow standing orders in the Emergency Policy to handle reactions to vaccines. The nurse will also use the VAERS system to report vaccine reactions and to report administration of incorrect vaccines.
- The nurse will be able to receive vaccine shipments and store according to requirements for each vaccine.
- Follow standing orders in the placement of PPD skin tests for patients as needed.

3. General Public Health Nurse:
- Required to precept nursing students, new employees
- Serve on FCDPH agency and nursing committees as requested
- May staff at least one FCDPH event outside of normal clinic operations (in addition to OZE and Flu)
- Required to staff OZE vaccination clinic outside of regular immunization role assignment
- Required to staff Flu/Covid vaccination clinic outside of regular immunization role assignment
- Participate in any urgent public health events as necessary and requested
- Provide Public Health Nursing services in a disaster shelter when necessary
- Follow FCDPH ICS Policy and Procedure for management of emergencies
- Maintain an active nursing license and CPR certification.
- Other duties as assigned to meet agency needs