Public Health Nurse II, Clinical Services

Forsyth County Department of Public Health is searching for a Public Health Nurse II, Clinical Services to join the team.  The Public Health Nurse provides essential clinical services across the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP), Refugee Health, and Immunization programs. Responsibilities include coordinating cancer screenings and diagnostic follow-up, conducting health assessments and referrals for newly arrived refugees, administering vaccines, providing patient education, maintaining accurate medical records, and ensuring compliance with applicable program guidelines. This position offers a well-qualified applicant the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community health, reduce healthcare disparities, and serve diverse and underserved populations.

Being in this role will provide:
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of the community.
• Diverse clinical responsibilities across three public health programs.
• Opportunities to strengthen clinical skills and expand public health nursing experience.
• Ability to build relationships with patients, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Opportunity to improve access to preventive care and reduce health disparities.
• A collaborative work environment focused on patient-centered care and public health impact.

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Positives of Working in this Public Health position:
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of the community.
• Ability to improve access to preventive care and reduce health disparities among underserved populations.
• Variety in clinical responsibilities across BCCCP, Refugee Health, and Immunization programs.

Challenges of Working in this Public Health position:
• Limited resources and budget constraints may affect program operations and service delivery.
• Competing priorities and responsibilities across multiple programs require strong time management and organization.
• Changing public health guidelines, reporting requirements, and program regulations require ongoing learning and adaptability.

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 pmThe ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Clinical and Technical Skills:
• Ability to conduct patient assessments, identify health risks, and coordinate referrals.
• Knowledge of immunization schedules, vaccine administration, storage, and handling requirements.
• Ability to assess refugee health needs and coordinate initial health screenings and referrals.
• Knowledge of communicable disease prevention and public health nursing practices.

Patient Care and Education:
• Ability to provide patient counseling and education on cancer prevention, immunizations, and general health.
• Skills in culturally sensitive care for diverse and underserved populations.
• Ability to identify barriers to care and connect patients with appropriate resources.
• Strong patient advocacy and care coordination skills.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to collaborate with healthcare providers, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to communicate health information clearly to patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusting relationships.

Administrative and Organizational Skills:
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential medical records.
• Skills in patient tracking, documentation, data collection, and program reporting.
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities across multiple programs.
• Knowledge of applicable public health policies, procedures, and program requirements.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.

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Current Certification Required:
CPR
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Trainings and Licensure That Will Be Obtained While Working in this Position:
North Carolina Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure
BCCCP Training
Immunization Training
North Carolina Credentialed Public Health Nurse (NCCPHN) course
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A valid driver's license is required to operate agency vehicles and to travel to work-related trainings and events.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

1. Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program:
- Perform clinic breast exams and pelvic exams as needed.
- Instruct clients in Self Breast Exam Techniques using models and literature.
- Review American Cancer Guidelines for frequency of CBE, mammograms, and pap smears.
- Discuss and review risk status, options for plan of care, and help to identify resources.
- Document visit and result findings in MedIt and upload a copy into CUREMD.
- Monitor status of outstanding lab and mammogram results.
- Contact appropriate agencies as needed for results.
- Notify patients via telephone call regarding results.
- Arrange follow up appointments as indicated for abnormal mammograms, pap smears, or lab values.
- Maintain spreadsheets with patient information, results, and necessary follow up.
- Assist with BCCCP Medicaid applications and recertifications as needed.
- Provide assistance as needed in the development of policies and procedures to be used in the BCCCP program (called WomanWise at Forsyth County).

2. Refugee Program:
- Coordinates serviced for newly arrived refugees/parolees/asylees into Forsyth County.
- Serves as liaison between resettlement organization caseworkers, FCDPH, and area physicians.
- Assist refugees in obtaining initial health screening at local area physician offices (ideally within 30 days of arrival) by coordinating appointments with resettlement organization; also provide primary care physician resources.
- Ensure refugees obtain TB testing and necessary follow-up through TB clinic.
- Ensure refugees obtain all required vaccinations.
- Ensure refugee children obtain initial blood lead level testing and repeat testing within 3-6 months.

3. Immunization Nurse (Following Initial Training):
- 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.