*COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE 1
Pay Range GC18

INTRODUCTION

This classification is first within a four-level series and provides basic public health nursing services which emphasize the prevention, control and treatment of diseases at a community health outpatient clinic setting.

This is an entry level position in the community health nurse series and is intended for professional growth.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1. Provide basic public health nursing services to clients of community health outpatient clinics (immunization, sexually transmitted diseases, family planning prenatal, communicable diseases, high-school clinic), assess basic needs and determine a plan to fulfill those needs.

2. Interview clients, gather medical history, perform general health screening, prepare clients for exam, perform basic exam and provide counseling and teach and promote wellness and basic health care practices. Refer clients to nurse practitioner, health officer, WIC or other community agencies as necessary.

3. Maintain client charts and other recordkeeping.

4. Perform, monitor and assure quality control of lab work for clients.

5. Provide clinic support in ordering supplies, maintaining clinic areas, and medical equipment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY REQUIRED OF THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Reasonable knowledge of professional nursing theories, principles, practices, and procedures as applied to community health outpatient clinics; reasonable knowledge of operation and maintenance of medical/lab equipment and testing procedures in a medical clinic; reasonable knowledge of basic medications provided in a community health clinic. Skill in: Orderly processing of clients through a clinic; interviewing and counseling techniques; administering immunizations, medications and performing lab tests. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies, and use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities; manage time efficiently; establish and maintain records, reports, and statistical data; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, clients and families, health officer, physicians, community agencies, school officials and public.

Education, experience and training: Associate's degree in nursing science with coursework emphasis in public health. Must possess current Oregon Registered Nurse License. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Desirable Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in nursing science with coursework emphasis in public health.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the general direction of a community health nurse program manager. Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience. The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation. Employee estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made are in compliance to department policy and procedures.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within established department policies and procedures, federal and state statutes, rules, regulations and health laws; protocols, medical reference materials. Work is performed according to specific guidelines, but employee uses some judgement to independently decide between established alternatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in a clinic setting and involves bending, kneeling, lifting up to 60 pounds, reaching, standing for periods of time, twisting and walking. Employee shares common exposure to communicable disease. A reasonable amount of driving is required.