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COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE 3
Pay Range GC21
INTRODUCTION
This classification is third within a four-level series and provides advanced public health nursing services, independently or jointly with a physician, through the family planning program utilizing nurse practitioner with prescriptive privileges certification or to manage a specific program within a unit of the division. Responsibilities are performed within County Health Officer established protocol. The community health nurse assesses needs of individuals, families, groups and/or community, determines a plan to meet those needs, implements that plan, and then evaluates the results. The emphasis is on promotion of health and prevention of disease. The community health nurse frequently is the primary health advisor to a family. This classification participates in program planning/coordination and establishing policy and procedures. In addition, assists community in planning, developing and evaluating local health care systems.
This classification is distinguished by the additional role of the nurse practitioner prescriptive privileges, advanced training in women's health care and unit program manager and participation of program planning/coordination and establishing policies and procedures, and community outreach work.
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. Perform advanced
public health nursing services at home or clinics, to women
through family planning services. Interview client, family,
and others; obtain medical history, conduct examination and
lab work, diagnosis plan treatment and dispense medication per
department protocol, monitor results.
2. Counsel clients in
preventative care, health education, and promote physical and
emotional health and prevention of disease. Refer clients to
other health resources as needed. Follow up with clients, by
phone or home visit, regarding treatment and/or referrals made
during clinic visit.
3. Establish and
maintain client recordkeeping.
4. Independently
provide nursing treatment in the absence of pathology. In the
presence of pathology, provide nursing treatment with
physician collaboration. Provide medical treatment under
protocols established by Health Officer or in conjunction with
Health Officer and Division Director, develop protocol.
5. Provide educational
information to individuals, families, agencies, community
groups, and professionals on family planning related topics.
6. Order supplies and
medications; stock and clean examination areas.
7. Seek out and identify health-related community resources.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION
Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of nursing theories, principles, practices, and procedures as applied to community health nursing services; thorough knowledge of medical and lab equipment and test procedures; thorough knowledge of pharmacology and medications provided through community health services; thorough knowledge of rules and regulations that govern practices of nurse practitioners. Skill in: Interviewing and counseling techniques; administering contraceptives and immunizations. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; utilize screening and assessment skills to assess levels of wellness, determine plan to meet needs, implement that plan and monitor the results; plan/consult with physicians, source agencies, families of clients and community; establish and maintain records, reports, and statistical data; participate within a team unit; conduct research and compile and analyze data; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies, establish new policies when applicable, and use initiative and judgment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, clients and families, Health Officer, physicians, community agencies and the public.
Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree in nursing with coursework emphasis in public health and three years progressively responsible work experience in a public health setting which includes raining as woman's health care clinician. Current Oregon Registered Nurse License and Nurse Practitioner certificate with prescriptive privileges and at time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION
Work is performed under the general direction of a community health nurse 4. 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 and regulations; protocols, medical reference books, Oregon Nurse Practice Act, Oregon Nurse Practitioner Guidelines. Available guidelines may not completely apply to every situation encountered, so the employee uses considerable judgment in interpreting and adapting to special situations. Contributes to modification of existing guidelines and protocols by participating in team meetings that result in policy changes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Regular and consistent attendance is required. Work is performed in a variety of office, clinic and home settings; may involve bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, kneeling, lifting up to 60 pounds, reaching, standing, stooping and walking. Employees share common exposure to communicable disease. A considerable amount of driving is required. |
