Public Health Nurse I

Public Health Nurse I-Under the direct supervision of the Nurse IV, Director of Nursing and the medical supervision of the Regional Medical Director, performs general nursing duties for the Texas Department of State Health Service (DSHS) - Public Health Region (PHR) I. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing Public Health nursing services to HIV/STD, Tuberculosis, Immunizations, Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology, and Community Health Improvement program clients.
Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
EJF 1 (35%) Performs Public Health nursing duties for the HIV/STD program, including but not limited to:
1. Performs HIV/STD testing and screening services, appropriate nurse exams and treats patients with
STDs
2. Interpretation of laboratory tests.
3. Functions as a liaison and consultant to private healthcare providers regarding HIV/STDs.
4. Provides education on HIV/STD prevention and services
EJF 2 (30%) Performs Public Health nursing duties for the Immunization program, including but not limited to:
1. Assists with review and update of regional standing delegation orders for immunizations and
immunization emergency responses and update on an annual and as needed basis.
2. Responsible for ensuring PHR-1 staff employee immunization records are complete and up-to-date.
3. Plan, develop, implement, and monitor standardizing PHR-1 clinics with appropriate safety materials
for Immunizations, STD/HIV, Tuberculosis, and Zoonosis.
4. Assisting with maintaining and establishing point of replenishment levels for Regional central supply
5. Provides immunizations as per PHR-1 SDO
EJF 3 (20%) Performs comprehensive case management TB service:
1. Identifying persons who have clinically active Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
2. Case managing persons who have or who are suspected of having disease,
3. Identifying and managing persons infected with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
4. Providing laboratory and diagnostic services
5. Collecting and analyzing data
6. Providing training and education
EJF 4 (10%) Performs Public Health nursing duties for the, Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology,
1. Maintain ability and skills to perform duties associated with Public Health Emergency Preparedness.
2. Maintain ability and skills to perform population-based services associated with Community Health
Services.
3. Attend and participate in all nursing and other associated trainings required by PHR 1 to maintain
ability and skills associated with Public Health nursing
(5%) Perform other duties as assigned. Duties may include: Preparedness and Response/Epidemiology activities to include training in POD (Point of Dispensing), RSS (Receiving, Staging, Storage), and ROC (Regional Operations Center) functions; Participation in local, regional, and statewide exercises. Responding in regional emergency situation as needed; and other duties assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of professional nursing theory, nursing processes, nursing science, and clinical skills.
Knowledge of principles and practice of Public Health nursing and health care management.
Knowledge of nursing techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of epidemiology and medical terminology.
Knowledge of Communicable Disease reporting laws.
Knowledge of computer software (i.e. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Power Point) programs.
Skill in planning, organization, and time management.
Skill in problem solving.
Skill in decision making.
Skill in collecting and analyzing data.
Skill in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures.
Skill in conducting disease contact investigations.
Skill in interpreting laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms and information on medical charts.
Ability to train others, administer medication and give injections, and to prepare and maintain records.
Ability to work closely with public and private health care providers to enhance disease reporting.
Ability to manage multiple projects and/or assignments.
Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to organize and present information in a clear, concise and effective manner.
Ability to prepare written reports and coordinate special events/projects.
Ability to solve problems and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to organize and maintain complex data files.
Ability to work in a team setting.
Ability to function independently.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must be currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.
Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s license or equivalent from another state.

Initial Selection Criteria:
RN licensed in Texas (required)
Experience functioning independently (required)
Experience in Public Health Nursing and health care management (preferred)
Experience in working in a clinical settings (preferred)
Experience in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures (preferred)
Experience conducting communicable disease investigations (preferred)
Experience planning, organization and time management (preferred)
Experience solving problems and exercising sound judgment (preferred)
Experience preparing written reports (preferred)
Experience maintaining confidential records (preferred)

Additional Information:
Headquarters to be in the Lubbock office. Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results. Applicants must list Employer Posting Number on State of Texas application to be considered for this posting. Applications and attachments may be submitted as follows: 1) Online at https://hrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/psp/PORTAL/?cmd=login&languageCd=ENG&, 2), fax application to 1-866-245-3646.
Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid driver’s license for the appropriate type of vehicle.

MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.