Public Health Nurse Iii

Performs advanced Public Health Nursing (PHN) work in both the clinical and non-clinical setting with limited supervision of the Regional Director of Nursing (DON), and medical oversite of the Regional Medical Director (RMD). Work involves planning, developing, and implementing training and internal quality assurance measures with considerable latitude in PHR 1. Utilizes initiative and independent judgement in the oversight of remote Public Health clinics. Provides training in population-based, community focused oublic health nursing. Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates performance standards, projects and activities in an autonomous environment. Oversees and evaluates the delivery of clinic services, nurses and administrative staff in Pampa, hereford, Dumas, Amarillo, and Lubbock clinics. Responsible for the development and implementation of the internal Quality Assurance Program. Consults with DON to integrate Public Health nursing with program areas for the mutual achievement of regional goals and objectives. Functions as the RNM in their absence. Provides technical assistance in the response of PH emergencies.
Employee must provide transportation for required travel. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver's license for the appropriate type vehicle. This position requires that an employee's driving record be verified with law enforcement to ensure compliance with DSHS driving policy.
Compliance with DSHS Immunization Policy required: serologic evidence of immunity to, or documented evidence of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, Tdap, annual vaccination against influenza and hepatitis B.

Essential Job Functions:
(35%) Provides leadership for Public Health nursing services for PHR 1.
Provides leadership in the recruitment, training, development and retention of nursing, and administrative staff. Serves as an active member of the Nurse Leadership Team and is the subject matter expert for clinic activities/decisions. Assumes the role of DON in their absence, including personnel management of nurses and administrative staff. Facilitates and maintains two-way communication among regional leadership, and clinic staff providing updates, guidance and activity reports. Completes human resource functions including but not limited to daily supervision of clinic staff, interview and selection processes, recommendations for disciplinary action and rewards, staff development for performance management, time and leave management, establishment of objective and realistic performance criteria for clinic positions, timely and appropriate completion of performance evaluations. Ensures consistent compliance and application of HHS Human Resource policy across assigned clinics. May collaborate with universities to provide clinical field experience for students.
(35%) Provides for training and continuous Quality Improvement.
Educates and trains all eligible DSHS staff on regional standards, policies, procedures and Standing Delegation Orders to assure a competent Public Health workforce. Works with the RNM in conducting regular clinic audits and record reviews to ensure all clinics are meeting DSHS Quality Assurance Standards. Develops, plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates the internal Quality Assurance Program for DSHS clinics. Develops training, programs and processes based on needs identified via the Quality Assurance Program and/or Health and Safety Committee findings and trends. Provides corrective action plan guidance. Maintains training records and required certifications. Works with RNM in the planning, analyzing, and revision of performance measures and outcomes.
(15%) Provides Direct Patient Care Services.
Provides Public Health clinic services to individuals, families and communities including, but not limited to immunizations, communicable disease assessment and treatment, specimen collection, case management and community education to prevent disease and reduce risk for poor health outcomes.
(10%) Provides population based services in PHR 1.
Gathers assets and resource information from various sources including stakeholders, media and other information systems on a quarterly basis as requested to support national and state performance measures. Upon request, utilizes assets and resource information to collaborate with communities to develop strategies and coordinate activities to reduce health risks based on analysis of health data and population-based priorities. Participates in the planning and implementation of educational activities for targeted Public Health partners on health issues through National Observances.
(5%) Other duties as assigned.
Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery as well as any activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan which could require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Maintains compliance with all DSHS Policies including, but not limited to Fleet Operations Management & Procedures and Standards including a current valid Texas Driver’s License and the DSHS Immunization Policy. Maintains a valid and current Registered Nursing License from the Texas Board of Nursing or recognized compact state.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:
Knowledge of Professional Nursing Theory, Nursing Process, Nursing Sciences and Clinical Skills
Knowledge of the Texas Nurse Practice Act, Pharmacy Act and Regional Standing Delegation Orders.
Knowledge of Infectious disease epidemiology, signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings
Knowledge of Infection control practices and measures
Knowledge of Texas Public Health laws, especially those that govern the control and reporting of notifiable conditions
Knowledge of current social, economic and Public Health issues relevant to Public Health regions
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to work effectively with regional and local health department personnel, private practice physicians, hospital staff, media, and the general public
Ability to travel regularly and provide transportation within PHR - 1 and outside the region as needed
Ability to provide group education
Ability to exercise independent judgment in appraising situations
Ability to move 30 pounds of supplies, equipment and records from center, to vehicle, to outreach site (which may require moving up steps) and return to vehicle and center.
Ability to perform CPR
Skill in utilizing computers and pertinent software including word processing, database, statistical and graphic software.
Skill in interpreting laboratory findings, physical signs/symptoms and information on medical charts
Skill in developing a plan of action for resolving problems identified.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must have a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state.
Must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.

Initial Selection Criteria:
RN licensed in Texas (Required)
Experience functioning independently (Required)
3 years or more of supervisory experience (Required)
Experience in interpreting and understanding complex policies and procedures (Preferred)
Experience in critical thinking, solving problems, and exercising sound judgment (Preferred)
Experience in preparing written reports (Preferred)
Experience maintaining confidential records (Preferred)
Experience in developing and/or providing health education presentations/training. (Preferred)

Additional Information:
Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results. Position will be housed/based in Lubbock or Amarillo. 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://jobshrportal.cpa.texas.gov/ENG/careerportal/default.cfm, 2), fax application to 1-866-245-3646.

MOS Code:
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 66H, 66H, 290X, 46AX, & 46NX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.