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Public Health Nurse Page I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: 10/20/05 Amended: 6/19/09; 4/22/10 PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for performing public health nursing activities in the assessment of health needs and development of plans of care for individuals, families and children. A Public Health Nurse has the responsibility for initial implementation of nursing care plans, for the provision of nursing care and for the periodic re-evaluation of individual, family and children’s nursing needs. A Public Health Nurse may provide oversight for a particular public health program. General supervision is received from a higher level nurse or administrator with leeway permitted for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. May provide leadership for a team of nurses or supervision for subordinate employees. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Provides skilled nursing care and prescribed treatments to patients in their homes and clinics and demonstrates nursing care to patients and families; Provides preventive health care in clinics and seminars providing information on breast health, diabetes, lead poisoning, other chronic diseases, and positive health practices; Provides for the continuity of patient care by promoting referral of hospital and clinic patients to appropriate community agencies; Coordinates plans for service with nutritionists, social workers, physical therapists, physicians and other professional workers concerned with individual and family health care; Counsels and guides individuals and families towards self-help in recognition and solution of physical, emotional and environmental health problem; Provides clinical and preventive nursing services in clinics, schools and specialized programs such as day treatment centers; Teaches classes, addresses groups, and participates in community planning related to nursing and health; Provides case management services to families and children in the community; Provides supervision for Licensed Practical Nurses and/or Health Aides Clinic Aides, Home Health Aides); Participates in the conduct of surveys and studies related to health matters; Compiles and uses records, reports and statistical information for evaluation and planning of the assigned programs; May provide program oversight for a public health program; May function as a Team Leader. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of modern public health nursing and clinical practices; Good knowledge of medical/nursing terminology and equipment; Working knowledge of the organization of community service agencies and facilities; Skill in the application of current nursing procedures and techniques of patient care; ---PAGE BREAK--- Public Health Nurse Page I 2 Ability to plan and coordinate nursing care for individuals, families and groups and oversee health care personnel assigned to assist with this care; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Ability to organize and maintain accurate records and files; Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's degree in nursing. NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 1) License and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State. 2) Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license is required. Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.