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Public Health Nurse Jurisdiction: Schuyler County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Reviewed: March 1, 2014; Reviewed June 23, 2011; Revised: August 16, 2016; Revised: December 15, 2020 PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for performing public health nursing duties in the County Health Department. The duties include assessment of health care needs of patients, development and implementation of nursing care plans and the conduct of community health intervention programs, such as immunizations, health clinics and health education. Nursing activities include, but are not limited to, systematic analysis of health data, plan development, health education and advocacy, coalition building and collaborating with community partners to promote the health of the population. The work is performed under the general supervision of a Deputy Public Health Director or Public Health Director with a wide leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment in carrying out work assignments. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Assesses the health status of populations using data, community resources identification, input from the community and professional judgement Participates in the conduct of surveys and studies related to health matters; Analyzes collected assessment data and partners with the people to attach meaning to those data and determine opportunities and needs Counsels and guides individuals and families in recognizing and attempting to resolve or ameliorate physical, emotional and environmental health problems; Promotes and supports the development of programs, policies and services that provide interventions that improve the health status of populations Teaches classes, addresses groups and participates in community planning related to nursing and health with community organizations; Uses Public Health surveillance / disease investigation methods in community outreach; Assures access and availability of programs, policies, resources and services to the population; Staff immunization, health care and screening clinics, including taking health histories, performing diagnostic tests, physical assessments, administering vaccines and counseling patients on preventative health and health maintenance measures; Participates in public health preparedness activities as trained and assigned FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of current public health nursing practices, procedures and principles; Good knowledge of personal living habits and dietary requirements which promote good health; Good knowledge of community organizations and services available to provide auxiliary services for the total health care of patients; Good knowledge of communicable disease diagnoses, spread, containment and treatment options; ---PAGE BREAK--- Public Health Nurse Ability to evaluate the health status of the population; Ability to administer public health and nursing programs; Ability to evaluate and implement policies, programs and services; Ability to implement strategies for continuous quality improvement; Ability to communicate effectively and prepare written records and reports; Ability to apply ethical standards in advocating for health and social policy and delivery of public health programs to promote and preserve the health of the population; Ability to use evidence in developing, implementing, evaluation and improving policies programs and services; Ability to use research findings in practice; Ability to consider safety, effectiveness and cost in the planning and delivery of Public health service when using available resources to ensure the maximum possible health benefit to the population Ability to instruct others on health care methods, practices and techniques; Ability to collaborate with the representatives of the population and other health and human service professionals and organizations in the providing for and promoting the health of the population; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Must possess a State of New York license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse and possess a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees Must also possess a valid New York State driver’s license.