Definition:

Under direction, to provide public health nursing services including the prevention and control of diseases, health education, and the promotion of health awareness; and to do related work as required.

Public Health Nurse I:

Learns to plan, organize, and provide public health nursing services, health instruction and counseling, and guidance for individuals, families, and groups regarding disease control, health awareness, health maintenance, and rehabilitation in a clinic setting; may learn the procedures and policies and work within a special program such as California Children Services; provides referrals; teaches and demonstrates health practices to individuals and groups; learns to instruct clients in family planning, sexually transmitted disease prevention and follow-up, and immunization procedures; learns to identify individual and family problems which are detrimental to good health; works with families to alleviate health problems and promote good health habits; learns to refer and coordinate care of individuals and families with other public and private agencies; learns to identify special health needs for assigned cases, recommending and implementing services to meet needs; assists individuals and families with implementing physician recommendations; learns to plan, direct, and perform epidemiological investigations in homes, schools, community, and public health clinics; prepares appropriate health records and arranges follow-up services, based on findings; confers with physicians, nursing staff, and other personnel regarding public health programs, patient reports, evaluations, medical tests, and related items; may work with community groups in identifying and developing public health services and improving existing public health services; prepares reports and documents health findings; complies statistical information for appraisal and planning purposes.

Public Health Nurse I:

Knowledge of:

Principles, methods, practices, and current trends of general/public health nursing. Community aspects of public health nursing including community resources and demography. Federal, State, and local laws and regulations governing communicable disease, public health, and disabling conditions. Environmental, sociological, and psychological problems related to public health nursing programs. Child growth and development. Causes, means of transmission, and methods of control of communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and tuberculosis. Methods of promoting child and maternal health and public health. Principles of public health education.

Ability to:

Learn to organize and carry out public health nursing activities in an assigned program. Develop and maintain public relations with clients, staff, community groups, and other government organizations. Collect, analyze, and interpret technical, statistical and health data. Analyze and evaluate health problems and take appropriate action. Provide instruction in the prevention of diseases. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Develop and maintain health records and prepare clear and concise reports. Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, community organizations and other government agencies when explaining public health issues and providing public health services. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Effectively represent the Nursing Division in contacts with public, other county staff and other government agencies.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Completion of sufficient education and experience to meet State of California certification requirements. Some nursing experience in a public health setting is highly desirable.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse in California Possession of a Certificate as a Public Health Nurse issued by the California State Board of Registered Nursing. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sit and stand for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of medical and office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and

FAX. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in clinic, office, and home environments; exposure to communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens; continuous contact with other staff and the public. Incumbents are expected to follow universal precautions. Incumbents may be required to drive in remote areas of the County in all weather conditions.

Salary Information:

Public Health Nurse I:

$6,016,80 - $6,633.52 / Month $34.71 - $38.27 / Hour

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

None.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

In addition to our everyday duties, we have an added responsibility to help in a declared disaster. Under California law, all public employees are Disaster Service Workers and may be called upon in the event of a disaster. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Government Code 3100-3102; Labor Code 3211.92(b).