Public Health Nurse I

About the role

Transylvania County Public Health is seeking a dedicated Public Health Nurse I to deliver essential care and education across a variety of public health programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient services including physical exams, immunizations, contraceptive care, and preventive counseling for individuals and families.
• Lead WIC clinics, perform lab tests, and manage clinic supplies.
• Support outreach efforts such as flu clinics and chronic disease screenings.
• Perform lead nurse duties for WIC recertifications by preparing screening areas and coordinating schedules with the WIC Director.
• Provide assessments and counseling to parents based on screening results and assist clinicians during client exams.
• Educate clients on contraceptive methods, assess responses, and make referrals as needed.
• Respond to client concerns on a walk-in basis and by phone.
• Administer Plan B and Depo-Provera.
• Order and maintain inventory of birth control and clinic supplies.
• Calibrate medical equipment daily and maintain logs.
• Collect and process specimens for lab tests, including performing venipunctures.
• Document lab results and prepare specimens for transport.
• Conduct pregnancy tests for walk-in clients, provide counseling, and refer for follow-up care.
• Maintain autoclave and autoclave instruments.
• Serve as backup Immunization Coordinator, assessing immunization status and administering immunizations for clients of all ages.
• Instruct clients regarding side effects and immunization schedules.
• Provide direct care in public health programs such as flu clinics, cancer prevention (BCCCP), hypertension and diabetes screenings.
• Participate in public health preparedness activities and other duties as assigned.
• Staff emergency shelters as needed.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of and skill in the application of nursing theory, principles, and techniques employed in the field of public health and related programs.
• Understanding of best practices, safety standards, and therapeutic outcomes related to the specific area(s) of practice.
• Working knowledge of current social and economic problems relating to public health, including health disparities.
• Working knowledge of available resources and organizations.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others and to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and making decisions.
• Ability to work in partnership with patients and with other service providers to elicit needed information and to maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to accurately record services rendered and to interpret and explain records, reports, and medical instructions.
• Some ability to oversee the work of others.
• Adequate computer skills to allow communication and patient record documentation.

Physical Demands

This position requires more mental than physical effort. Employees may be subjected to extended periods of sitting, walking, or standing. Requires some lifting and carrying of light to medium weight equipment.

Work Environment

Employees will be generally stationed in clinics or similar settings. They might be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, angry or disruptive patients.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Completion of the online NCCPHN Course (NC Credentialed Public Health Nurse Program) within the first year of employment, regardless of type of nursing degree (Diploma, ADN, BSN, MSN, etc.).

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
• Current Driver's License valid in the State of North Carolina.
• CPR Certification.

Additional Requirements

• Clean pre-employment drug screen.
• Clean Nationwide background checks and SBI background check.

Pay

$49,192 – $76,252.80 per year.