POSITION SUMMARY:  The Public Health Nurse-MCH provides patient and family centered services and family support for pregnant, postpartum, infant, and toddler patients using an integrated model of care working with other family and individual health services at the Health Department. Requires use of evidence based models of service delivery.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide in-home Nursing assessments for newborns and postpartum mothers.
• Conducts assessment of health needs in collaboration with an integrated team of professionals to establish common goals related to maternal, infant, and child health using data driven decision making.
• Maintain knowledge of resources, nutrition, breastfeeding, healthy home environments, safe sleep for infants, and other safety and health issues that relate to perinatal conditions.
• Document contacts/visits in a timely, objective and accurate manner (no later than 24 hours following the visit). Knowledge of data entry. Client demographics and service/encounter data must be entered electronically.
• Seek client referrals from Health Department, Women’s Health Group, Irwin Army Hospital, Via Christi Labor and Delivery, Department of Children and Families, Parents as Teachers,
• Provide patient centered care and support services in clinical or home setting related to health status of pregnant and postpartum women and infants including fetal heart rate, blood pressure, delivery recover, breastfeeding support, referrals for additional services and infant care.  
• Establishes and maintains supportive services and works with diverse communities and families in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Provides pregnancy testing, education and referrals as needed.
• Assesses the growth and development of the target child and educates on immunization guidelines and makes appropriate referrals. Assists in administering vaccines at Community clinics and in the Public Health Clinic as assigned.
• Provides health education to both small and large groups. Facilitates Becoming a Mom® classes and individual appointments with clients.
• Counsels on reproductive health and family planning. Assess perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and make referrals as appropriate.
• Participates in emergency response health department efforts.

 SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Assists with quarterly and annual reports
• Reviews materials for program use at least annually
• Maintains current CPR certification
• Participates with off-site clinics as needed
• Participates in staff meetings and nursing meetings as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Graduate of accredited education program with an associate, diploma or Licensed Bachelor’s in nursing.

 License(s)/Certification(s): Currently a registered nurse in the State of Kansas. Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

 Experience:   One year experience in nursing required.  Experience in Public Health nursing, home visiting, care of pregnant women and young families as well as breastfeeding expertise preferred.

 Skills: Demonstrates excellent written communication skills – detailed, succinct, organized written work. Must have ability to understand complex oral and written instruction, ability to speak and write effectively, and ability to give clear, concise instruction orally and in writing, including written reports to local, state and federal offices. Establish and maintain an image of the Health Department to the community that represents service, vitality, and professionalism.

 Conforms to HIPAA privacy regulations specific to position held. The public health nurse I creates and records PHI. Has authority use the following categories of PHI for treatment purposes: demographics, scheduling, treatment or procedures, reports and medical notes. Disclosures are only allowed as necessary for treatment to providers and/or Business Associates or as required by law. Does not have authority to access PHI for payment or health care (non-treatment) operations. May need to interact with the following departments for allowable access to PHI: WIC, Family Connections.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear from both ears; smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually normal. Use of personal vehicle may be required.

Bilingual English/Spanish helpful.

Public Health facility requires a non-smoker.

 The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment of the position.

 The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.