Registered Nurse (RN) - Public Health
Forsyth County
Winston Salem, NC

Public Health Nurse III (Tuberculosis Clinic)

General Statement of Duties Forsyth County Department of Public Health is seeking a Public Health Nurse III. This nurse will need proficient assessment skills along with independent working skills. They must be able to report observations and to communicate with persons from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Their goal is to assess a client's signs and symptoms, conduct various TB tests, administration of prescribed medications and teach them specific Tuberculosis control measures. The tuberculosis (TB) nurse will assure that health policies and procedures adhere to legal and regulatory statutes and ethical standards of nursing practice. Enters disease findings and lab work into the North Carolina Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NC-EDSS). A county owned vehicle will be used by the TB nurse to conduct Direct Observation Treatment (DOTs) at off-site locations to include patient homes. This position requires the nurse to carry supplies and equipment up to 10 lbs. and requires the ability to verbally communicate with medical personnel, lab staff, any personnel from any community, public or private facility. The person selected for this position should have the skills to document findings, procedures performed, and to give and document appropriate Tuberculosis disease control measures. This position requires the nurse to be able to be fit tested for an N-95 respirator. This position requires nurse to be available for staffing emergency shelters, mass vaccination clinics as needed in response to control communicable disease. Work Schedule: Monday - Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Distinguishing Features A well-qualified applicant shall have the following knowledge, skills and abilities: Thorough knowledge of and skill in the application of nursing theory, practice, principles and techniques employed in the field of public health and related programs. For employees in expanded role positions, considerable knowledge of and skills in obtaining a health history and performing physical examinations sufficient enough to determine if there is any deviation from normal. General knowledge of current social and economic problems relating to public health, including health disparities. Ability to plan, coordinate and oversee the work of others. Ability to deal tactfully with others and to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and make 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 record accurately services rendered and to interpret and explain records, reports, and medical instructions. Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of public health. Adequate computer skills to allow communication, patient record documentation and accessing of information. Minimum Education and Experience Graduation from a four-year college or university with a B.S. in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and two years of professional nursing experience in specialty area assigned; or Masters in Public Health and graduation from a school of professional nursing and two years of professional nursing experience; or Graduation from a school of professional nursing and three years of professional nursing experience in specialty area assigned; or An equivalent combination of training and experience. A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement. Individuals hired without a rotation through a public health department as part of educational requirement will be required to complete Introduction to the Public Health Nursing course within one year of hire. A valid drivers license is required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Investigate, follow up, educate, control and prevent spread of Tuberculosis in the community. Investigate reportable and non-reportable diseases on referral from physicians, hospitals, public health clinics, schools, etc. Make visits to a home, school, or a long-term care facility, depending on where the patient can be located. Maintaining a specific license such as a driver's license in good standing, without a lapse or loss of a privilege to drive in compliance with North Carolina law, and in compliance with applicable DOT standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers if required to perform the duties assigned to the position.