Title: PHN I/II/III                                                                                                                              Range:  16/17/17+3                          

Program: Public Health Nursing                                                                                                       Status: Non-Exempt              

Housing Priority: 3                                                                                                                              Covered:   Yes                     

POSITION SUMMARY

PHN I is the entry level for incumbents who have received training in general professional nursing skills and practices with 2 years of clinical experience required of a public health nurse. Preventive nursing care is stressed in order to promote, maintain, and restore optimal health. As assignments in this class involve making independent judgments in assessing health status, formulating a nursing diagnosis, identifying health improvement outcomes, developing and implementing strategies and activities, and providing and evaluating nursing services to ensure that successful outcomes are achieved.  Entry level PHN I will be mentored by a designated preceptor- PHN II/III while he/she gains experience in planning and providing for a broad range of generalized community health nursing services to individuals, families and communities. Document services on prescribed forms, keep accurate and legally adequate patient records, Utilize Cerner or organization’s approved electronic health record system, and participates in Task Forces, interdisciplinary, interagency and community action groups and promotions, as assigned. Exercise appropriate caution and safety in the work place and provide consultation and education to public on diseases, vaccines, health promotion etc. Collaborate with other staffs, maintaining work space, clinic coverage and adequate supplies. Travel to villages as assigned to provide impact services.  PHN I must work under close supervision and travel with a PHN II/III for the duration of work plan.  Reports Directly to PHN Program Manager.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PHN I

1. Promotes health of infant and young children by screening and assessing children through village clinic visits with the following priorities:  children of teen parents, children of parents with little or no social or economic support, low birth weight or otherwise ill infants, evidence of bonding alteration, parents with history of substance abuse, family violence, child abuse/neglect, handicapping conditions, stillbirth or families with previous Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, multiple birth, child/children in foster care.
2. Immunize according to the State of Alaska Public Health Nursing guidelines.
3. Counsel parents/care givers re; growth and development, nutrition, normal behavior, safety, discipline and parenting and educate to promote healthy behavior in parents and children.
4. Report and refer identified or suspected child abuse/neglect and track families with continuing risk factors, provide monitoring and focused education. Documents information during initial and ongoing assessments in accordance with policies and procedures.
5. Prioritizes assignments in accordance with program manual guidelines and standards and community public health needs.
6. Screen children according to program guidelines and refer as appropriate for medical, dental, behavioral or developmental evaluation and assist in tracking referral to resolution.
7. Provide care coordination, management, receive referrals and perform case finding through EPSDT, WIC, child health encounter etc and refer to appropriate treatment and support resources. 
8. Coordinate with medical staff and providers to plan, deliver and follow up specialty clinics, assist in scheduling and notification of periodic medical appointments resulting from referrals made during specialty clinics.
9. Provide parental support, explain policies and procedures, interpret medical recommendations, encourage compliance, assist in planning, provide liaison between families and care providers and refer to other resources as appropriate.
10. Assist with scheduling client appointments, provide consultation to support staff, and drive company vehicle to home visits, meeting or to run errands.

PHN II/III

1. Coordinate and participate in School Health TB Screening as assigned and refer clients with positive TB test for further evaluation.
2. Perform Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) or Well Child Check-ups (WCC) including physical and developmental screening and refer children with identified problems to appropriate resources, i.e., Women, Infant, Children (WIC) program, Infant Learning Program (ILP), Medical staffs, Dental Clinic, Social Workers, and/or Specialty Clinic. Follow-up until concern is resolved. Identifies adverse findings during initial assessments and takes appropriate actions in accordance with policies and procedures.
3. Participates in epidemiological investigations to identify and locate persons who have, or are suspected of having, infectious diseases in order to encourage and ensure their treatment; counsels involved persons on examination and treatment needed to prevent further spread of the disease and treat the existing condition.
4. Performs and interprets diagnostic procedures and administers therapeutic treatments and preventive measures in accordance with medical orders or standardized procedures.
5. Promotes collaboration and dialogue between the agency and community-based organizations in order to identify public health needs within the community.
6. Provide and assist with Adult Health in the areas of; Chronic Disease and Family Planning.
7. Provide information to Community Health Aides (CHA) about clinical services and public health topics as requested.
8. Assist with orientation and training of new nursing staff as assigned concerning agency policies, procedures, and practices.
9. Seek and participate in continuing education opportunities to enhance and update skills directly related to assigned duties. Researches and reviews current trends and practices in the field of public health in order to identify appropriate nursing interventions.
10. Participate in public health emergency response as needed.
11. Participate in group discussions with patients and stakeholders on matters concerned with the health status of the population.  
12. Travel to other communities to provide impact PHN services as priorities, communicable disease outbreaks, or if special client needs should occur, review inactive records and authorize or disapprove purging activities based on guidelines.
13. Provides public health education and training to various groups through public speaking, multimedia presentations, and written materials to explain the function of public health and its roles and services in order to improve individual, family, and community health outcomes and encourage community members to become more responsible for the community's health.
14. Leads and participates in group discussions with other health professionals and community members in order to provide guidance and support toward improving the health status of the community.
15. Involves the population of interest and other health professionals, organizations, and stakeholders in formulating expected public health outcomes. Integrates and applies current standards and emerging trends, statutes, regulations, policies, and research in nursing and public health-related fields during the planning process.
16. Participates in systematic and ongoing criterion-based evaluations of expected goals and outcomes concerning the population of interest.
17. Provides technical supervision to lower-level nursing employees and ancillary staff, as assigned. Seek repair or replacement of medical equipment as needed.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

PHN I:

USA accredited Bachelor Degree in Nursing, or USA accredited Associate Degree in Nursing with 2 years nursing experience in a health center or community health field.  Must obtain a license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Alaska. Must maintain a Basic Life Support card. Must demonstrate; knowledge of sound nursing principles and practices, ability to learn and apply philosophy and principles of community (public) health nursing, cooperative working relationships with patients and professionals. Must be willing and able to travel in small planes and be able to lift at least 40 pounds.

PHN II

All of the above qualifications; One year experience in Public Health Nursing or PHN I; and Completion of individual training plan as required by the State of Alaska which may include well child, TB, STD curriculum. Positions work independently within established professional and agency standards, regulations, and guidelines to apply a range of technical, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational knowledge and skills to problems of health as these affect the individual, family, and community

PHN III:

All of above qualifications, Two years’ experience in Public Health Nursing or PHN II; and completion of individual training plan as required by the State of Alaska which may include well child, TB, STD curriculum. Positions work independently within established professional and agency standards, regulations, and guidelines to apply a range of technical, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational knowledge and skills to problems of health as these affect the individual, family, and community

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job, and the employer reserves the right to revise or change this description.  This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties and meet physical demands.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet those conditions.

Join a compassionate and adventurous team that delivers tribal, health and social services to Kotzebue and its 11 surrounding villages above the Arctic Circle!

PLEASE APPLY ONLINE AT:  www.maniilaq.org/careers  

COMPENSATION:

Increases depending on experience, education and as determined by the hiring manager. 

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Relocation, sign-on and retention bonuses, free medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability and retirement for employee, IHS, NHSC and Alaska State loan repayment site, CEU/CME/CDE allowance and paid days, furnished hospital housing for rent, 30 days accrued leave in first year, 11 paid holidays, leave cash out option, no State Income Tax, Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend, employee gym and saunas, close knit community, 5 minute commute/walk to work, endless year-round outdoor activities and ways to enjoy the beauty of Alaska, and more!

We hope to hear from you soon!