Public Health Nurse III

Public Health Nurse III

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Gaston County Public Health Department, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

530

Department

HEALTH

Opening Date

08/17/2026

Closing Date

8/23/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Joining the team at Gaston County Government means being part of a community that is dedicated to improving the lives of its citizens. We are a dynamic organization that values innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.

As an employee of Gaston County, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in your community every day. Whether you are working in public safety, social services, or administration, your contributions will help improve the lives of our residents and build a better future for our county.

Description

Gaston County Public Health is committed to protecting, promoting and preserving the health and well-being of all Gaston County residents.

Examples of Duties

An hourly salary range of $33.80 - $40.14 is anticipated for this position.

The duties listed below are not all of the duties that may be assigned but are those that are considered as essential for an employee to perform.

• Clinical Duties: Delivers comprehensive public health nursing services through direct care and case management for communicable diseases and other public health programs. Performs duties in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, provider orders, and evidence-based practices. Applies advanced clinical judgment and critical thinking in complex situations to support safe and effective patient care.

• Leadership: Provides guidance and support to staff, while assisting with coordination of clinic operations. Performs advanced-level supervisory tasks such as delegating assignments, coordinating clinic schedules, and managing mobile unit operations to ensure efficient delivery of essential services to underserved communities, and those requesting mobile unit services.

• Assigned Follow-up: Performs triage, completes patient follow-up, performs routine clinic audits and checks, and provides clinical support across programs as needed.

• Operations: Works with CD PHN III to ensure all infection control standards are met on mobile units. Also work with Public Health Leadership and laboratory staff to maintain CLIA compliance. Operates the mobile unit and oversees inventory ordering and management. Coordinates with Fleet to address routine and incidental mobile unit maintenance.

• Marketing: Informs the public of mobile unit services through multi-media marketing campaigns utilizing resources and technology, such as social media, the county website, print media, billboards, podcasts, lawn signs, etc. Serves on the Public Health Communication Team to stay informed of marketing and interagency collaboration opportunities and participate in the media review and approval process.

• Quality Assurance / Quality Improvement: Participates in program audits and collaborates with nursing staff, medical providers, supervisors, PHS management, and other departments to support best practices. Participates in annual review and revision of policies, procedures, and clinic operations as needed. Provides input on process improvements and assists with data collection, reporting outcomes, and ensuring compliance with program requirements. Data-Driven Decisions: Ensures that data from mobile unit operations and clinic activities are captured accurately to support quality assurance efforts.

• Performance Management: Carryout Performance Management (PM) roles and responsibilities, including identifying and communicating performance improvement opportunities and adjusting performance and practice to achieve established PM goals. Contributes to performance improvement by identifying operational areas for growth, aligning team practices with goals, and supporting staff development through feedback, training, and mentorship.

• Health Equity: Implement strategies aimed at achieving Health Equity, including but not limited to: attending trainings to better understand inequities, identifying and addressing barriers to health, serving on the Health Equity Team or its subcommittees, engaging in internal or external efforts to eliminate health disparities.

• Interprofessional Collaboration: Facilitates partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and institutions to support communicable disease control, education, and surveillance efforts. Coordinates mobile unit services to expand outreach and improve access to care in underserved areas, including providing harm reduction education and resources.

• Education: Participates in yearly competence activities for PHS Division staff. Participates in in-services, trainings and meetings. Serves as a preceptor to new staff. Completes required competencies per NC Board of Nursing to ensure compliance with nursing license.

• Disaster Response: Responsible for preparedness activities in the event of a natural disaster, disease outbreaks and other threats to the health of the public. This position will be required to participate in preparedness response activities which may include mass vaccination clinics or sheltering.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with an Associates Degree in Nursing and Two (2) years of professional full time nursing experience including one (1) year of Public Health nursing experience.
• Graduation with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing and One (1) year of professional full time nursing experience including one (1) year of Public Health nursing experience.

Must have a current:

• Unencumbered State of North Carolina RN License
• Valid CPR Certification
• Valid vehicle operators license
• Must successfully complete the North Carolina Public Health Credentialing Course within 1 year of hire.

A COPY OF YOUR NC RN LICENSE, AND CPR CERTIFICATION MUST BE ATTACHED TO YOUR APPLICATION.

FAILURE TO ATTACH A COPY OF THESE TWO (2) DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION BEING REJECTED.

Additional Information

Lateral Entry Incentive

• Any full-time Law Enforcement Officer, Detention Officer, Public Health Nurse, EMT or Paramedic hired into Gaston County's Public Safety or Health Departments (Police, Sheriff, GEMS, Public Health), after 7/1/2026 with at least two years of full-time law enforcement, EMT/Paramedic, or professional nursing experience will receive lateral entry incentive pay in two installments. The first installment will be issued upon the completion of 6 months of continued service with Gaston County. The second installment will be issued upon completion of an additional one year of continued county service. The Lateral Entry Incentive Pay will be equal to the following amounts:
• $3,000 - EMTs and Public Health Nurses (two installments of $1,500)
• $4,000 - Detention Officers and Paramedics (two installments of $2,000)
• $5,000 - Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs (two installments of $2,500)

The applicant selected must undergo a criminal background check and pass a drug screening test prior to employment

In compliance with G.S.153A-94.2 (b), if the position being filled requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the County must require the applicant, if offered the position, to be subject to a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S.143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties.

At Gaston County, we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, job applicants, and members of the community we serve. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Gaston County will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Full-Time employees are eligible for the total compensation package which includes:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Pension
• 401K (with 5% county contribution annually)

Flexible Work Schedules Professional Development Opportunities Discounted YMCA MembershipPart-Time employees are eligible for certain benefits as a part of employment with Gaston County such as:

• Pro-Rated Sick and Annual Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Local Government Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Half-Time employees are not eligible for benefits.

To learn more details about the many benefits we provide view our Employee Benefits Guide.

Overall, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, Gaston County is the place for you.

01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02

Do you have a current State of North Carolina RN License?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid CPR Certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Gaston County Government

Address 128 W Main Ave

Gastonia, North Carolina, 28052

Phone (704) 866-3005

Website https://www.gastongov.com/jobs