Public Health Nurse (PHN)

Hours Per Week: 40

Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Summary/Objectives of Position

The primary purpose of the Public Health Nurse is to determine, assess and plan public health and case management services and ensure that services promote the early detection of diseases or illnesses; Emphasizes health education and health services that are preventive in nature.  The Public Health Nurse is part of a multi-disciplinary team working together to establish and carry out a case plan for each client.

Essential Duties, Functions & Responsibilities

• Responsible for informing and answering client questions and concerns regarding their healthcare.
• Provide health screening and complete intake assessments of adults and children dealing with general medical, women’s care, chronic diseases, and HIV/AIDS risk assessment and risk reduction.
• Assist in developing an individualized plan of care for the patient based on collaboration with other healthcare professionals.  This includes Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse healthcare professionals.
• Delivers care that is consistent, cultural, and age-appropriate.
• Provide appropriate individualized patient and family education.
• Provide appropriate documents, assessments, findings, and plans in collaboration with medical and behavioral health staff toward problem resolution and achievement of enhanced care management goals.
• Provides appropriate referrals for healthcare management to ensure continuity of health services.
• Provide health education, medical nutrition, and acute and chronic disease management as appropriate for the needs of the client.
• Conduct in-person and telehealth encounters for screenings, evaluations, and education with appropriate EMR documentation and coding.
• Supports the organization by being familiar with GPRA performance measures and Indian Health Service diabetes audit indicators to ensure each client is receiving the standard screenings, evaluations, and follow up.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate primary and specialty care in partnership with internal and external case management teams.
• Assist in the development and implementation of immunization services consistent with Federal and State standards. 
• Support the department in the creation and implementation of standards of care, along with policies and procedures.  
• Participate as a member of the Safety and Compliance Committee.
• Responsible for consistent oversight and management of the Diabetes Registry.
• Perform appropriate approved screening on all clients as needed.
• Participate as a member of the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Committee.
• Support the QA/QI program in assisting and providing oversight, training, and education initiatives to staff.
• Responsible for oversight and monitoring clinical skills for medical staff and others as appropriate.
• Assist in the triage of patient cases in need of medical intervention.
• Participates in healthcare seminars and workshops as assigned.
• Enhance the project by utilizing knowledge of community health, social, and educational resources.
• Responsible for the oversight and maintenance of healthcare equipment and supplies.
• Ensures the successful implementation of the activities, services, and reporting of the Special Diabetes for Indians (SDPI) program and assists in the delivery of Health Promotion/Disease Prevention activities. 

Minimum Mandatory Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Registered Nurse.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in the public health field preferred.
• 1 year of experience in providing diabetes care management preferred. 

License/Certification:

• Valid CA Registered Nurse License.
• Valid CA Public Health Nurse Certification 
• Valid CA driver's license.

Skills: 

• Possess the ability to deliver and assign effective education, training, and presentations on technical medical subjects to large and small groups of various educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of causes means of transmission, and methods of control of communicable disease, principles and practices of diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems. 

Communication Skills:

• Demonstrates proficiency in communication and writing skills.
• Language skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general and professional documents. 
• Ability to write routine and correspondence.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to foster teamwork; train and direct the work of team members and colleagues
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work productively and make independent decisions.

Technology:

• Familiar with electronic healthcare records systems.
• Proficiency with using computer-based applications (e.g. Microsoft Office) and clinical information management systems.

Benefits Offered at BAIHP:

At BAIHP, we value our employees and strive to provide comprehensive benefits to support their well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Here's what we offer:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental, Health, & Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (Vacation, Sick, Vacation Reward)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Indian Preference

Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) complies with the Indian Preference Act. Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans under the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473).  Subject to, but not in derivation of the Act, we are an equal opportunity employer.