PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE III 2022

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs public health nursing services for individuals and their families in homes, schools, clinics, or other assigned areas. The employee oversees clinical aspects of a bureau or program and is responsible for evaluating, monitoring, and working to improve the quality of public health and home health programs. The incumbent will be responsible for training and supervising Public Health Nurses I and II, and depending on assignment, registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other staff involved in the care of patients within an assigned bureau or program. Work is performed with considerable independence in planning and carrying out assignments, and is reviewed by a technical and administrative supervisor through oral and written reports and administrative conferences. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Oversees clinical aspects of a bureau or program;

Trains and supervises lower-level Public Health Nurses and other staff within the assigned bureau or program;

Conducts investigations of outbreaks of communicable and other diseases and assesses scope and severity of outbreak;

Presents statistical data in report form and prepares written reports;

Provides training, technical assistance and consultation to staff, community agencies, and health care personnel concerning the area of expertise within the assigned bureau or program;

Assists in coordinating county-wide programs such as immunization and emergency preparedness programs;

Conducts county-wide studies and surveys in regard to existing or needed nursing services, public health services, and other health programs;

Develops, implements, and provides in-service training, lectures, and conferences to staff, community agencies, and other groups in order to inform, promote, and address public health programs;

Participates in staff meetings and conferences to keep informed of the latest trends and developments in the field of public health;

Interprets related Federal and State directives for the assigned bureau or program;

Works on bureau or program activities and grant deliverables;

Conducts audits and performance improvement projects to evaluate, monitor, and improve the quality of public health programs within the Department;

Participates in the development of policies and procedures that are to be followed by the bureau or program nursing staff;

Participates in community-wide emergency public health preparedness activities and public health responses to emergency events;

Participates in community public health education and disease control programs;

Participates in county-wide surveys on health programs;

Collaborates with outside departments or agencies for assistance in public health programs;

May work in the field in settings away from the office.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public health nursing; comprehensive knowledge of the clinical aspects of the assigned bureau or program; comprehensive knowledge of the epidemiological approach to the prevention and control of disease; comprehensive knowledge of the administrative organization of public health procedures and social services within a community; comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the physical behavior of individuals throughout a normal life span; ability to instruct patients and personnel in public health practices and procedures; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients from various educations, economic and cultural backgrounds; ability to supervise staff members in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain good and effective public and interpersonal relations; ability to instruct personnel and to demonstrate public health nursing techniques; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master’s Degree in Nursing, Public Health, or a health related field, and three (3) years of nursing experience.

Note: Qualifying experience must have been gained within the ten (10) year period immediately prior to the date of application.

PROMOTIONAL

Either:

(a) Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Public Health Nurse Coordinator; or

(b) One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Public Health Nurse II; or,

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, candidates must possess a Professional Registered Nurse's License issued by the New York State Education Department.

Candidate must complete 15 hours of continuing education in public health and management related topics approved by the New York State Department of Health within the first year of employment.

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, candidates will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in NYS.

Candidates must meet federal and NYS employee health requirements, including but not limited to immunizations, for programs to which they are assigned.

R 7/15/16

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive