NURSE PRACTITIONER (FAMILY PLANNING) 2040

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs specialized professional nursing services in the area of family planning for clients of Health Services Department clinics. The incumbent is responsible for examining family planning clients and gathering pertinent case history information. Work is performed in accordance with medical guidelines established by the Department. Considerable use of independent initiative and judgment is required. Performance is reviewed by the Medical Director, Family Planning Program through conferences, observations and written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Records and interprets medical and social history of patients;

Performs medical screening procedures including internal, abdominal and breast examination;

Refers patients found to have abnormal conditions not covered by "standing orders to a physician;

Counsels patients on family planning methods;

Provides training and assistance to nurses and clinic staff in dealing with problems related to family planning patients;

Contacts appropriate community outreach services for follow-up when the need is indicated.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the family planning specialty of professional nursing; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional public health nursing; thorough knowledge of literature and other sources of information dealing with professional nursing practices and developments and with family planning developments in particular; ability to instruct patients and staff members in family planning measures; ability to perform thorough examinations and evaluate findings accurately; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, organizations and individuals associated with public health and family planning; ability to supervise others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to prepare accurate reports; physical condition commensurate with the needs of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and one (1) year of professional nursing experience in a hospital, clinic, public health department or other agency providing direct nursing services; or,

b) Graduation from an accredited nursing school and three (3) years of the above experience.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

1. Possession of a Registered Nurse license, issued by New York State, at the time of appointment; appointees must maintain the license throughout their employment in this title.

2. Possession of a valid New York State driver's license at time of appointment; appointees must maintain a valid license throughout employment in this title.

3. Either:

a) Satisfactory completion of a Nurse Practitioner course in Family Planning; or,

b) Certification as a Nurse-Midwife by the American College of Nurse-Midwives; or,

c) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master's Degree in Nursing, with specialization in obstetrics-gynecology, maternal and child health, perinatology or family practice.

4. Depending upon assignment, candidates may be required to be credentialed by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Compliance Bureau Credentialing Committee, and maintain this credential throughout employment in the assignment.

R03/20/12

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive