Public Health Nurse

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians. The VDH is made up of a statewide Central Office in Richmond and 33 local health districts.

The Piedmont Health District proudly serves 7 counties and the local health departments within, including Prince Edward, Amelia, Nottoway, Lunenburg, Charlotte, Buckingham and Cumberland.

The position advertised is home-based at the Prince Edward County Health Department but travel to any of the 7 local health departments within the district is required as needed.

Mileage will be reimbursed per standard mileage rate.

A Public Health Nurse independently provides professional nursing care to patients in clinics, homes and schools and other community or congregate care settings.

Performs nursing assessments, may perform lab tests, take measurements, develop and implement care plans, including the administration of medication and case management.

Participates in public health emergencies and community health assessments. Actions performed at this level require licensure as a RN by state code.

May supervise support staff.

1. Program Support

• Uses the nursing process to assess, develop / implement care plans, and evaluate outcomes. Uses the Quad Council’s Core Community / Public Health Nursing Competencies as an evidence based platform for practice
• Recognizes the diversity of individuals / populations and applies the appropriate language and communication tools; this may include but not limited to individuals from different cultural, socio-economic, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression
• Works collaboratively with other health department agencies and community partners to support the efforts of moving to public health 3.

0 while maintaining the public health gains of public health 1.0 and 2.0.

• Adheres to nursing directives, agency protocols and guidelines
• Practices within the realm of the Nurse Practice Act and related Acts governing health professionals and health laws
• Assesses the health status and health literacy of individuals and families, including determinants of health, using multiple sources of data
• Applies ethical, legal and policy guidelines and principles in the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of data and inform
• Uses information technology effectively to collect, analyze, store and retrieve data related to public health nursing services for individuals, families and groups
• Uses evidence-based strategies or promising practices from across disciplines to promote health in communities and populations
• Applies methods and practices to access public health information for individuals, families and groups
• Uses assessments, develops plans, implements and evaluates interventions for public health services for individuals, families and groups
• Performs Medicaid Pre-Admission Nursing Home Screenings
• Demonstrates ethical standards of practice in all aspects of public health and public health nursing as the basis of all interactions with individuals, communities, and organizations

2. Workload and Case Administration

• Sets priorities for completing of program responsibilities and work assignments
• Uses data, evidence and information technology to understand the impact of determinants of health on individuals, families, and groups
• Uses information on determinants of health effectively when working with diverse individuals, families, and groups
• Assists individuals, families, and groups to identify and access necessary community resources or services through the referral and follow-up process
• Uses research to inform the practice of public health nursing
• Demonstrates compliance with the requirements of patient confidentiality and human subject protection
• Models public health science skills when working with individuals, families, and groups

3. Direct Patient Care & Other Duties

• Provides competent, high quality and safe nursing / case management in clinic, community, home and other settings in a confidential, customer-oriented manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for the client
• Uses the nursing process to assess, develop / implement care plans, and evaluate outcomes
• Teaches / counsels clients and families regarding health promotion and disease prevention
• Select variables that measure health and public health conditions
• Identifies opportunities for individuals, families and groups to link with advocacy organizations
• May be required to perform other duties; may include functions in support of an emergency declaration, which may include communicable disease investigation, ability to be fit tested for an N95 or other respirator, ability to don / doff PPE, support emergency shelters, and other duties

Minimum Qualifications

• Communicates verbally and in writing, to analyze problems, situations and suggest solutions, leadership, follow directions and establish priorities
• Skills in physical examination, health assessment, and interviewing and counseling technique
• Ability to function independently, prioritize and organize work, solve problems, adapt to change, function as a team member and relate to the public
• Knowledge of public health concepts, principles of public health nursing, principles of epidemiology; immunizations; basic nursing science, medical terminology, case management
• Willing to travel throughout the district as required to cover and as assigned. Travel some weekends and / or evening hours may also be required.
• Must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR

Additional Considerations

Experience in a public health setting or one related to disease prevention and

health promotion

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and / or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name : Hope Bates

Phone : (434) 392-3984

Email : ov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI).

Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS / DBVI to get their AHP Letter.