Public Health Nurse

Detailed Overview

In accordance with established vision and values of the organization, the Public Health Nurse (PHN), as an integral member of the Public Health Services team, provides nursing services within the framework of the Population Health / Health Promotion Model.

Applies knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to health promotion, epidemiology, community development, primary health care, public health ethics primary and secondary prevention strategies.

Translates knowledge from the health and social sciences to support health enhancing behaviours to diverse individuals, families, and population groups through universal and targeted interventions, programs and advocacy.

Plans, organizes, implements and evaluates health services for individuals, families, groups and communities in schools, homes, communities and outreach locations.

Responsibilities Immunizes children and adults against vaccine preventable disease. Applies epidemiological principles and knowledge of disease process to investigate and follow up on communicable diseases (including assistance with outbreak management) in accordance with established policies and protocols.

Provides client prenatal / postnatal / family assessments, counseling, consultation, service coordination, follow-up, support and referral to promote healthy child development, effective parenting practices and early identification of and intervention for developmental concerns.

Collaborates with interdisciplinary / intersectoral teams, provides formal presentations and educational programs for selected population groups.

Provides health information, counseling and referral related to lifestyle issues, cultural and language barriers, comprehensive school health, reproductive health, chronic disease prevention and safety / injury prevention via telephone, one-on-one, group and community contacts in a clinical, school, home, community and outreach settings.

Promotes behavior change to a healthy lifestyle and encourages personal responsibility for health. Applies the community development process to assist community members' involvement in planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating activities and services to address identified health needs and strengths;

participates in recommending population health promotion and disease / injury prevention service and evaluating existing services.

• As part of an interdisciplinary / intersectoral team within FH, establishes effective working relationships and partnerships with other professionals, community members, and agencies;
• informs about positive social and environmental change including quality of life, wellness and disease and injury prevention;
• advocates for healthy public policy and services. Maintains related records; documents observations, interventions and outcomes;

collects statistics; prepares reports as required, and in accordance with established standards and procedures. Contributes to the quality of program and practice by identifying needs, issues, and solutions by actively organizing / participating in interdisciplinary / intersectoral teams, community committees, organizational strategic planning processes based on determinants of health, best practice literature, current nursing theory and community assessment.

Provides preceptorship and mentorship experiences for nursing students. Participates in orientation and mentoring to new health professionals and provides feedback as requested on individuals' progress and promoting optimal support for clients.

Participates in research studies, surveys, and focus groups as needed for improved service. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education and Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Graduation from an approved school of nursing including public health nursing component. Six months recent, relevant Public Health nursing experience or one years' recent nursing experience in Maternal / Infant / Child or successfully meets FH New Grad requirements with successful completion of final practicum / Co-op in Public Health.

Valid Class V B.C. Driver's licence and have access to personal vehicle for business related purposes. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Public Health Nursing Discipline Specific Competencies.

Demonstrated knowledge of epidemiology, family health, health promotion and community development. Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate.

Ability to organize and problem-solve. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated teaching skills.

Ability to deal effectively with individuals, groups and other professionals within a multi-disciplinary environment in a diverse community.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Ability to operate related equipment, including personal computers and related software.