PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE PEDIATRICS

Code: 02914 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, provides public health nursing services in schools, clinics, homes or health centers for infants, children and adolescents; provides health counseling services; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Evaluates and assesses the physical and emotional health of infants, children and/or adolescents by compiling and interpreting necessary information and data.
• Measure patients' temperature, blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight to record the patients' vital signs and growth process.
• Administers hearing and vision test to screen possible hearing and vision problems and refers these to a physician.
• Administers medication in schools, clinics, homes or health centers as prescribed by a physician to implement and maintain the health care treatment plan.
• Observes patients' reactions to prescribed medication to manage the stable phase of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and/or tuberculosis.
• Develops health care plans as part of a team of health care professionals.
• Conducts investigations of suspected disease outbreaks
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program.
• Interviews patients and/or families and gathers information to evaluate health needs.
• Meets with groups and agencies engaged in public health activities.
• Assists in community planning for securing continuity of care in hospitals, clinics, schools and homes and participates in the operation of the public health clinics.
• Instructs community groups or individuals in home health care procedures and provides advice and guidance on health measures.
• Evaluates effectiveness of care plans.
• Implements actions to curtail the spread of communicable diseases by instructing high-risk individuals or groups in the proper control measures.
• Keeps current with new or changing trends in public health nursing and in the field of children's health.
• Maintains medical records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing or Public Health.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in a public health field or, nursing experience gained while working under the close supervision of a licensed public health nurse.

License

Applicants must possess a current and valid registration as a Professional Nurse (RN) in the State of New Jersey.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public health nursing.
• Knowledge of pharmaceuticals, side effects, and possible complications of use.
• Knowledge of health counseling methods.
• Knowledge of standard nursing procedures.
• Knowledge of interview techniques, and the methods used to gather data.
• Knowledge of community resources likely to be needed by the client population served.
• Knowledge of first aid procedures.
• Ability to recognize adverse signs and symptoms in infants, children and adolescents.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the program.
• Ability to evaluate health needs and environmental hazards.
• Ability to conduct home visits and gather information.
• Ability to take temperature and blood pressure readings, and administer tests and medications.
• Ability to provide health counseling to patients and families.
• Ability to develop health care plans in conjunction with other professionals.
• Ability to select proper nursing procedures and techniques of patient care.
• Ability to maintain medical records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Nursing experience in a public health field may include experience with volunteer work, community service, or employment with a Visiting Nurse Association, hospital or other community-based public health services to the population or, that contracts such services to local health departments.