DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is professional public health nursing work involving responsibility for assessment of health needs and development of care plans for individuals and families. The Senior Public Health Nurse is responsible for coordination of specific healthcare programs, as well as providing support and assistance in department programs coordinated by others. Additional duties include periodic re‑evaluation of nursing needs and program operations regarding individual, family, program and community needs, managing case referrals, and delegation of cases. Work may involve home visits. Special duty may be required on holidays and weekends. Work is performed under general supervision of higher-level Health Department officials and/or supervising Public Health staff. Direct supervision is provided to subordinate clerical staff, and general supervision may be provided to Public Health Nurses. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

Coordination and management of assigned public health clinics and programs;

Management of case referral and delegation of cases in assigned public health clinics and programs;

Performs complete nursing  assessment of program clientele;

Performs skilled nursing;

Processes intake referrals, may deliver care or delegate and assign cases;

Provides guidance and support to nursing and clerical staff;

Coordinates plans for service with client, families, providers, and professional staff; ;

Counsels, guides and teaches individuals and families towards self‑help in recognition and solution of physical, emotional and environmental health problems;

Participates in the conduct of surveys and studies related to health matters;

Documents services provided, and other relevant information through state level database systems, records, referral, and other forms, in accordance with federal, state and departmental requirements;

Assists in the clinics and programs of other Public Health Nurses as needed;

May teach classes, addresses groups, and participates in community planning related to nursing and health;

May provide maternal and child health guidance;

Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:   Thorough knowledge of current public health nursing practice; working knowledge of the administrative organization of community facilities; skill in the application of current nursing procedures and techniques of patient care; ability to plan and coordinate nursing care for individuals, families and groups and supervise nursing personnel assigned to assist with this care; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; ability to accept and utilize guidance; ability to perform duties in accordance with ANA Code for professional nurses; tact and courtesy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * 

a)     Master’s degree in nursing or a closely related public health field and one (1) year experience in providing professional nursing services as a Registered Professional Nurse, a Public Health Nurse, or equivalent; or

Bachelor’s degree in nursing and two (2) years in providing professional nursing services as a Registered Professional Nurse, a Public Health Nurse, or equivalent

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1.      Possession of a valid license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State are required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

2.      Possession of a valid, unrestricted, appropriate level driver’s license, and acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

*   Per New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR), Title 10, Part 11, §11.41.

12/02; 11/06; 11/07; 1/09; 9/10; 7/18; 10/24; 9/25

Competitive Class