Public Health Nurse

The Public Health Nurse position is responsible for ensuring the health and wellness of Ludlow residents, including investigating, reporting and analyzing incidences of communicable diseases, performing health screenings and vaccination programs; and providing education and developing policies through the analysis of evidence bases principles. Other related duties as needed.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs disease surveillance, investigation and documentation per the State Department of Public Health’s 105 CMR 300.100 – 300.200.
• Coordinates and conducts health related clinics, including but not limited to scheduling staffing (volunteers and paid employees), ordering vaccines, setting up scheduling for patients receiving the vaccine, billing/reporting to the state on administration, etc. through the electronic system COLOR. Performs public outreach and answers questions related to vaccine clinics.
• Develop policies and procedures for all protocols followed by the department using state guidelines.
• Spearhead projects to digitize records in the health departments to include lifelong and time sensitive records within HIPAA compliance. Develop a tracking mechanism to maintain records.
• Investigate communicable diseases.  Perform functions to ensure no widespread public health risk or spread.  
• Administer vaccines in accordance with state and local guidelines; provide clinical nursing services; and support, implement, and participate in a range of public health programs, initiatives, and clinics conducted by the Health Department.
• Works closely to investigate and follow-up with all reported cases of tuberculosis, including testing all contacts, home visits when needed, and monitoring patients for compliance with treatment regime. May administer prescribed medications, immunizations, and TB screenings, and educates clients on doses, mechanism of action, interactions, and potential side effects, Monitors clients for adverse reactions and responses according to established standards of care.
• Develop education material for public distribution including social media, health fairs, school network (public and private) across a broad range of health topics.
• Work with employees to develop programs to benefit seniors, families, employees on topics like food borne illnesses, hygiene, hoarding, blood pressure, diabetes, nutrition, etc.
• Participate and contribute to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning including active participation within Region 1 and keeping up to date with drills and training.
• Make residential home bound visits as necessary for vaccinations and wellness visits.
• Act as a resource for residents on questions regarding public health and respond to inquiries from the general public, employees, and businesses.
• Attend public meetings as needed.
• Enforce state and local public health laws and rules and regulations.
• Interface with state public health agencies (MHOA, MAPHN, APHA) and keep up with memberships to understand state-wide risks and issues.
• Participates in education and trainings to maintain licensure and certifications.
• Assist with camp inspections to prevent disease transmission, injuries, and death.
• Develop relationships with community organizations, including daycares, preschools, local businesses, senior centers and town departments to promote public health education and awareness.
• Provides Health Director with a monthly service report.
• Perform other similar or related duties, as required or as the situation dictates. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Position requires that applicants must be a Registered Nurse (RN) licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as an RN.  A bachelor’s degree in nursing or related field is required. Candidate must demonstrate the ability to follow through on tasks and to collect, organize, and present information in a clear, concise and reportable manner, in compliance with HIPAA guidelines.  Must possess valid Massachusetts driver’s license for daily access to meetings and travel. Current First Aid and CPR certification is required or the ability to obtain certification upon hire. Grant writing experience is preferred. Bilingual in Portuguese or Spanish a plus. May be required to attend Board of Health meetings as requested. Required to complete Foundations for Local Public Health Practice course within one year of hire.  Ability to pass a CORI background check.  Regular and punctual attendance is a requirement of the position.