Public Health Nurse II

Job Summary

• The Public Health Nurse II works in a population-based practice setting in Clark County. The position provides expertise in assessing infection prevention practices and capacity, case investigation and outbreak management, preparation efforts for highly pathogenic infections (e.g. Ebola, measles), and surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) with the primary focus on non-hospital settings (e.g., ambulatory care, long-term care facilities). This position is cross trained to support other areas within the Infectious Disease portfolio as needed, including immunization promotion and other communicable disease focused efforts. This position is a represented union position that reports directly to the Infection Prevention and Immunization Program Manager. This hybrid remote position will work an 8-hour schedule Monday through Friday.
• KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• •Partner with facility leaders, physicians, and local, state, and national agencies on activities related to infection prevention.
• •Participate in the development and dissemination of educational resources tailored for specific care delivery settings (adult family homes, other long term care settings, community based, urgent care) based on gaps identified through assessments and engagement with local partners.
• •Provide consultation, assessment and technical expertise to public health partners, health care providers, and community stakeholders and collaborate with local, state, and regional partners to effectively prevent and control HAIs, respiratory and GI illnesses, and multiple drug resistant organisms (MDROs).
• •Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and ensure that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues; understand and comply with public health, infection control, safety, and OSHA procedures and regulations.
• •Support the planning and implementation of Infection Prevention and outbreak response control strategies, programmatic outreach activities and other special projects.
• •Participate in the development and implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program or other antibiotic utilization management program across Southwest Washington.
• •Conduct outbreak investigations with a focus on healthcare, workplace, and congregate settings.
• •Develop partnerships with Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), relevant Department of Health (DOH) programs (Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Public Health Laboratory, Information Resources Management Division, Communications Office, Health Systems Quality Assurance Division), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other national associations.
• •Participate in (and coordinate when needed) local and regional preparation efforts for highly pathogenic infections (e.g. Ebola, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, measles).
• •Performs laboratory result interpretation and conduct surveillance activities related to infectious diseases and reporting.
• •Assist in the processing, packaging, and shipping of human specimens as needed.
• •In the event of a disaster, Public Health is considered a first responder and public health staff may be asked to respond accordingly. May participate in incident command system response to control disease outbreaks. May serve a command position in incident command system response or participate in mass vaccination clinics on-site and emergency response drills.
• •Must be able to respond to public health emergencies or exercises at any time, except while on scheduled vacation or other leave. In addition, leaves may be cancelled under public health emergencies
• •Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• •Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. The degree must have been conferred by an institution of higher education and have National Recognition of Accrediting Agencies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.
• •Licensure in the state of Washington as Registered Nurse.
• •Two years of experience to include clinical experience in a healthcare facility and infection prevention, epidemiology, or infectious disease surveillance experience, or a combination of education, experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the work. All relevant experience, including lived, volunteer, or professional, or a combination of experience and education that demonstrate the ability to perform the work will be considered for the position. Background using science and data to make decisions and implement public health services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• •Certificate in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) or eligible for certification within 2 years of hire.
• •Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) or Public Health (MPH).
• •Research and basic statistical knowledge.
• •Demonstrated experience effectively communicating with others, verbally and in writing, including the use of e-mail systems and the development of complex, clinical, or technical documents.
• •Association for Practitioners in Infection Control (APIC) training course or equivalent desired.

New graduates will be considered if the candidate has other relevant experience. Current Washington State RN license and valid driver’s license is required at the time of appointment to the position. Finalists for the position must submit to a criminal background check, as required by RCW 43.43.830.

Knowledge and expertise in:

• •Public health principles, practices and values.
• •Communicable disease and infection prevention, control and surveillance activities.
• •Key components of cultural competency and racial and intersectional equity principles.

• •Epidemiologic principles, practices, and techniques.
• •Application and interpretation of county, state and federal laws and regulation relevant to applicable programs.

Ability to:

• •Foster effective working relationships and build consensus
• •Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• •Plan, organize, prioritize, work independently, and meet deadlines
• •Use judgment and make sound decisions
• •Express ideas effectively both orally and in writing and maintain accurate records.
• •Effectively use a personal computer, Microsoft Office software, email, internet, and required data collection and management systems to accomplish job functions.
• •Accept feedback and make behavioral change.
• •Accurately document in the record interventions and outcomes.
• •Organize and prioritize multiple program functions.
• •Seek consultation or collaboration when appropriate.
• •Provide documentation of immune status to vaccine preventable diseases, and/or participate in the employee immunity program.
• •Pass respiratory mask fit-testing and be able to wear standard department-issued masks.

Selection Process:

Resume and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.

Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - An online application is required. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Practical Exam (Pass/Fail) - This recruitment may require a practical exam which will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process.

Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, not limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement. Top candidate(s) will continue in the process.

Employment references will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education