GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This employee functions as a Registered Nurse in the Women’s Health Program (WHP) at Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH). The WHP is comprised of the Family Planning (FP) and Maternal Health (MH) Clinics. This position functions as a Public Health Nurse Specialist (PHNS) in the MH clinic at DCoDPH, with a focus on lactation education and counseling to patients of the WHP. The PHNS provides obstetrical/maternal health services, works closely with DCoDPH staff in the Division of Health Education on breastfeeding-related efforts, and coordinates the use of a public lactation room within the facility.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position participates in clinic nurse duties, charge nurse duties, orientation of new patients, precepting of new staff and nursing students, and lactation counseling and education directly with patients.

• The PHNS works with community partners to facilitate breastfeeding education and support groups for patients.

• The PHNS assists medical providers in performing physical exams and procedures, administers injections, and follows up on abnormal labs and missed appointments.

• This position may be required to work in other clinical areas across the organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• A thorough knowledge of, and skill in, the application of principles and techniques employed in the field of public health, general nursing, and provision of women’s health- specifically obstetrical/mental health, lactation, and family planning preferred.

• General knowledge of current social and economic problems relating to public health, including health disparities.

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee the work of others; ability to deal tactfully with others and to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and make decisions.

• Ability to work in partnership with patients and with other service providers to elicit needed information and to maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to record accurately services rendered and to interpret and explain records, reports, and medical instructions.

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply the principles and practices of public health.

• Adequate computer skills to allow communication, patient record documentation, and accessing of information.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: At the minimum, candidates must have graduated from a four-year college or university with a B.S. in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and two years of Public Health nursing experience; or a Master’s in Public Health and graduation from a school of professional nursing and two years of professional nursing experience; or graduation from a school of professional nursing and three years of professional nursing experience including two years of Public Health nursing experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. This position also requires training either as a lactation educator or a lactation consultant. IBCLC certification preferred.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must be licensed to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

• Must be certified as either a lactation educator or a lactation consultant.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • IBCLC certified • CPR certified • Bilingual

About Durham County NC Public Health

A Great Place to: Live. Work. Thrive. Durham County, North Carolina is one of the nation’s top ranked places to live, work and play! With its rich history and reputation Durham is a great place to call home. As one of the nation’s most prominent technology and research areas, Durham County is also an economic development leader among its peer counties both locally and in other regions. As the state’s 4th largest county, we are poised to continue our successes and our enviable quality of life.

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