DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is professional nursing work involving responsibility for assessment of patients', clients’, participants’ health needs and for providing nursing care as indicated. Work may involve responsibility for developing a plan of care for individuals and/or families, and for the initial implementation of nursing care plans. Additional responsibilities include periodic re‑evaluation of individual and/or family needs.  Work may be performed at the home, at clinic sites, at program centers or at the nursing office. This position differs from that of Registered Professional Nurse either by the addition of supervisory responsibilities, or by the level of independence required to carry out the responsibilities and assignments. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Assesses patient's conditions, including patient's environment, economic factors, significant family health history, family profile, (average day) and psycho‑social assessment.  Also, the Registered Professional Nurse is responsible for the physical assessment of the individual through a system review of the patient;
• Formulates individual plan of care for specific patient problems (medical and psycho‑social), which is developed by the assessment of both subjective and objective factors.  This plan includes evaluating the need for and frequency of nursing visits.  Referrals are made, if indicated, to ancillary personnel (i.e., Social Worker, Physical Therapist, Home Health Agency, and other agencies).  Goals are set with the patient and/or family and frequently re‑assessed, taking into consideration patient's readiness and willingness to learn;
• Gives skilled nursing care and prescribed treatments to patients in their homes, in clinics, at program centers and/or at the nursing office.  Demonstrates nursing care to the patients, their families, or to their assigned Aides.  Directs Home Health Aides in providing nursing care and evaluates its effectiveness. Coordinates plans for service with nutritionists, social workers, physical therapists, physicians and other professional workers concerned with individual and family health care.  Counsels, guides and teaches individuals and families to recognize and address physical, emotional, spiritual and environmental health needs.  Provides nursing services in clinics such as Immunization and Blood Pressure, which requires interviewing skills, decision making and patient education.  Participates in the conduction of surveys and studies related to health matters.  Documents services provided through records and/or referrals.  May provide for the continuity of patient care by referring patients to appropriate community agencies;
• Re‑evaluates, at frequent intervals, the patient's progress, needs and goals.  He/she is also responsible for communicating same to the Physician, Nursing Supervisor and Ancillary Personnel when indicated.
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

When Assigned to the Office for the Aging, Incumbent Also:

• Initiates health promotion and disease prevention program at nutrition sites and other designated areas;
• Participates in and oversees glaucoma screening, hypertension screening, cancer prevention services and hearing and vision testing using community resources;
• Schedules various health programs and activities and coordinates on-going wellness clinics;
• Disseminates information concerning service programs for the elderly including preparing pamphlets, flyers, news releases, surveys, articles for newsletters involving wellness, outreach, health matters and related topics;
• 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 AND 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 for patient care; ability to plan and coordinate nursing care for individuals, families and groups, ability to supervise aides assigned to assist with cases and programs; ability to communicate effectively; ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; ability to accept and utilize guidance; ability to perform duties in accordance with American Nurses Association Code for Professional Nurses.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Completion of an accredited course of training for Registered Nursing, and two (2) years experience as a Registered Professional Nurse.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Possession of a license to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State at time of appointment and throughout employment.
2. Access to transportation may be required to complete possible field work assignments in a timely and efficient manner.

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.

NOTE: Qualifications and Requirements are in accordance with New York State Education Law, Article 139, §6900-6910 (“Nurse Practice Act”)

3/84; 3/86; 9/97; 2/99; 1/03; 1/09

Non-Competitive Class

County Health Dept