Public Health Nursing - Program and Job Descriptions

Birth Spacing - Just us for 2 years

Current Public Health Nursing Jobs

To work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) in Contra Costa Public Health a person must possess:

BSN or an MSN
And
California PHN certificate
And
License as a Registered Nurse in California

Communicable Disease/Epidemiology Unit (CD)

The PHNs in this unit investigate reported disease incidences, participate in Emergency/Bioterrorism (BT) planning and exercises and function as consultants to schools, business and the general public on issues of communicable disease control. They answer calls regarding travel immunizations and give advice. They give community, business and professional presentations and write protocols and procedures for disease control and emergency preparedness. Staff in this unit work closely with numerous programs, departments and agencies including: Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials, Emergency Services, Animal Services, the Public Health Laboratory, the State Health Department, and occasionally the Centers for Disease Control.

The PHN who functions best in this unit is one who is self-directed, independent, likes change, interested in scientific investigation and interested in learning. Hospital nursing experience is not required but may be helpful to function in this unit.

» See our website for Communicable Disease/Epidemiology Unit (CD)

California Children's Services (CCS)

The PHNs in this unit provide medical case management for children from birth through 21 years of age who have specific chronic and/or complex diagnoses that are eligible for coverage under this program. The PHNs determine the child's medical eligibility, authorize services and coordinate care resources. They also coordinate care with CCS approved hospitals, special care centers and physicians, as well as with health plans and community agencies. They in an administrative office setting, with a Pediatrician, PH Nurse Manager, MSW, Nutritionist, Chief Therapist, Eligibility workers and administrative support. The program is governed by State guidelines and procedures.

A minimum of one year of hospital experience is desired but not required. Additionally, previous PHN experience is helpful to function in this unit.

» See our website for California Children's Services (CCS)

Clinic Services

The PHN's in this unit provide comprehensive case management to postpartum mothers and their newborns, prenatal and pediatric clients. PHN's provide medical and social assessments at home and office visits, and assist clients with linkage to medical care and community resources. PHN's also participate in pediatric clinics by providing case management to children who require referrals (i.e. specialty care, Regional Center/school districts for developmental evaluations, mental health services etc.). PHN's coordinate care with, and between, multiple programs/agencies. Home visits are made with an interpreter, or using a phone interpretation system when needed.

The PHN who functions best in this unit is self-directed, independent and organized. A minimum of one year of hospital experience is desired because of the independent practice of PHN's in these settings.

Medically Vulnerable Infant Program (MVIP)

PHNs in this unit provide home-based, early intervention services for infants up to age 2 years who, because of medical conditions at birth, are at risk of developmental delays. The aim of the PHNs is to maximize the infant's development by fostering the nurturing relationship between the parent/caregiver and child. To achieve this aim, the PHNs are responsible for developing individualized interventions based on comprehensive assessments and monitoring. MVIP PHNs work closely with primary and specialty providers, developmental specialist, nutritionists, lactation specialists, physical/occupational therapists and psychologists to promote optimal infant growth and development utilizing attachment and relationship-based frameworks.

Desired qualities include neonatal or pediatric experience, and knowledge of early childhood development.

» See our website for Medically Vulnerable Infant Program (MVIP)

Older Adults Program

The PHNs working in the Older Adult Programs provide the clinical component to the multidisciplinary team of social workers and mental health consultants in the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD). Services are geared toward dependent adults, frail elders, and persons 18 and older with disabilities. Job duties include home visits for nursing assessment and care planning, resource finding, linking clients with necessary services, collaborations with community-based services, providing educational programs, etc. Nurses are assigned to specific Older Adult Programs and are assigned to EHSD offices throughout the county.

Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program

Public Health Nurses in this program work to provide health care resources and coordination for children in a wide variety of programs and agencies including: CHDP services, Foster Care, Juvenile Hall, Probation Services, Foster Care Receiving Centers and in medical provider relations.

They provide case coordination and assess the health of children in CHDP, foster care, probation and identify and prioritize health services needs (medical, dental, mental and developmental health needs in all programs). They serve as consultants to Social Service and Probation Staff, act as liaisons between providers, State CHDP and Medi-Cal managed care plans and conduct CHDP service certification of provider offices. They also actively participate in collaborations with schools, community base organizations and other Health Services Departments.

» See our website for Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP)

Tuberculosis Control Program (TB)

The PHNs in this program are responsible for the investigation and follow-up and case management of TB cases, TB suspects, and those with TB infections. They provide education to community based organizations, patients and families, schools, nursing homes, business community, and physicians. They work closely with the Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Disease Physicians, Chest Clinic Physicians and the Employment and Human Services Department. They are considered subject experts and are consultants to the lay and professional communities on TB issues.

The PHN who will function best in this unit's willing to learn by attending trainings and keeping TB knowledge up to date, a good listener, and able to multi-task. Good nursing assessment skills and the willingness to make home visits are essential. Hospital nursing experience is not required but is helpful.

Content provided by the Public Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services.