Public Health Nurse- Immunization Coordinator

Under direction, performs professional nursing as part of a comprehensive public health program including assessments, treatment plan development and education.
Carries out programs and provides services to protect and preserve the health of the population through application of public health principles.
Plans and provides direct care, makes referrals to providers, and evaluates services.
Primary Responsibilities Scope of Responsibility: Responsible for the quality and accuracy of his or her own work.
Complies with current ND Nurse Practice Act and scope of practice.
Work is performed independently under general supervision.
Responsible for the immunization program operations, planning, oversight, and service provision.
Responsible for vaccine inventory, equipment functions, and 24/7 response to temperature excursions of vaccine storage equipment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information; Interaction with the public, vendors/ community partners or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective; May serve on local coalition groups in the event of a variant flu strain, or similar event where mass vaccination may be indicated.
Responds to Public Health Emergencies.
Has a working knowledge of the National Incident Management System for emergency preparedness and has completed the courses required for their job; Fulfills roles within the Department’s Emergency Operations Plan as determined by Emergency Preparedness and Management staff; During an actual emergency, is accessible 24/7 with an established family contingency plan in place.
Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires, or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work; When potentially unsafe conditions are observed, makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner; Provides training and work direction within the immunization arena, ensuring sound work and safety practices.
Provides nursing care for immunization clients.
Assesses client’s immunization needs and identifies physical and/or psychosocial health issues; Administers immunizations according to protocol; Participates in multidisciplinary approach to providing care for those receiving other services within our agency; Makes client referrals as needed to appropriate providers and community services.
Plans and organizes immunization clinics throughout the community and oversees the operation of various clinics including flu and other immunizations following CDC recommendations and requirements.
Provides education and orientation on immunizations for the public, private and public healthcare providers, and others in the clinic or community setting.
Develops and delivers formal presentations, develops, and obtains handout materials.
Provides ND Immunization Quality Improvement for Providers (IQIP) requirements as defined within the North Dakota Health and Human Services (NDHHS) Vaccine Management policy, including but not limited to: Maintaining inventory of all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines.
Ordering both private and state vaccine.
Understanding and ensuring vaccine storage requirements are met.
Providing any necessary vaccine training to Fargo Cass Public Health staff that may be assisting in vaccine transport or administration.
Completing annual Vaccines for Children (VFC) Training Coordinating interagency transfer of vaccine and following the guidance to return nonviable or expired vaccine.
Serves as a Regional Resource for immunization related questions.
Serves as local or state representative for various committees as requested.
Provides culturally sensitive health care instruction/health education within both the community and clinic settings.
Completes and maintains necessary records, maintaining confidentiality and complying with regulations regarding client confidentiality.
Determines eligibility for programs and grants.
Completes grant reports by required deadlines.
Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in nursing and two or more years of previous professional nursing experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Two years of experience with immunization knowledge, administration, storage and handling, and inventory maintenance preferred.
A valid State of North Dakota license as a registered nurse and driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility are also required.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of performing professional nursing functions including physical assessment and counseling; Knowledge of community resources; Knowledge of nursing process Skill in administering medically related treatments/procedures; Skill in general medical/nursing procedures; Skill in written English sufficient to read manuals, instructions, care plans and to write reports and complete documentation, etc.
; Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, patients, the public, etc.
sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction; Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have strong public relations skills; Ability to communicate across cultures and socio-economic levels; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Physical Demands Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Work is performed in a variety of settings such as clinics, and in the community.
Activities are varied including patient care and similar work with moderate physical demands, as well as computer and telephone use, reading, and other work of a light nature.
There is regular lifting, pushing, or pulling such as when transferring patients, and moving supplies and equipment.
There is considerable attention to detail.
Regular driving may be required for immunization outreach and education activities in all types of weather conditions.
Activities include stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
Medium Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly.
The job may require dealing with individuals who are emotionally charged.
There is regular exposure to potential hazards such as body fluids, contagious diseases, and environmental hazards.
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.
To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.
The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
The City of Fargo offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System.