COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE

TOMPKINS COUNTY

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION INFORMATION


 
Department      Health 

Classification   Competitive 

Labor Grade    O(15) 

Approved          2/7/61 

Revised   6/92*, 9/94, 5/97*; 12/99*;5/01; 1/04 ; 4/04

By  HH, Commissioner of Personnel 

BBP Risk Factor        1 


 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
 
 

This is a professional nursing position involving responsibility for performing community health nursing activities in the assessment of health needs and development of plans for individuals and families. Community Health Nurses have the responsibility for the initial implementation of nursing care plans, for the provision of nursing care and for the periodic re-evaluation of individual and family nursing needs. Supervision may be exercised over Licensed Practical Nurses, Home Health Aides, and other subordinate staff. General supervision is received from a Supervising Community Health Nurse or other high level nursing personnel. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.


 
 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:


 

Performs skilled observations and assessments and develops patient care plans;
 

Provides critical decision making in response to frequent immediate, unexpected health and interpersonal situations;
 

Gives skilled nursing care and prescribed treatments to patients in their homes and clinics and demonstrates nursing care to patients and families, teaches treatments, health practices, nutrition, medication, and safety;
 

Provides case management requiring knowledge of family resources and community services;
 

Assists in billing procedures;
 

Provides developmental screenings of "at risk" infants and young children, with appropriate evaluations and follow-up;
 

Provides for the continuity of patient care by promoting referral of hospital and clinic patients to appropriate community resources;
 

Coordinates plans for service with nutritionists, social workers, physical therapists, physicians and other professional workers concerned with individual and family health care;
 

Counsels and guides individuals and families towards self-help in recognition and solution of emotional, physical and environmental health problems;
 

Teaches classes, addresses groups, and participates in community planning related to nursing and health;
 

Participates in the conduct of surveys and studies related to health matters;
 

Compiles and uses records, reports and statistical information for evaluation and planning of the assigned programs;
 

Teaches, supervises Home Health Aide, LPNs and other subordinate staff;
 

Assists with setting up and dismantling health clinics.
 
 

*Title change only, CCN I and CCN II titles were consolidated 
 
 
 
 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:


 

Thorough knowledge of community health nursing practices;
 

Thorough knowledge of appropriate administration of various immunizations;
 

Working knowledge of problems regarding high risk and premature infants;
 

Working knowledge of normal/abnormal pediatric growth and development, nutrition and family dynamics;
 

Working knowledge of the community agencies.
 

Skill in the application of current nursing practices and techniques of patient care;
 

Ability to maintain autonomy while working with families in the field;
 

Ability to plan and coordinate nursing care for individuals, families, and groups and supervise health care personnel assigned to assist with this care;
 

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;
 

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position;
 


 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:EITHER:


 
 

(a)  A Bachelors Degree in nursing from an approved program AND one year of full-time paid (or the equivalent part-time and/or volunteer) nursing experience in a hospital, health related facility, community/home health agency or skilled nursing facility; OR


 

(b) A Bachelor's degree in nursing from a non-approved program supplemented by content that can be equated to the approved program AND one full year of full time paid (or the equivalent part-time and/or volunteer) experience in a hospital, health related facility, community/home health agency or skilled-nursing facility; OR


 

(c) RN with an Associates Degree or a Diploma Degree in Nursing AND two years' experience as a registered nurse in a hospital, health-related or skilled-nursing facility, or community/home health agency.


 

 
NOTE:  The definition of "health related" may include nursing experience in an appropriate physician's office or clinic at the discretion of the Commissioner of Personnel in consultation with the Public Health Director.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:


 

1. All applicants must be eligible for a New York State Registered Professional Nurse’s license at the time of application and be in possession of such license and current registration at the time of appointment.

2. All applicants must posses a New York State Driver’s License at the time of appointment and maintain such license for the duration of employment.

3. All applicants must possess CPR certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association) at the time of appointment.

4. All applicants must demonstrate completion of coursework or training in infection control approved by the NYS Department of Health and the NYS Education Department by providing a valid certificate at the time of appointment.

C22.doc

12/99