Public Health Nurse, Home Visiting

Competition #: 26-001-B

• Position Title:              Public Health Nurse, Home Visiting
• Position Available:      ASAP
• Position Category:      Temporary, Full-time Up to 12 months
• Reports To:                 Manager, Home Visiting
• Union:                         ONA (Local 003 – Legacy PPH)
• Wage:                         $37.41 - $49.83 per hour
• Office(s):                     Peterborough

Position Summary:

As a member of the Clinical Services Division, the Public Health Nurse is accountable to Clinical Services Management for the implementation of the assigned Requirements of the Healthy Growth and Development Program Standards of the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) 2018 and relevant 
protocols. The Public Health Nurse will also be responsible for the fidelity requirements of the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) Program.

The Public Health Nurse assigned to the Home Visiting department uses a comprehensive health promotion approach to reduce health inequities of families and children. By adopting the public health core competencies and using knowledge of the social determinants of health, population health, evidence-based practice, the Public Health Nurse works to achieve optimal preconception, pregnancy, newborn, child, youth, parental and family health.
The Public Health Nurse is expected to work independently and as part of an interprofessional team to deliver public health programming. The Public Health Nurse fosters collaborative relationships with community partners, children, youth, and parents to plan, implement and evaluate healthy growth and 
development programs.

All Nurses employed by Lakelands Public Health are required to maintain competency in immunization and participate in clinics as required. Public Health Nurses work within their scope of practice, recognizing their limits of practice and consulting appropriately. This position involves travel and variations of the working day.

Duties and Responsibilities will include:

Administration and Human Resources 

• Maintains knowledge of and complies with Health Unit and divisional policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with the current collective agreement with the local bargaining unit of ONA.
• Participates in performance management.
• Advises Director/Manager of issues, needs and accomplishments.
• Generates regular, timely, complete and accurate records and reports to adequately reflect the implementation of the assigned program areas and reports as required by Clinical Services Management and/or the MOH.
• In consultation with Clinical Services Division members and Management, may assist in the planning, preceptorship and evaluation of placements for students in appropriate fields of study.
• Works in accordance with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
• Consults with the Chief Nursing Officer on matters related to professional practice.

Professional 

• Provides information and advice to Clinical Services Management, Health Unit staff, community partners and the general public regarding assigned program areas.
• Maintains competency by attending appropriate continuing education workshops, conferences 
  and seminars, through private study and/or participation in networks as approved by Clinical Services Management, and in accordance with Regulated Health Professionals Legislation.
• Maintains effective working relationships with Health Unit staff, and personnel of other community agencies and volunteers.
• Liaises with Ministry Consultants, elected and appointed Officials, other health units, provincial organizations, and other agencies in consultation with Clinical Services Management and/or the MOH.
•  Represents the Health Unit, division and/or assigned program areas on committees, boards and task forces as appropriate and as approved by Health Promotion Management.
•  Documents in accordance with organizational policies and procedures and College of Nurses practice standards.

Financial

• May recommend to Clinical Services Division members and Management the purchase of equipment, supplies and materials necessary for the assigned programs.
• In consultation with Clinical Services Management, may prepare budget for assigned projects, obtaining community partner input (and approval, if necessary) as appropriate.
• May assist in the preparation of proposals for external funding to enhance programs and research projects.
• May provide input to draft financial reports for approval by Clinical Services Management in preparation for submission to outside funders as required.

Program

• Participates in collaborative, cooperative, coordinated work within assigned program areas and with other Health Unit staff and partners as appropriate to support the efficient and effective implementation of assigned programs.
• Participates in the implementation of the emergency preparedness and response plan as assigned.
• In collaboration with Clinical Services Division members and community partners as appropriate, participates in the assessment, planning, development, implementation, evaluation and documentation of assigned Clinical Services Division programs.
• Participates in division, team and individual meetings as requested by Clinical Services Management for the purpose of ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of assigned programs.
• Participates in existing community partnerships as assigned and/or creates community partnerships to facilitate implementation of assigned programs.
• Participates in research projects as assigned.
• Uses clinical nursing skills to assess health status, plan, implement and evaluate appropriate interventions for individuals, families, groups and communities.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Complies with the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee’s relevant best practice documents.

Physical

• Works in a safe manner as required by Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
• Performs work in an environment (primarily indoors) with little to no exposure to disagreeable conditions or hazards.
• Does light physical activity of long duration and medium physical activity of intermediate duration.
• Performs work involving almost continuous periods of mental, visual and/or auditory concentration of intermediate duration and/or frequent periods of long duration.
• Detects and works toward eliminating health hazards in all assigned areas.

Qualifications:

Education

• Requirements for employment as a Public Health Nurse as per Regulation 566 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act
• University degree in Nursing

Experience 

• Community/public health and/or health promotion/home visiting experience is preferred

Other

• Proof of current registration with College of Nurses of Ontario
• Proficiency in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the role of Public Health Practitioner, Front Line Provider, as defined by the Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada
• Working knowledge of the Ontario Public Health Standards
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Demonstrates customer service and interpersonal skills at a level to develop and maintain cooperative/collaborative working relationships both within and outside the organization
• Excellent time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines with the ability to deal with multiple demands
• Excellent written communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Demonstrates initiative consistently with a commitment to quality and process improvement
• Demonstrates the ability to develop community partnerships, to identify and strengthen local community capacities to act on health issues, and to establish and maintain linkages with community leaders and other key health promotion stakeholders
• Demonstrates knowledge of health communication and knowledge translation for varied audiences
•  Ability to analyze report data and trends in services to inform practice
• Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet, and any other related reporting software
• Ability to establish therapeutic nursing relationships with vulnerable families who have complex health needs
• Ability to apply nursing theory and learning principles with knowledge of prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood health concerns and early childhood health concerns
• Demonstrates the ability to set goals, assess clients, and evaluate goals using a client and family centred approach
• Experience with program planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Demonstrates the ability to promote healthy growth and development of children and families through nursing assessment, intervention, and referral
• Knowledge of the Baby Friendly Initiative and infant feeding best practices
• Excellent conflict management skills
• Valid Ontario driver's license and access to a vehicle
• Current and satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
• Proof of immunizations required by Lakelands Public Health
• Satisfactory completion of probationary period (3 months)
• Current PCR and First Aid (HCP level) or willingness to be certified at this level within two months of hire