QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts
Minimum of 2 years experience
Possess a valid drivers license and have the use of a vehicle for the performance of ones duties.
GENERAL DUTIES:
– Is appointed by the Board of Health
Works under the direct supervision of the Supt/Director Is responsible for carrying out all public health nursing functions mandated by the State Department of Public Health and the Norwood Board of Health. Attendance at clinics is required. Some clinics are scheduled outside of normal working hours to accommodate the needs of the public.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
a. Conduct immunization clinics weekly for the administration of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps & Rubella, Polio, Hib, Hep B and any other vaccines recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
b. Maintain immunization records as required by State Law.
c. Report immunization status of school entrants to the schools.
d. Plan and provide immunization clinics in the Norwood schools.
e. Provide influenza and pneumonia immunizations to adults.
f. Provide nursing services for the administration of vitamin B12 by injection under the orders of a patient’s attending physician.
TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL:
Administer programs and provide services to detect, treat, control and prevent the spread of tuberculosis.
a. Investigate & report tuberculosis cases to tuberculosis control.
b. Investigate & check all contacts and possible sources of disease.
c. Ensure prompt diagnostic follow-up examinations of patients and suspects.
d. Monitor medications of patients and tuberculin positive contacts.
e. Provide nursing services under medical orders for the administration of injectable tuberculosis drugs to patients at home.
f. Conduct tuberculin testing programs for employment certification and new school entrants.
g. Arrange appointments for chest x-rays at Mass. Respiratory Hospital & other MDPH TB clinics for positive tuberculin reactors. Follow-up on all missed clinic appointments.
HEALTH COUNSELING & BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS:
Provide and staff a health promotion program for residents over age 18 years for the early detection and prevention of disease through health counseling, blood pressure monitoring and health assessment. Evaluate and refer those with health problems to appropriate health services.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES:
a. Investigate and report all diseases dangerous to the public health and reportable to MDPH.
b. Investigate outbreak of suspected food poisoning and obtain food intake history and specimens as needed.
c. Restrict employment of food handlers when necessary under the guidelines of MDPH
d. Provide health information and health education to patients and families to prevent further disease spread.
LEAD SCREENING:
Conduct a lead screening program for Norwood children up to 6 years of age to determine if they have been exposed to lead. All children with elevated blood lead levels are referred for further evaluation by their physician.
NEWBORN ASSESSMENTS:
a. Provide general health supervision and supportive health to families of newborns and high risk infants.
b. Act as a resource for referral to other agencies and services.
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
a. Home visits for evaluation, advice and referral to medical care and services- at the request of individuals, families, physicians, agencies and town departments.
b. Office and telephone evaluations, advice and referrals
c. Provide First Aid as needed
SPECIAL PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS:
a. Medical Equipment Loan Program
b. Cancer Screening Clinics
c. High School Health Fair
d. Special monthly Health Promotion Bulletin Board and Information Center
e. Special screenings and clinics in response to the health needs of the community and recommendations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
EMPLOYEE HEALTH:
a. Hepatitis B, TD and flu immunizations
b. First Aid
c. Cholesterol, diabetes1 blood pressure screenings
d. Heath education and counseling
WELL CHILD CLINICS:
a. Growth and development exams
b. Immunizations, TB testing1 lead testing
c. School, Headstart, WIC forms and evaluations
d. Children’s Medical Security Plan
DIABETIC SCREENING:
Conduct a program to determine the tendency towards diabetes. Educate the public to be aware of symptoms of diabetes.
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK SCREENING PROGRAM:
Conduct a program for Norwood High School seniors to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease by evaluating live modifiable risk factors: smoking, hypertension, excess dietary fat, elevated cholesterol and physical inactivity.
Provide blood pressure and cholesterol testing follow-up.
HUMAN SERVICES:
a. Social Service Intakes- Assess requests for fuel & utility assistance, shelter, food programs, clothing, employment & job training and counseling.
b. Multi-agency networking and referral
c. Resource Directory
d. Human Service Committee
e. Manager’s Assistance Fund
f. FEMA Grant
g. Holiday Program