CITY OF WESTFIELD
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE - HEALTH

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The purpose of this position is to perform professional nursing work administering
various public health programs relating to promoting and protecting the health of
residents.

SUPERVISION:
Works under the general direction of the Health Director and Supervising Public Health
Nurse. Performs responsible nursing functions which require the exercise of
independent judgment as well as in the interpretation and application of public health
and emergency management practices, laws and regulations to frequently changing
conditions, threats and public health problems within limits set by the Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type
of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude
them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*Provide case management for patients with communicable diseases and their
contacts; including testing; education and referral of services to control
spread of communicable illness
*Plans, implements and coordinates medical, nursing, outreach and social
service systems for those suspected and confirmed cases of communicable
disease including starting and completing appropriate and effective treatment.
Includes contact at various locations including home visits
*Develops plans of care and evaluates on an ongoing basis
*Maintains local communicable disease surveillance system through follow up
of disease reports and investigation, enforcement of isolation and quarantine
regulations and control of outbreaks
*Prepares reports to Massachusetts Department of Public Health
*Maintains tracking system of those contacted, treated and manages and
provides follow up as needed
*Provides training and consultation to individuals and practitioners such as
residents, school nurses, physician and day care staff
*Plans, implements and evaluates immunization clinics, orders and maintains
supplies and administration of vaccines
*Reviews permanent public health records and statistical information on
mortality and morbidity to assess community needs
*Participates in local emergency planning committee, working with other
departments for emergency planning
*Participates in education and trainings to maintain licensure and certifications
*Inspects camps in collaboration with Health Inspector
*Coordinates childhood wellness program, develops brochures, markets the
program
*Coordinates as necessary with state agencies on a variety of initiatives and
programs
*Maintains records in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System
(MIIS), and coordination of billing of administration of vaccinations.
*Such other related duties as required.

OTHER ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Errors, such as failure to use proper medical and nursing techniques, could cause delay
or loss of service, personal injury, injury to others and possible legal repercussions for
the City, self and/or professional licensure.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited registered nursing program. Bachelor of Science degree in
nursing, plus six months’ experience in community or public health nursing required, and
two years additional nursing experience preferred; or any equivalent combination of
education and experience.
Licensure in the Commonwealth of MA as a Registered Nurse
Basic Life Support CPR Certification
Possession of Valid Class D driver’s license

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
*Excellent organizational skills,
*Ability to operate standard office equipment as needed in performance of duties
such as computer, calculator, copiers, fax machine and multi-line telephone
system. Working knowledge of computers and software applications, including
those specific to department to create reports, notices, publications, or other
necessary paperwork.
*Knowledge of the federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to
current scope and standards of nursing and public health practice. Thorough
knowledge of approved methods and equipment used in providing community
health services. Thorough knowledge of communicable diseases, epidemiology
and related medical procedures.
*Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; strong
communication skills in relaying important information and ability to deal
appropriately with other employees, department heads and City officials. Ability
to maintain confidential information.
*Ability to work independently and take the initiative in performing all aspects of
job.
*Ability to complete work under pressure while maintaining a high degree of
accuracy in accordance with work deadlines.
*Ability to follow departmental rules, regulations, policies & practices in all aspects
of job.
*Ability to enforce and interpret regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially. Ability
to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to plan and organize
clinics and to recognize potential disease trends, including health threatening
situations.
*Assists with answering telephones as well as responding to questions and
providing information within authority.
*Ability to establish and maintain effectively working relationships and work
cooperatively with coworkers, City officials, other City employees and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public in a courteous and professional
manner.
*Such other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills
Employee is required to report for their shift. Work is generally conducted within Municipal
Building, However, work sites also include: patient or refugee homes/apartments, Baystate
Medical Center TB Clinic, traveling in personal vehicle or city vehicle, flu clinics, health fairs,
senior center, low income buildings and other areas as it pertains to job. Work is sedentary
in nature but may include moderate walking, occasional climbing, bending, reaching and
ability to lift objects up to 30 pounds.

Motor Skills
The work requires motor skills for activities such as keyboarding, filing, moving objects and
using a variety of office equipment. The position requires motor coordination, manipulative
ability and coordination of manual dexterity. An example would be utilizing medical
equipment to take a patient’s vital signs or drawing up a flu shot into a syringe and injecting
it into someone’s arm.

Visual Skills
Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and
analytical purposes.