Community Health Nurse

Class Characteristics

Under general direction, to perform a variety of tasks relating to community and public health nursing services in the home, clinics, schools, and other social service agencies and institutions; to participate in public health agency or other social service program activities as a professional member of a total health care team providing services in the community; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Within the Department of Health, Housing and Human Services, the Community Health Nurse series performs a wide variety of nursing assignments which require independent judgment and skillful application of accepted, current nursing techniques and the implementation of program activities according to accepted public health policies and standards.

The community health nursing services and programs are designed to promote good hygiene and health, to teach preventative and rehabilitative care and techniques to patients, and to provide direct patient care and treatment when necessary.

Community Health Nurse is the journey-level classification in the series. Incumbents provide the full range of general, professional nursing duties under the direction of a clinic/program manager or physician. Assignments may be broad or specialized and involve complex processes requiring independent judgment with minimal supervision.

This classification differs from Community Health Nurse, Senior due to the latter’s program coordination and lead responsibilities.

Typical Tasks

1. Provides direct nursing services to patients and assists families in following treatment plans.
2. Detects early cases of illness and refers individuals to appropriate resources.
3. Promotes and teaches nursing care, health maintenance, and rehabilitation.
4. Coordinates care with other health workers and agencies.
5. Participates in epidemiologic investigations.
6. Assists in clinic operations including patient interviews, diagnostic tests, treatments, and referrals.
7. Leads or participates in community discussions and prepares educational materials.
8. Participates in community health service planning.
9. Maintains records, reports, and statistical data.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Thorough knowledge of:

• Nursing principles, methods, and procedures
• Preventative medicine and sanitation
• Community health nursing programs and continuity of care
• Communicable and chronic diseases and their prevention
• Mental health principles
• Sociological and psychological aspects of public health

Working knowledge of:

• Community and social service resources
• Current nursing trends and practices
• Office equipment and computer software

Skill to:

• Implement nursing activities independently
• Assist individuals and families with health problem solutions
• Analyze situations and take effective action
• Maintain professional relationships with agencies and the public
• Communicate clearly and maintain accurate records
• Recognize and address social factors affecting health
• Provide high-quality nursing care
• Coordinate care activities and supervise others as needed
• Teach disease prevention and health promotion
• Operate computer software and office equipment

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications establish baseline requirements. Additional qualifications may apply per job announcement.

Experience: None required.

Licenses/Certifications:

• License to practice as a registered professional nurse in the State of Oregon
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass a criminal history check, including possible fingerprinting
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test
• Valid driver’s license may be required depending on position duties

Edited: 11/17

Classification No.: 717
Revised: 6/79, 8/89, 8/90
Revised Title: 12/17
FLSA: Exempt
EEO: 2