About the position
The Public Health Nurse position within the Kent County Health Department is a full-time role that focuses on providing essential services in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, Oral Health, and Immunization Program. The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the health and well-being of families in the community. This role involves a variety of clinical responsibilities, including conducting hemoglobin and anthropometric assessments, performing nutrition assessments and counseling, and providing breastfeeding and lactation support. Additionally, the nurse will be responsible for making medical and social referrals, conducting oral health screenings, applying fluoride varnish, and assessing immunization records. Educating clients about vaccine-preventable diseases and administering routine and travel vaccinations are also key components of this position. The work schedule is primarily clinic-based, with hours from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. However, there are exceptions for the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, which require night clinic hours from 10 am to 7 pm. Importantly, this position does not require working on weekends or holidays, allowing for a balanced work-life schedule. The starting wages for this position vary based on qualifications and experience, with a structured pay scale that rewards educational achievements and years of service as a Registered Nurse.
Responsibilities
- Provide WIC, Oral Health, and Immunization Program services within the Community Clinical Services Division.
- Conduct hemoglobin and anthropometric assessments.
- Perform nutrition assessments and counseling.
- Offer breastfeeding and lactation support to clients.
- Provide medical and social referrals as needed.
- Conduct oral health screenings and apply fluoride varnish.
- Assess immunization records and educate clients on vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Administer routine and travel vaccinations.
Requirements
- Graduation from a National League of Nursing accredited nursing institution.
- Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Michigan.
- Desire for breastfeeding educational certifications (IBCLC, CLS, CLE).
- Experience working with maternal, infant, and child populations.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to interact positively and professionally with diverse clients.
- Strong attention to detail and efficiency in service delivery.
- Ability to provide culturally aware and client-driven services.
- Valid, unrestricted Michigan driver's license and access to regular transportation.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in public health nursing.
- Knowledge of HIPAA guidelines and client confidentiality practices.
Benefits
- Referral bonus eligibility.
- Structured pay scale based on qualifications and experience.
