Community Health Nurse

February 12, 2024

Position Summary:
Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Elder Services, this position is responsible to assist with planning, organizing, developing and directing the day to day operations in the Elders community department. The employee is responsible for assessments, care coordination, advocacy, telephone triage, development of care plans and related duties. Also, under the general direction of the Executive Director of Elder Services, the employee is responsible to provide nursing care for Elders as approved by Supervisor. This position will share after hours on call services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assists with reviewing and updating policies and procedures, and makes recommendations related to Community health needs.
2. Conducts intakes, develops care plans and makes appropriate referrals for Tribal Elders who require financial or other social service assistance.
3. Perform case-finding, health teaching, health counseling and the coordination of care with the primary health providers and any other professional involved in patient care, using telecommunications such as phone, email, fax, web-based programs.
4. Responsible for implementing and conducting orientation and in-service training for department staff and participates in guidance and educational programs for self and staff.
5. Participates as assigned with other Tribal entities on various committees, task forces, etc. with regard to improving elder care within the community.
6. Compiles statistical data and writes narrative reports summarizing quality management findings/outcomes, performance issues/standards, use of services, etc.
7. Provides casework and group work services to elders and vulnerable adults in the community through interviews of clients in crisis, assessment of needs and evaluation of available resources.
8. Works closely with families and/or designated POA/guardian to coordinate appropriate clinical services for the elder.
9. Identify and resolve barriers to promote interdisciplinary collaboration for elder care needs.
10. Ensure that the care team and the process of care is sustainable long-term and provide a caring relationship to elders and families. Coordinate meetings for timely, clinical decision making and optimal handovers across the continuum of care
11. Develops and promotes a staff philosophy that encourages elders to do things for themselves and retain feelings of independence and self-esteem.

12. Develops strategies to achieve department goals and objectives; understands need to adapt to changing conditions and priorities.
13. Participates in the hiring of departmental personnel and promptly completes performance evaluations, directs training needs and works to correct inappropriate staff behaviors Trains staff on the importance of trustworthiness and confidentiality with regard to their jobs and working with elders and their families.
14. Displays a willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making processes; makes timely decisions.
15. Provides general nursing care/coordination in the home using a biopsychosocial approach.
16. Performs accurate assessment of elders’ health conditions and needs and prepares brief nursing care plans when necessary.
17. Educate elders, families and the community on self-care and well-being concepts and practices.
18. Conducts home, hospital or other healthcare community visits regularly throughout the work week or as needed.
19. Follows instructions and responds promptly to management direction.
20. Ensures accurate and timely documentation of visits/encounters
21. Uses approved BBP, infection prevention/control measures. Proper disposal techniques for sharps. Properly disinfects equipment and work areas. Uses proper handling and disposal techniques for infectious waste and biohazards.
22. Responsible for maintaining strict confidentiality, adhering to the Privacy Act as well as HIPPA Laws. This includes managing elder’s data and health records/EHR, emails, faxes, et al as confidential records.
23. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
• This position supervises employees directly and indirectly.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians personnel policies and procedures and all applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, coaching and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding; recognizing and counseling employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications and Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and current Registered Nurse license in Washington State is required.
• Must have a minimum of two years previous experience working with an elder population coordinating social services, including some experience in addressing abuse in the Elder and/or vulnerable adult population.
• Effective supervisory experience is required.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases required.
• Must have sufficient supervisory experience to demonstrate the ability to assess current staff strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations for development and training.

Language Skills:
• Ability to read and interpret technical procedures and instructions, write routine reports, procedural instructions and assist with grant applications.
• Ability to effectively present information to Elders, Families and those working with the Tribe.

Mathematical Skills:
• Ability to accurately calculate figures and amounts such as dosages, proportions and percentages, area and volume.

Reasoning Ability
• Ability to understand instructions and interpret appropriateness, solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Other Skills and Abilities:
• Ability and knowledge to work closely with Tribal elders.
• Must submit and be able to pass a criminal background check prior to employment and periodically after employment.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and be insurable, and must sign a release of information to obtain a Washington State Driving Abstract.
• Must have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification within the first 90 days of employment.
• Must demonstrate a sensitivity to working in a culturally diverse environment.
• Must provide several references that validate the applicant’s good character and trustworthiness to work with Elders.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier and other office equipment.
• Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
• Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell.
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level is usually moderate.
• The physical exertion is low to moderate.
• Work is performed in an office setting and in the field at Elder’s homes.
• There are frequent employee contacts and interruptions during the day.
• May require use of personal protective equipment for nursing care.
• Travel to Puyallup Tribal Elders homes throughout the service area.
• May interact with upset individuals.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law