Extended Role Registered Nurse (ERRN) – Clinical Services

Buncombe County Health and Human Services is seeking a dedicated Extended Role Registered Nurse (ERRN) to join our Clinical Services team. This position reports to the Public Health Nurse Supervisor II in clinic and provides direct public health nursing services through programs including immunizations, reproductive health, sexually transmitted infection (STI) services, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP), communicable disease services, emergency preparedness activities, and community outreach services.

The ERRN works as part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of 3 ERRNs, 8 Registered Nurses, 4 Medical Office Assistants, 1 Medical Director, 1 Physician, and 2 Family Nurse Practitioners. Responsibilities include patient assessment, treatment, health education, disease prevention, preparedness activities, and other public health nursing functions within the RN and ERRN scope of practice.

This is a full-time, salaried, in-person position located at 40 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC that usually follows a Monday through Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, although occasional schedule adjustments may be required to support clinic operations, public health response efforts, preparedness activities, and community outreach needs.

Qualified candidates must meet North Carolina Public Health Nurse education and experience requirements and obtain Certified Public Health Nurse (CPHN) certification within one year of hire. ERRNs must complete all required advanced training, including Adult Physical Assessment, STI Nurse Clinician Training, Wet Mount and Microscopy Competencies, and North Carolina HIV Counseling and Testing Certification. Candidates hired without completed ERRN training must enroll in required courses as soon as available and complete all requirements before functioning in the Enhanced Role RN capacity.

Hiring timeline: As soon as possible.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to provide professional nursing services and apply public health nursing principles as a Registered Nurse (RN) and Enhanced Role RN (ERRN) while working in Clinical Services and the community.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Bachelor’s degree in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and one (1) years of Public Health Nursing experience; or Master’s degree in Public Health, graduation from a school of professional nursing and one (1) year of professional nursing experience; or graduation from a school of professional nursing and two (2) years of professional nursing experience including one year of Public Health Nursing experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Per NC Local Health Department Accreditation requirements, employees in this role must present their diploma, degree, or transcript to their supervisor/department upon hire.

Per NCGS § 130A-39, newly hired Public Health Nurses (PHNs) must obtain the CPHN certification within one year of hire to remain compliant with state public health standards.

Additional Training and Experience:  English/Spanish bi-lingual speakers preferred; Certification in Community Health Nursing desirable but is not required;

For the Enhanced Role RN (ERRN), completion of all mandated advanced training is required to perform duties within the expanded role scope. ERRN practice is contingent upon successful completion of the following approved training components: Adult Physical Assessment Course, with clinical practicum; Sexually Transmitted Infections Nurse Clinician Training, with clinical practicum; Wet mount competency training; Microscopy competency training; North Carolina HIV Counseling and Testing certification.  If ERRN training has not been completed at time of hire, enrollment in all required ERRN training components must occur as soon as the courses are available for registration, and all components must be completed and verified prior to functioning in the Enhanced Role RN capacity. Continued compliance with all applicable clinical standards, competency requirements, and agency protocols is expected.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: A current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the N. C. Board of Nursing.

All Buncombe County Health and Human Services Public Health Clinical Services Staff must provide proof of immunity against Mumps, Pertussis, Rubella, Rubeola (measles), and Varicella within 30 days of their hire date. This proof of immunity must meet the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for healthcare personnel. When necessary, documentation from a healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) of a valid medical contraindication to a required immunization can be submitted within 30 days of hire

Direct Nursing Services:

• Provide direct public health nursing services, client assessment, education and non-judgmental counseling, administer medications and treatments, develop individualized plan of care, provide referral services and coordination of community resources.
• Conduct disease control surveillance and investigation activities to prevent the spread of disease in compliance with North Carolina General Statutes; provide follow-up as appropriate; provide clients and contacts with control measures necessary to prevent the spread of disease; assure clients understand the plan of care and importance of compliance.
• Establish and maintain an accurate database through extensive health history of client; prioritize areas of concern and communicate findings via client medical record or other appropriate document; Utilize HIPAA regulations and confidentiality requirements when handling client information and communication.
• Provide immunizations for vaccine preventable diseases via State and CDC guidelines, and education of parents/clients regarding immunization laws, schedules, and care following immunizations.
• Participate with activities related to preparedness for and response to bioterrorism and other public health threats as needed.
• Participate in Department of Health and community activities including committees and staff meetings to facilitate coordination of client care; provide Public Health services at BCHHS outreach events as needed.
• ERRNs perform physical exams and collect laboratory specimens as indicated.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of the organization of Public Health programs at local and state level including knowledge of principles and practice of public health nursing services.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations regarding handling of client’s charts and client-related communications.
• Ability to relate well with people including clients of all ages, caregivers of clients, professional and clerical staff, and outside agencies.
• Skill in observing, listening, organizing, prioritizing and communicating.
• Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of health, as well as disease, in relation to the physical, mental and emotional health of the client and caregivers.
• Knowledge of the community resources and ways of utilizing them to benefit the client.
• Ability to create and maintain an effective follow up and referral system.
• Ability to learn the program area of assignment and all agency programs and services which could affect the client/applicant.
• Ability to analyze and comprehend a variety of technical and administrative regulation, records, and reports.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.