Public Health Nurse Clinical

Catawba County Government; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Catawba County Public Health seeks a versatile Public Health Nurse to deliver care across Adult Health, Communicable Disease, and Immunizations programs. In this role you'll conduct disease surveillance, respond to outbreaks, administer vaccines, and provide preventive health services in clinics, with a collaborative team focused on protecting community health and well‑being.

The position requires NC RN licensure, a valid driver's license, and ability to lift up to 50 pounds; prior public health

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Associate’s degree in Nursing and 1 year of professional nursing experience.
• Must be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the NC Board of Nursing.
• Valid Driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function).
• May be required to complete NC Credentialed Public Health Nurse course within one year if not meeting PHN rotation.

Responsibilities

• Provide care across Adult Health, Communicable Disease, and Immunizations clinics.
• Conduct disease surveillance and outbreak response.
• Administer vaccines and preventive health services.
• Educate patients and provide counseling.
• Follow standing orders, protocols, and procedures.
• Support shelter or mass dispensing operations during public health emergencies.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Data entry

Interpersonal skills

Organization

Excel

Education

Bachelor's/Associate Nursing degree

RN license (NC)

Tools

NCEDSS

Job description

Catawba County Public Health is seeking a versatile and community-focused Public Health Nurse to provide care across our Adult Health, Communicable Disease, and Immunizations programs, rotating based on staffing and patient needs. In this dynamic role, you’ll conduct disease surveillance and outbreak response, administer vaccines, deliver preventive health services, and support patient care in specialized clinics. You’ll be part of a collaborative team dedicated to preventing illness, protecting public health, and improving the overall well‑being of our community.

We’re looking for a nurse who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, communicates with compassion and clarity, solves problems with confidence, and manages multiple priorities with skill.

Note: Applicants must upload a copy of their RN license as part of the application process.

General

• Provide patient education and counseling
• Follow standing orders, protocols, and procedures
• Support shelter or mass dispensing operations during public health emergencies

Adult Health Clinic

• Provide care in Family Planning, STD, and Breast & Cervical Cancer Program clinics
• Conduct histories, triage, administer medications (including birth control), and manage follow‑up care

Communicable Disease Clinic

• Conduct daily disease surveillance, investigations, and follow‑up using NCEDSS and local methods
• Educate clients on disease impact, treatment, control measures, and relevant laws
• Manage tuberculosis (TB) cases in the community
• Collaborate with NC DPH and healthcare providers during outbreaks

Immunizations Clinic

• Administer vaccines to children and adults
• Maintain vaccine inventory and monitor storage conditions
• Support flu clinics, mass vaccination events, and TB medication management

• Bachelor's or Associate’s degree in Nursing from an accredited institution and 1 year of professional nursing experience
• Must be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the NC Board of Nursing

• A valid Driver’s license with a safe driving record (Driving is an essential function of this position)
• Individuals employed in a local health department without a degree that includes a Public Health Nursing rotation will be required to complete the "North Carolina Credentialed Public Health Nurse" course within one year of employment
• Strong knowledge of communicable disease laws, healthcare systems, and community resources
• Excellent communication, organization, confidentiality, and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in data entry and word processing; Excel skills are a plus
• Excellent communication, both oral and written, as well as interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor under a variety of conditions
• High focus on discernment and safeguarding confidentiality
• Strong judgment and multitasking skills
• This position is considered Medium Work, requiring the ability to lift up to 50 pounds as well as the ability to carry, pull, and push up to 50 pounds

Preferences

• North Carolina Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NCEDSS) training completed
• Introduction to Communicable Disease Surveillance and Investigation North Carolina Course completed

Does this still sound good to you? Then see what else we can offer you:

• No regularly scheduled weekend work
• Flexibility
• Excellent benefits package and job stability