Nurse (Clinical/Comm-Occ Health)

Overview

Nurse (Clinical/Comm-Occ Health) Landstuhl, Germany

Landstuhl is the most beautiful city in the western Palatinate and offers all the conveniences of a large city but with the character and advantages of a cozy little town. The remains of Nanstein castle characterize the silhouette of Landstuhl. Being located at the northern edge of the “Pfälzer Wald”, one of the largest wooded areas in Germany, it offers all kinds of outdoor sporting activities . mountain-biking, hiking or Nordic Walking.

For more than 50 years the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center has been an important part of the community. This long and close relationship between the LRMC and the city of Landstuhl characterizes the way how the local citizens live together with their international guests and how well they are integrated.

The Landstuhl Medical Center is not just one of the multiple bases operated by the United States in Europe, but also the largest one located outside the country. Just like the name says, it is located close to Landstuhl in Germany. It usually deals with the troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Other than that, the base is located on European territory, which means it is operated under the laws and regulations of the German government. In other words, it doesn’t just help the wounded soldiers returning from the Middle East, but also the military troops from Germany. One of its most important advantages is that it is the closest and most advanced hospital for these troops. There is no other such medical center closer to the Middle East.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions.

Responsibilities

POSITION DUTIES:

As the Army Public Health Nursing (APHN) Program Manager, the incumbent independently plans, manages, directs, conducts, evaluates, and coordinates the Army Public Health Program for the assigned Regional Health Command Europe (RHCE) Population served in a variety of settings to include office, military units, and community. The Public Health Nurse Program Manager reports to the C, APHN and/or Clinic Chief Nurse in the Department of Public Health (DPH).

MAJOR DUTIES

1. The purpose of this position is to serve as the Program Manager for the assigned RHCE installation and designated serviced population with regard to Public Health. As Program Manager, they will be responsible for the long and short range goals and accomplishments of the program, and its successful integration into the diverse and multi-functional missions found throughout the community, to include active duty, dependents, civilian employees, contractors, and reservists The incumbent is responsible for managing the full Public Health program, to include day to day practice as well as public health supervision, program planning, execution, conduct, evaluation and improvement.

Oversees the implementation of the core functions of public health nursing assessment, assurance and policy development. Ensures services are facilitative, collaborative, consultative, and investigative in nature to ensure implementation of appropriate interventions and linkage with appropriate resources. Develops quality improvement initiatives through ongoing review of processes and data to identify opportunities for improvement. Directs and manages community assessments and surveys recognizing the social, cultural, and prevailing management philosophy of the area of responsibility. Plans and coordinates Public Health Program development and evaluation based on the community assessment. Member of the Public Health Accreditation (PHA) Working Group.

Leads APHN team in pandemic planning, response, surge, and recovery efforts. Responsible for coordinating and managing staffing requests associated with the pandemic mission. Leads efforts in epidemiology investigations of outbreaks/case clusters, contact tracing of confirmed cases and education/training of other staff as needed to meet mission/surge demand. Works across all levels of Installation Command in course of duties and works closely with the local Public Health Emergency Officer (PHEO), and serves as the Alternate PHEO (APHEO) when PHEO is not available or when working together for installation to develop, educate, and recommend pandemic mitigation strategies for the local area.

Develops and maintains annual program documents and monthly activity calendar. Prepares all required public health reports, supply and equipment procurement actions, quality improvement program, budget projections and requests. Sustains personal and clinic staff professional development by participating in professional meetings, trainings, workshops, and conferences. 

2. Conducts required monthly, quarterly and annual inspections and administrative reviews of all IMCOM Child, Youth & School Service (CYSS) programs in the assigned community/garrison in preparation for the Annual Army Higher Headquarters (AHHI) certification inspection. Compiles findings and enters results data into IMCOM-mandated CYS database. Provides health consultation at all levels. Organizes and conducts staff training for communicable diseases, medication administration and blood-borne pathogens and completes competency trainings. Attends meetings/working groups, provides health guidance and establishes collaborations with stakeholders within the community. Conducts nurse reviews related to Multi-Disciplinary Inclusion Action Team (MIAT) applications of children with special medical needs for CYSS program admission/accommodation. Essential key member of the MIAT and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) teams.

Directs independent performance of duties as the nursing authority with consulting provider and community resources in developing objectives, standards and policies to ensure the delivery of comprehensive public health services in accordance with medical, legal and regulatory requirements from military and civilian public health authorities incorporating the Ten Essential Services for Public Health.

Periodically reviews, updates and/or directs the review and update of manuals, regulations, and Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) relating to program operations. Ensures compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) Standards and The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule.

Makes periodic workplace visits to educate military and civilian populations on health promotion measures. Coordinates with other clinics & providers for diagnosis and treatment for patients requiring specialized services due to communicable other conditions or illnesses.

Conducts patient assessments and follow/up care after the initiation of treatment of infectious diseases including tuberculosis infection or exposure, viral hepatitis infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and other reportable events and communicable diseases IAW established CDC, RHCE & Garrison protocols and standards of public health nursing in consultation with the physician consultant. Manages communicable disease problems IAW collaborative protocols which reflect documented, accepted intervention techniques, programs, and regimens.

Conducts nursing assessments for clients being evaluated for tuberculosis infection, other communicable diseases, clinical preventive health services, and HIV positive notification to clients within the scope of credentialed limitations. 

3. Performs/provides public health oversight and advisory services to other health professionals and para-professionals in all matters of public health to include communicable diseases, pandemic control measures, risk mitigation plans, and immunization guidance. Plans work to be accomplished, sets work priorities; coordinates & supervises staff and volunteers for public health community events; approves or rejects work of staff assigned to assist with public health events; gives advice, counsel and instruction to colleagues and other organizations on matters of public health concern; compiles data and statistics to assist commanders in all matters of required compliance with mandatory public health requirements. 

4. Keeps abreast of advances in all areas relative to the field of Public Health and wellness. Receives, interprets, and responds to inquiries related to Public Health nursing and wellness issues. Maintains and has knowledge of the resources relevant to Public Health nursing and wellness.

Plans, organizes, develops, and directs health education efforts throughout the footprint. Participates in conducting classes. Attends applicable meetings and provides Public Health guidance, standards, and similar materials pertaining to health and wellness throughout the footprint.

Participates in long-range planning to coordinate Public Health and wellness requirements with command goals and mission requirements involving tuberculosis surveillance, other communicable disease control.

Provides clinical oversight to personnel who support selected Public Health programs, such as communicable disease, health education and promotion and Annual Influenza Vaccination Program. 

5. Receives and implements DOD, DA, MEDCOM, RHCE and all applicable Host Nation requirements.

Coordinates Public Health and wellness activities with a variety of personnel. Provides assistance and guidance to command and staff, and makes recommendations regarding health promotion programming for the assigned community.

Plans and assists in the implementation of a wide variety of health promotion and wellness programs. Counsels and interviews clients, interprets lab values and x-ray results pertinent to wellness status; orders and evaluates diagnostic clinical procedures relative to Preventive Medicine programming.

Conducts multiple health screenings in support of Public Health and wellness programs. Evaluates individuals with risk factors contributing to the development of preventable chronic disease ., heart disease, cancer, etc. Conducts multiple health risk screenings in support of Public Health and wellness programs.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

US Citizenship required

TDY may be required 10-15% of the time.

Position is subject to drug testing.

Mandatory Hepatitis B Immunization Policy Effective 1 Jan 1997. Condition of Hire Statement: The policy directs that DoD civilian personnel, including trainees, volunteers, and other temporary staff, with duties involving direct patient contact, who were hired on or after 1 Jan 1997 be covered on a MANDATORY basis. (Covered means they must complete a series of three immunizations unless they meet any of the three exemption requirements). This condition of employment must be made clear in job announcement, job description, and contracts. This position has other required vaccines as per command policy.