Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Health Nurse (RN)
💰 $65,000 - $95,000
HealthcareNursingCommunity Health
🎯 Role Definition
This role requires a compassionate, dedicated, and skilled Health Nurse (RN) to become a cornerstone of our patient care team. In this vital role, you will be responsible for providing holistic health services, education, and support to a diverse population of individuals and the broader community. You will leverage your deep clinical expertise to conduct comprehensive assessments, manage and implement treatment plans, and advocate fiercely for patient well-being, making a tangible and lasting difference in people's lives every single day. If you are a proactive problem-solver with a passion for health promotion, disease prevention, and delivering exceptional care, we encourage you to apply and join our mission-driven organization.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Staff Nurse (Hospital or Clinic)
- New Graduate Nurse Residency Program
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) with further education
Advancement To:
- Charge Nurse / Nurse Team Lead
- Clinical Nurse Manager / Director of Nursing
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Lateral Moves:
- Case Manager
- Nurse Educator
- Public Health Nurse Specialist
- Informatics Nurse
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Conduct comprehensive, holistic health assessments of patients' physical, mental, and psychosocial status to accurately identify health needs, risks, and strengths.
- Develop, implement, and meticulously evaluate individualized patient care plans in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, including physicians, therapists, and social workers.
- Administer medications, immunizations, and other therapeutic treatments as prescribed by a licensed provider, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and patient rights.
- Provide direct, skilled nursing care for patients with acute and chronic health conditions, including advanced wound care, vital sign monitoring, and ongoing symptom management.
- Deliver clear, culturally competent, and targeted health education to patients and their families on topics such as disease management, preventative care, nutrition, and medication adherence.
- Maintain meticulous, accurate, and confidential patient records using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, documenting all assessments, interventions, care plan adjustments, and outcomes.
- Serve as a passionate patient advocate, skillfully navigating the complex healthcare system to ensure patients have access to necessary services, resources, and critical follow-up care.
- Coordinate seamless, patient-centered care by facilitating clear communication between various healthcare providers, specialists, and departments to ensure continuity and quality of care.
- Respond effectively and calmly to medical emergencies, initiating life-saving interventions and adhering to established emergency protocols and standards of care.
- Perform health screenings, risk assessments, and wellness checks at community events, schools, or worksites to promote early detection and community health awareness.
- Monitor, analyze, and interpret patient data, including laboratory results and diagnostic imaging, to inform clinical decision-making and adjust care plans accordingly.
- Ensure a safe, clean, and therapeutic patient environment by strictly adhering to infection control policies, universal precaution procedures, and organizational safety standards.
- Provide empathetic counseling and emotional support to patients and their families, helping them cope with the stress of illness, complex treatments, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
- Engage in comprehensive case management activities, including detailed discharge planning and connecting patients with community-based resources for ongoing social and medical support.
- Contribute to departmental and organizational quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas for process enhancement and participating in performance improvement projects.
- Assess the health needs of specific populations within the community to strategically plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion and disease prevention programs.
- Investigate and conduct follow-up on reports of communicable diseases within the community, providing essential education and guidance to prevent further spread.
- Mentor, precept, and provide clinical guidance to nursing students, new graduate nurses, and other members of the healthcare support staff to foster professional growth.
- Stay current with the latest advancements in nursing practice, healthcare regulations, and evidence-based standards of care through continuous professional development and lifelong learning.
- Collaborate with public health officials, non-profits, and other community partners to address broader population health issues and improve overall community health outcomes.
- Conduct skilled nursing visits to patients in their homes or alternative settings to assess environmental factors, provide in-home care, and ensure a safe setting for recovery.
Secondary Functions
- Participate actively in staff meetings, in-service training, and continuing education programs to maintain and enhance professional competence.
- Assist in maintaining an adequate inventory of medical supplies and equipment, ensuring availability and proper functioning for patient care.
- Contribute to the development, review, and revision of nursing policies, procedures, and clinical care protocols.
- Support organizational research and evidence-based practice projects by collecting data and participating in clinical studies as required.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Active, valid, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) License in the state of practice.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and/or CPR/AED Certification.
- High proficiency in using Electronic Health Record (EHR/EMR) systems for documentation and patient management.
- Advanced clinical assessment, physical examination, and patient triage skills.
- Expertise in safe medication administration, pharmacology, and patient safety protocols.
- Competency in modern wound care techniques, including dressing application and vacuum-assisted closure.
- Technical skill in venipuncture, phlebotomy, and intravenous (IV) therapy initiation and maintenance.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional interpersonal and therapeutic communication skills (verbal and written).
- Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and complex problem-solving abilities.
- Deep-seated empathy, compassion, and a consistently patient-centered mindset.
- Meticulous attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in all clinical tasks.
- Emotional resilience and the ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations.
- Superior time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
- A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
- Cultural humility and the ability to provide equitable care to diverse populations.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university or college.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Community Health Science
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 1-3+ years of direct patient care experience in a clinical setting such as a hospital, outpatient clinic, or community health agency.
Preferred: Prior experience in public health nursing, occupational health, school nursing, home health, or a dedicated case management role is highly desirable.