Back to Careers What does a Public Health Nurse do? • Would you like a career as a Public Health Nurse? Assists communities, families and individuals to take responsibility for maintaining and/or improving their health by increasing their knowledge of their control over and their influence on health determinants. Facilitates and mediates to enhance strategies that assist communities, groups or individuals to anticipate, cope with and manage maturational changes and the environment. Initiates/participates in health promotion activities in partnership with others including the community, colleagues and other sectors. Applies epidemiological principles and knowledge of disease process in the management and control of communicable disease such as prevention techniques, infection control and outbreak management. Uses strategies to reduce communicable disease risk factors in the community such as: surveillance, immunization, early case identification, contact tracing, episodic care, health education and case management. Uses appropriate technology for reporting and follow-up. Uses appropriate strategies to reduce risk factors regarding chronic disease and disability. Uses appropriate strategies to encourage the modification of lifestyles that are not conducive to good health and support those which are. Also .... Is responsible for the workload (key responsibilities) assigned in a geographic area, team or group and works in cooperation with all staff in the local official health agency. Provides services in a variety of community settings (i.e. home school, hospital, malls, workplace, etc.). Is an active participant on interdisciplinary committees and a variety of program work groups. Maintains and completes records, reports and statistics necessary for program functioning and evaluation according to agency policy and procedure. Is responsible for professional competence under appropriate legislation, the College of Nurses of Ontario and within Agency policy. Motivated to maintain self-development and professional growth. Uses communication skills to develop helping relationships, facilitate groups and promote involvement in decision-making. Acts as a preceptor to new staff and to nursing students assigned to the agency for clinical experience. Serves on committees both inter and intra agency as assigned. And of course…..other duties as assigned. Submitted by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit 613-345-5685.