07/Ol/91 A

This is the first class in the Public Health Nurse Consultant series. Positions in this class provide regional or statewide consultative services in one or more program specialties. This class is distinguished from the Public Health Nurse Coordinator by the latter’s programmatic and technical authority over all nursing programs within a region. Public Health Nurse Coordinators located in the central office supervise Public Health Nurses located in field units statewide which are devoted to only one nursing program.

Complexity of Work: Positions in this class perform work of moderate difficulty in administering a nursing specialty program or programs in a region or in a specialty program statewide. Duties include developing and conducting nurse staff development and in-service training activities associated with nursing specialties; interpreting program policies; promoting current nursing practices procedures and uniformity of implementation; evaluating the quality and effectiveness of program specialties in health districts, regions or statewide; promoting local department nursing staff to develop improved programs through efficient and medically effective use of current techniques and community resources; assisting managers in program planning and development; providing intra-agency consultative services to office, division and bureau heads.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor for this class.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from a medical program director or other higher level nursing or administrative position. Positions in this class receive supervision in the form of a general outline of the work to be performed and are somewhat free to develop work sequence and methods within established policies and direction from supervisor.

Scope: Establishes criteria, formulates projects 'end analyzes issues affecting one or more specialty program assignments within a region or a singular specialty program with statewide significance.

Impact of Actions: Improper decisions made relative to program implementation and the expenditure of funds may cause significant costs in terms of time, money, services and public goodwill.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with federal, state and local officials are made concerning planning, developing programs and goals and objectives.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public health nursing, economic and social conditions related to community

public health nursing programs, principles and practices. Knowledge of program development and evaluation.

Skills: None required.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to evaluate program direction affecting patient care management systems and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Licensure or eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Virginia.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience in program development and evaluation in a specialty area and/or community health or public health nursing including responsibilities for program implementation, monitoring and consultation.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised and redefined as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It replaces the Public Health Nurse Consultant class, effective July 1, 1991.