Attachment B - Statement of Duties QM-Occupational Health RN.pdf

03/2016

Indian Health Service

Statement of duties

Position title:

Duty location:

Provide specific statement of duties for position to be filled:

Occupational Health Nurse

GS-610-11

I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this position is to serve as an Occupational Health Nurse (OHN) performs duties and responsibilities which include treating occupational medical and health emergencies, addressing hazardous conditions in the work place, administers routine health prevention and screening programs, and refers more complicated medical cases to the appropriate physician or health facility.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Performs primary care assessment diagnosis, and implementation of treatment plans according to authorized medical standing orders (MSO) and standardized medical protocols for occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses. Referrals to physicians are made when the scope of the diagnosis and treatment are beyond the authorization of the MSO or realm of safe nursing practice. (5%)

Provide acute care services that include medical emergencies where the employee is given the attention required to prevent loss of life or limb to relieve suffering until he/she can be transferred to a treatment facility. Treats minor injuries, offers first aid or palliative treatment as needed. If this is a non-occupational injury, treatment is given to enable the employee to complete his/her work shift before consulting with his/her physician. Recognizes hazardous/toxic exposures and initiation of treatment and follow-up. These potential health hazards encompass a broad spectrum including: chemical, airborne, and physical agents. (5%)

Works closely with building managers; advises them of unsafe or hazardous conditions. Attempts are made to improve the situation. (5%)

Removes foreign bodies that may be embedded anywhere on the body. Initiates treatment or referral and follow-up are done as indicated. (5%)

Provides primary nursing care for illnesses occurring in the whole workplace including: nursing, assessment, diagnosis, and implementation of treatment plan according to MSO and standardized medical protocols of the occupational and non-occupational illness of which the employee would not reasonably be expected to seek the attention of his/her personal physician, or to enable the employee to complete his/her current work site before consulting his/her personal physician. (10%)

Conducts the preliminary portion of all physical examinations completed in the main occupational health unit that includes taking occupational, medical histories, knowing the physical requirements for specific jobs, performs the required vision tests and audiograms, recognizes deficiencies, counsels the employee and calls this to the examining physicians attention. (10%)

Performs the specialized health screening procedures audiograms, vision, performance tests, blood glucose levels, and cancer screenings. Plan, schedules employees and supervisors for the phlebotomist with the contract laboratory, Interprets whether the results are within normal limits, consults with the physician, and based on procedures, makes appropriate recommendations to the employee. (5%)

Initiates appropriate laboratory test and x-rays according to written protocols. This determination is made from the occupational health history which indicates past and present exposure. Examples of appropriate laboratory tests include: blood chemistries, complete blood count, heavy metal screens, and chemical screens. (5%)

Reviews medical records and physical examinations for completeness and accomplishment of appropriate follow-up and health teaching. The medical records are maintained in accordance with quality assurance and federal and local protocols. (5%)

Works in preventive health education programs and counseling aimed at prevention of disease and promote health maintenance. This may include individual counseling to promote and improve existing chronic health conditions: hypertension, diabetes, physical fitness, or weight control. Makes physical assessments, and obtain medical histories which may elicit new abnormal health conditions or concerns. Appropriate counseling referral and follow-up are initiated by the OHN. (5%)

May provide prenatal counseling and makes the pregnant employee aware of the services available to her. (5%)

Offers psychological support in the presence of illness or disability in order to maintain life, provide comfort, reduce distress and enhance coping ability. Makes appropriate referrals to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Provision of assistance to management and involved employees in resolution of conflicts by appropriate referrals to the EAP. Counsels employees about potential hazardous/toxic work exposures and how these may affect the employee. (5%)

Administers appropriate immunizations required for anti-flu campaigns recognizing the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and initiation of appropriate treatment. (5%)

Provides comprehensive nursing and preventive health care to individuals. Maintains adequate supply of current information, available from community resources, i.e., American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, etc. (5%)

Maintains liaison with, serves as a consultant to, and makes presentations to occupational health nurses in other agencies, outside health organizations, and professional associations regarding the expanded role of occupational health nurses. Maintains an orderly health unit which includes reviewing medical records for completeness and to make certain they are maintained in accordance with quality assurance and protocols, keeping records to obtain occupational and non-occupational statistics and epidemiological data, preparing and maintaining required reports such as daily logs, monthly morbidity and occupational health reports, and semi-annual reports, maintaining and safeguarding all health records, assigned professional and office equipment, and health care facilities according to appropriate guidelines and protocols, providing individual and group consultation and training of employees to ensure the employee is aware of Federal and Departmental requirements related to specific hazards or substances. (15%)

Educates and informs the employee regarding compliance and cooperation in job related medical evaluations, participating in continuing medical and nursing education programs. (5%)

Performs other duties as assigned that are directly related to this position.

III. FES FACTOR LEVELS

Factor 1-Knowledge Required by the Position FL1-7, 1250 Points

Knowledge of the concepts and principles of both occupational nursing and medical procedures and practices and Federal policies and procedures as they relate to areas of responsibility.

Certificate and state licensure as a Registered Nurse is required.

Professional knowledge in a wide range of occupational health, health hazards, and environmental health concepts, procedure, and practices through education, training, and experience.

Ability to apply technical analytical occupational health nursing knowledge to work assignments, regardless of level of difficulty.

Factor 2-Supervisory Control FL 2-4, 450 Points

Works under the general supervision of a manager. The employee requires minimal health occupational health nursing supervision and is generally responsible for his/her professional judgment and opinions based on issued MSOs and clinic policies and procedures.

Plans, designs, and carries out occupational health projects and various aspects of occupational health and medical care programs for employees.

Independently carries out assignments under a very broadly defined MSOs and clinic policies and procedures with the primary purpose of providing quality occupational health and nursing services to all employees.

Factor 3-Guidelines FL3-3, 275 Points

Standards and guidelines exist in conjunction with specific health unit operating policies and procedures are generally available. Incumbent uses judgment interpreting and adapting guidelines from the MSOs to specific problems. Incumbent uses judgment and ingenuity in interpreting and developing occupational health projects to suit individual employees (patients). When circumstances arises for which there are no guidelines, judgment is required in devising the most appropriate occupational health formats.

Factor 4-Complexity FL 4-4, 225 Points

The work consists of a wide range of duties involving independent and difficult occupational health processes, methods, and procedures. The duties of the incumbent represents a background for the accomplishment of occupational health care and objectives, since it is characterized by the differing needs of employees (patients), managers, and/or supervisors; all of which must be taken into account when coordinating and providing occupational health care.

Factor 5-Scope and Effect FL5-3, 150 Points

The incumbent is responsible for organizing and implementing specific occupational health programs for HHS employees. The quality of the work environment and life of many people are affected and ultimately the morale of the workforce.

Factor 6-Personal Contacts FL6-3, 60 points

The contacts are with all levels of employees and managers within the agency and external to HHS. Typical contacts may include visitors the general public, and members of local rescue units, the building manager, the cafeteria manager, safety officers, case workers, local physicians, clinics, and hospitals, the building security officers. Also includes active participation in group and individual employee meetings and conferences as pertain to individual occupational health care.

Factor 7-Purpose of Contacts FL 7-3, 120 Points

The purpose of these contacts is usually for clarifying and/or exchanging occupational health information, programs, goals, coordination, cooperation, and professional interchange as well as follow-ups.

Factor 8-Physical Demands FL-8-1, 5 Points

The work places no special physical demands on the employee and includes some walking, standing, bending, and responding to emergency calls pushing either a wheelchair or a stretcher, and carrying resuscitative and other emergency equipment.

Factor 9-Work Environment FL-9-1, 5 Points

Work is normally performed in a health unit setting.

TOTAL POINTS-2540