The Texas Department of State Health Services along with state and local officials today launched this year’s Ready or Not? multilingual public education campaign to encourage Texans to prepare for emergencies.

“Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado or flood, a disaster can strike when we least expect it, and we want people to be prepared,” said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS commissioner. “We’re one month into hurricane season, but it’s not too late to put together a plan.”

Ready or Not? or ¿Estás Listo? in Spanish uses radio, television, newspaper and online advertising; community outreach events; and its websites to encourage every Texan to create an emergency plan now. The goal is to help Texans be ready to respond to, and recover from, any natural or man made disaster.

This year’s launch took place at the Island Community Center in Galveston with local officials presenting information about how to prepare. The Galveston event also marked the kickoff of the 15-city Ready of Not? community outreach tour.

The yearlong Ready or Not? campaign focuses on three key elements: family, essentials and information.

Family. Talk with everyone in your family about your emergency plan. Know where your family will meet if you have to evacuate. Include elderly neighbors and people with disabilities who may depend on you for help. Have a list of emergency contacts. And remember your pets.

Essentials. Make a shopping list of essential items you need. Store those emergency supplies in one place. Put copies of all essential documents – driver’s license or passport, insurance policies, health cards and prescriptions – in a waterproof bag.

Information: Know how to get information in an emergency. Have a battery-operated radio on hand with plenty of fresh batteries.

Ready or Not? partners include local emergency management officials, community based organizations with emergency preparedness and response/recovery roles, and other grassroots organizations.

The website at www.TexasPrepares.org or www.TexasPrepara.org offers people a way to build a custom plan step by step. Those without Internet access may dial 2-1-1 for help finding local sites that offer free Internet access.

The Ready or Not? community outreach tour will hold 18 events in 15 cities this summer beginning today in Galveston. Additional stops are planned throughout the month of July in Pasadena, Port Arthur, Beaumont, Lufkin, League City, Tyler, Houston, Bay City, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen and San Antonio. Each free event will feature a 20-foot by 20-foot tent filled with informational displays, sample disaster supply kits and an interactive kiosk where visitors can begin or continue their emergency planning.

The Ready or Not? campaign will run through August 2011.

The Jasper Newton County Public Health District is accepting applications for the position described below.

JASPER NEWTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Opening Date: May 27, 2010

Closing Date: When Filled

Position: Public Health Nurse (LVN)

Salary: $1,801/month

Job Location: Jasper Office
139 W. Lamar Street
Jasper, Texas 75951

This position is open to any person meeting the minimum qualifications as outlined on the attached Job Description.

Application can be downloaded at this link.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Bobbi Holder, RNC, WHNP
Jasper Newton County Public Health District
139 West Lamar Street
Jasper, Texas 75951

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Public Health Nurse (LVN)*

Department/Program: Clinical Services (Primary Health Care; Family Planning);
Immunizations

FLSA: Non-Exempt

*Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Performs routine vocational/technical nursing tasks and other duties related to providing patient care and administering immunizations in an outpatient clinic environment. Activities are based on educational preparation and experience. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.
Work is performed under the administrative supervision of clinic supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED (ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/DUTIES)

(Essential functions are those functions that the employee must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. Regular and predictable work schedule and attendance are considered essential functions.)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING, OTHER RELATED DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED:

(80%) Clinical Services (Primary Health Care [70%]/Family Planning [10%])

Takes Histories; Health Risk Profiles

Takes and records vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temp); weighs clients

Collects specimens for laboratory examination (venipuncture, fingersticks, dipstick urines)

Conducts appropriate screening tests (blood sugar, pregnancy, SMAC)

Assists medical staff in examining and caring for clinic patients

Issues medications and supplies to clients and documents on pharmaceutical log

Maintains records pertaining to medications and lab test results

Provides follow-up for lab test abnormalities; expedites referrals when indicated by completing documentation, faxing requests, and/or calling referral agencies

Counsels clients with specific health goals; performs health education following protocols and utilizing pamphlets and audiovisuals

Performs Quality Assurance review of medical charts

Assembles materials and equipment for clinic sessions; maintains supply inventory

Assists with processing of Prescription Assistance Applications and medications distribution

(20%) Immunization

• Vaccine Management (5%)

Assists clinic site supervisor in reviewing vaccine orders, doses administered, and monthly reports for accuracy to ensure that only a 60-90 day vaccine supply is requested

Utilizes the established system to document and minimize wasted and unaccounted for vaccines at clinic site operation

• Registries [ImmTrac] (5%)

Assists clinic site supervisor to train clinic clerical personnel on registry data entry and quality standards

Assists clinic clerks in reviewing and resolving duplicate records/QMs, as needed

Assists clinic site supervisor with conducting outreach activities for providers and other potential registry users and providing technical assistance for users

• Service Delivery (90%)

Administers immunizations for all age groups

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Graduation from standard senior high school or equivalent is generally preferred. Successful completion of a credentialed vocational nurse program

A minimum of six (6) months full-time paid work as an LVN in a medical outpatient clinic setting is generally preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge and ability to perform nursing procedures for which the vocational nursing course has provided the necessary degree of skill and judgment

Ability to observe general physical condition of patients and to detect signs of abnormalities

Ability to record observations completely, accurately and concisely

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to exercise tact, initiative and good judgment in dealing with people

Ability to accept and utilize supervision

Special Instructions and/or Remarks

Works at satellite clinics (other than Jasper) as needed

Weekend work and hours other than 8-5 may occasionally be required

Bilingual (Spanish/English) desirable

Must have reliable transportation (when JNCPHD vehicle unavailable)

Valid drivers license and proof of automobile liability insurance required
Registration, Certification, or Licensure

Licensed to practice as Vocational Nurse by State of Texas
Physical Condition

Good health and physical condition necessary for sitting, standing and walking for prolonged periods of time; light/moderate lifting; requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range
Work Environment

Indoor environment; potential exposure to a variety of infections and/or communicable diseases; human body fluids

Rev. 5/10

The Jasper Newton County Public Health District (JNCPHD) announces that FREE H1N1 FLU VACCINE CLINICS will be held:

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2010
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

JASPER COUNTY LOCATION:

Buna -Jasper Newton County Public Health District
Highway 96 & FM 1004 – Buna, Texas

NEWTON COUNTY LOCATION:

Newton – Jasper Newton County Public Health District
210 High Street – Newton, Texas

SABINE COUNTY LOCATION:

Pineland – Jasper Newton County Public Health District – WIC Office
315 Dogwood Street – Pineland, Texas

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

AZALEA FESTIVAL – JASPER COUNTY COURTHOUSE SQUARE

Currently available is the Flu-Mist (Live Attenuated Intranasal vaccine) which is sprayed into the nose and the injectible vaccine.

The FREE VACCINE clinic is opened to the general public. It is recommended that everyone be vaccinated.

Second doses (27 – 30 days apart) are required for ages:
6 months through 9 years for shots
2 years through 9 years for mist

The Jasper Newton County Public Health District (JNCPHD) announces that FREE H1N1 FLU VACCINE CLINICS will be held:

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

JASPER COUNTY LOCATIONS:

Jasper – Jasper Newton County Public Health District
139 West Lamar Street – Jasper, Texas

Kirbyville – Jasper Newton County Public Health District
205-A East Lavielle – Kirbyville, Texas

TYLER COUNTY LOCATION:

Woodville – Woodville Nutrition for Aging Center
201 Willow Street – Woodville, Texas

Currently available is the Flu-Mist (Live Attenuated Intranasal vaccine) which is sprayed into the nose and the injectible vaccine.

The FREE VACCINE clinics are open to the general public. It is recommended that everyone be vaccinated.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the Jasper Newton County Public Health District offices nearest your location.

The Jasper Newton County Public Health District (JNCPHD) announces that FREE H1N1 FLU VACCINE CLINICS will be held:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2010
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

JASPER COUNTY LOCATIONS:

Jasper – Jasper Newton County Public Health District
139 West Lamar Street – Jasper, Texas

Kirbyville – Jasper Newton County Public Health District
205-A East Lavielle – Kirbyville, Texas

TYLER COUNTY LOCATION:

Woodville – Woodville Nutrition for Aging Center
201 Willow Street – Woodville, Texas

Currently available is the Flu-Mist (Live Attenuated Intranasal vaccine) which is sprayed into the nose and the injectible vaccine.

The FREE VACCINE clinics are open to the general public. It is recommended that everyone be vaccinated.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the Jasper Newton County Public Health District offices nearest your location.