Position Overview

The role of the PHN is to apply public health science and nursing theory to promote, protect and preserve the health of populations. Services may be directed to individuals, families, groups or communities across the life span. PHNs apply appropriate strategies to prevent injuries, chronic and communicable diseases (e.g., immunization); address environmental issues; promote reproductive and sexual health; and promote the health of perinatal women, their partners, infants and families. PHNs strive to improve the health of all people and reduce inequities among populations by addressing determinants of health and promote equitable health outcomes. PHNs provide services in communities, across communities and across the region. PHNs work collaboratively within the Population Public Health team and with colleagues in other programs, sectors and organizations. Population Public Health participates in Winnipeg Integrated Services, supporting integration across WRHA and Family Services and Consumer Affairs (FSCA).

Under the direction of a team manager PHNs respectfully work in and with diversity including sexual and gender minorities, and across all ethnicities and all cultural, spiritual, political, age, ability, family and economic circumstances. PHNs support self-determination through activities such as pregnancy counselling and by respecting client decisions such as those affecting infant feeding, male circumcision, sexual and reproductive behaviour, and immunization status. PHNs work respectfully with those who are involved in drug using, sexual and other behaviour that may be harmful to them or to others. PHNs promote empowerment and community engagement. These values are consistent with a population health approach that is rooted in an understanding of the broad determinants of health and the principles of primary health care, community development, and harm reduction. Practice is strength-based, client-centered and incorporates the strategies of motivating, enabling, advocating, co-operating and collaborating when working with individuals, communities, and colleagues both within the health system and with other sectors.

PHNs may be required to work in locations other than her/his unit/worksite/office within the Population Public Health Program site.

Experience

• Two years of recent, relevant experience and demonstrated competency in public health, primary care / primary health care, population-level health promotion or community development is required or applicants who have completed their undergrad practicum with Public Health.
• Relevant experience may include:
  • Applying principles of health promotion, primary prevention, population health, primary health care, harm reduction, and community development in public health, primary care / primary health care, northern health (that includes primary care / primary health care or public health) or infection prevention and control settings.
  • Family and child health.
  • Promoting equity at a population level and community development with populations who experience lower health status (e.g., street-involved persons, lower income, vulnerable families).
  • Communicable disease control.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Baccalaureate Nursing Degree is required.
• In addition, at least one of the following is preferred:
  • Successful completion of a Public Health Agency of Canada’s Skills Enhancement for Public Health Program content module certificate.
  • Canadian Community Health Nurses certification - CCHN(C).
  • Successful completion of a related course at a master level (e.g., epidemiology, community development, community nursing).

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Current College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Registration (CRNM) required.
• Active participation in professional associations e.g. Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba (ARNM) preferred.
• Possession of a valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License required.
• Current CPR certification at the basic life support level required.
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or successful completion of Douglas College Breastfeeding Counsellor Certificate Program for Community Area positions preferred.
• International Society for Travel Medicine (ISTM) Certification for Travel Health positions preferred.

Qualifications and Skills

• Scope of practice as documented in the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
• Demonstrated ability to assume a leadership role.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a professional team.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skill, and interest in working with diverse people with a variety of backgrounds, lifestyles, abilities, health status, choices and other attributes.
• Demonstrated competency in working with community residents, community partners and agencies.
• Demonstrated competence in the areas of conflict management, problem solving, teaching and counseling and organization of activities and workload.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and to apply the principles of adult education.
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer software applications.

Physical Requirements

• Physically capable of carrying out clinical skills such as immunizations, intra-dermal injection, phlebotomy, newborn and maternal physical assessments.
• Physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 15 lb or 6.8 kg.
• Physically capable of providing service in a wide variety of community settings under varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Access to and use of a reliable motor vehicle during working hours suitable for all environmental conditions.
• Subject to immunizations and tuberculin testing as per WRHA Policy.