Public Health Nurse - Shelters

Visiting Nurse Association is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented, and self-motivated Registered Nurse to join our Shelter Nurse Program as a Public Health Nurse – Shelters. This position provides nursing assessment, health education, referral, follow-up, and care coordination for individuals receiving services in Omaha and Council Bluffs homeless shelters.

This role is ideal for an RN who is committed to community health, enjoys working independently and collaboratively, and wants to make a meaningful difference for individuals experiencing homelessness, complex health needs, behavioral health concerns, substance use recovery, or housing instability.

What You’ll Do

Provide nursing assessments, health education, referrals, follow-up, counseling, guidance, and care coordination for shelter clients. Serve as a health liaison among clients, shelter staff, community agencies, case managers, counselors, and medical providers. Assess shelter environments to support safe practices, first aid readiness, treatment compliance, and resolution of health concerns.

Refer clients to appropriate community resources and establish a system for follow-up. Support clients with recovery programs, mental health needs, crisis prevention and intervention parameters, and permanent supportive housing programs as needed. Maintain clinical documentation in the electronic medical record, including health assessments, progress notes, referrals, and health teaching.

Collect and report required statistical data and contribute to grant proposals and reports as needed. Represent VNA professionally at local homeless shelter organization meetings and in community partnerships. Provide health education and guidance to shelter staff.

What We’re Looking For Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; BSN preferred. Active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Nebraska or another nurse licensure compact state. Current Basic Life Support certification.

At least one year of experience and knowledge in community health nursing is preferred. Experience with recovery programs, addiction services, behavioral health needs, nursing assessment, and coordination with case managers or counselors preferred. Strong professional communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, employees, managers, providers, community partners, and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively in English and another specified language preferred, including accurate reading, writing, speaking, translating, and medical terminology in both languages. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, adapt to change, meet deadlines, and maintain a positive, service-focused approach.

Why Join VNA?

At VNA, our mission is to deliver expert, compassionate care to support community health and well-being. As part of our team, you will help ensure individuals and families have access to guidance, resources, and care that support dignity, stability, and improved health outcomes.