GALION — The Galion City Board of Health is now seeking qualified applicants for the position of Public Health Nurse, after Theresa Swinehart announced her retirement. She will retire at the end of the month after nearly 20 years of service in public health.
Swinehart worked at Bucyrus Community Hospital and then transitioned into public health when state grant funding for immunization clinics became available.
“I wanted to be part of that,” Swinehart said.
She worked at the Crawford County General Health District for a short period and then spent most of her public health career at the Galion City Health Department. In addition to immunizations, Swinehart has been a critical part of the BCMH (Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps) program, which coordinates systems for comprehensive care and services for children with special health care needs.
Nurses also work with families to obtain payments and insurance coverage for these services.
At GCHD, Swinehart is also a certified car seat safety technician for the child passenger safety program, and has served as a school nurse to districts serviced by GCHD.
“I love the Galion Health Department but I need to focus on my family now,” Swinehart said of her retirement decision.
Nursing Director DeEtta Shaffer said Swinehart will be difficult to replace.
“She had a lot of experience and was well known in the community,” Shaffer said.
Fellow nurse Chris Diebler recalled that Swinehart talked her into joining the GCHD team.
“I’ve known (Theresa) a long time. She’s a good friend and a good person,” Diebler said. “She really was the face of the department. We call her ‘The Energizer Bunny’ because she never stops.”
There will be an open house for Swinehart at the Galion City Health Department on June 29, from noon to 2 p.m. The community is invited.
More on Public Health Nurse job opening
The Public Health Nurse position is a part-time, 24 hours per week position and salary is commensurate with experience. Under general direction, the public health nurse will provide professional nursing services to the community in a variety of settings.
Assigned programs may include but are not limited to: Immunization Clinic, BCMH (Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps), school nursing, child passenger safety, communicable disease reporting and health education.
Minimum Qualifications: Valid nursing license issued by the Ohio Board of Nursing, RN or LPN, valid State of Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license/insurance, valid CPR card and basic computer literacy.
Preferred Qualifications: Basic knowledge of Public Health and communicable diseases, experience in community health and/or health education, knowledge of childhood and adult immunization requirements.
Applications will be accepted through July 1 or until the position is filled. Interested applicants may send a resume and cover letter to:
Galion City Health Department
DeEtta Shaffer, RN, BSN, CIC Director of Nursing
113 Harding Way East
Galion, Ohio 44833
DeEtta.Shaffer@galionhealth.org
