Registered Nurse (RN)
Community Health Worker (CHW)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Position Summary
A CHW is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. [1]
Observe and record patient behavior, do physical exams and diagnostic tests, patient and family counseling and education, administer medication, wound care, supervise other healthcare professionals, and conduct research. [6]
Training and Prerequisites
- Completion of an approved CHW Training Program by the SD Department of Social Services. [2]
- The CHW Agency process will include the process utilized to hire individuals qualified to act as a CHW following certification that the individual has completed the Indian Health Service Community Health Representative basic training, a CHW program approved by the South Dakota Board of Technical Education or the South Dakota Board of Regents, or a CHW training program approved by the State. [3]
- Complete state approved professional nursing program.
- Criminal background check.
- High school diploma or GED for nursing program. [7]
Certificate/Licensure
- No certificate or license is required in SD.
- RN License required by SDBON. [7]
Typical Supervisors
- CHWs are primarily supervised by a clinic manager, nursing manager, or other organizational manager. [5]
- Supervised by Nurse Supervisors and Physicians. [7]
Median Hourly Wage (National)
[4],[8]
- Community Health Worker (CHW) – $19.41
- Registered Nurse – $35.24