Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch will be putting some paperwork together to present to both the Starke County Commissioners and the Starke County Council about hiring a part-time nurse at the Health Department.
Lynch told the commissioners Monday night that the Health Board has approved the position, but the pay rate needs to be adjusted. It is currently at $17 an hour. Lynch said he would contact other health departments to determine a more preferable amount.
He wants to be able to train a qualified candidate who can do the work of the Health Nurse in case Lynch is out of the office or there is a need to fill in on a temporary basis.
The Starke County Health Board members have approved the part-time position. Lynch is hopeful that the State might provide additional funds to help with the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to the Health Department.
Lynch mentioned that in the Northern Indiana region, only the Starke County and Pulaski County Health Departments haven’t hired additional nurses during this pandemic.
Another issue is space. Lynch will need to determine a place for that employee to work to deal with confidential matters with residents.
Lynch will gather more information to present during the joint meeting of the government entities later this month.
