Congenital Syphilis Nurse Consultant

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Houston, TX

47d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Health Nurse II performs complex (journey-level) public health nursing work in a clinical or non-clinical setting. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works under Standing Delegation Orders (SDOs) as directed by the Regional Medical Director (RMD). Duties to include the delivery of congenital syphilis and HIV/STI clinical and case management services for the areas designated; to include, but not limited to the coordination and direct delivery of patient services, technical consultation and clinical support for Congenital Syphilis activities, STI/HIV activities and other activities as determined by the regional Communicable Disease program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, community education, direct patient care (including case management), reporting/documentation and disease intervention activities. The Nurse II is responsible for services in the region, including participation in current and long-range planning for HIV/STI prevention and intervention in assigned areas. In coordination with the applicable program managers and/or supervisors ensures program goals and objectives are met. To provide additional PHN direct patient care services, case management and other duties as assigned, as needed for Communicable Disease support.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of Texas Department of State Health Services HIV/STI Program standards of operation, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of the CDC HIV/STI treatment protocols and guidelines
Knowledge and understanding of current social, economic and public health issues.
Knowledge of HIV/STI epidemiology and transmission, and case management techniques.
Knowledge of and ability to comply with Texas DSHS confidentiality guidelines.
Knowledge of the Texas Department of State Health Services Infectious Disease Prevention Division that include Tuberculosis, Immunizations and HIV/STI Programs.
Knowledge of behavioral change theories and their application.
Skill in performing basic/abbreviated adult and pediatric physical assessment and obtaining relevant clinical history.
Skill in case analysis and providing clinical case management services.
Skill in interpreting treatment, radiographic and bacteriological data.
Skill in communicating effectively with others (internal / external) both orally and in writing.
Skill in performing phlebotomy; obtaining and processing specimens; administering medications and immunizations.
Skill in using a personal computer and applicable software programs (Microsoft Office, Adobe, NEDSS/THISIS, and CMIS)
Ability to interpret public health laws and regulations;
Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions;
Ability to conduct objective, comprehensive nursing assessment plans;
Ability to direct and conduct contact and outbreak investigations;
Ability to function independently;
Ability to apply time management principles to tasks;
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public and medical community using tact and diplomacy;
Ability to work independently exercising sound judgment
Ability to work well and effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Have working knowledge and be familiar with the Outbreak Response Plan, the STI program objectives, the CDC Program Operation Guidelines for STI prevention and adheres to all relevant DSHS policies and guidelines.
Must be registered as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas with an active, unrestricted license or in a state covered through the Nurse Licensure Compact
Current and valid driver's license for the State of Texas.
Registered Nurse, BSN preferred
Minimum of two years' clinical experience as a Registered Nurse
Experience working with people at risk for HIV/STD or disease case management preferred.
Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred
Experience with computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, electronic health/medical records systems and the internet.

Responsibilities

Evaluates patients for Congenital Syphilis risk factors, clinical presentation, and screening results in various settings (e.g. patient's home or public health clinic). In collaboration with the authorizing physician develops a treatment plan; establishes mutual goals, monitors the patient's treatment response. Engages patients in behavior modification to promote treatment adherence. Will provide consultation, training, and technical assistance to agency staff, care recipients, provider agencies, and the medical community to ensure treatment is completed. Collects specimen for laboratory testing to include urine, blood via venipuncture or fingerstick, and self-collection swabs. Maintains detailed records of patient encounters in state databases.
Community Education: Serves as a technical consultant and resource to individuals, providers and stakeholders by providing information on CDC/DSHS standards regarding the current testing, diagnoses and treatment of Congenital Syphilis, as well as other STIs and HIV. Facilities involved can be health facilities, county correctional facilities, residential substance abuse facilities, and other community agency facilities. Communicates with private healthcare providers in the community providing specific and detailed clinical guidance according to the recommendations given from the CDC. Participates or leads multidisciplinary meetings and trainings to review all aspects of Congenital Syphilis case management and provide guidance and recommendations to promote consistent and optimal patient care.
Disease Intervention Activities: Independently performs detection, intervention, reporting, notification, and referral activities related to persons with CS infections and their contacts, at high risk for CS transmission or other HIV/STI cases as needed. This includes injection drug users, and other hard-to-reach and special populations, including, homeless persons, sex industry workers, transgender and intersexed persons, incarcerated populations, and persons whose primary language is not English. Ensures statutory disease reporting, achievement of program performance standards, and abides by the DSHS DIS guidelines, DSHS Congenital Syphilis guidelines and HHS HR manual.
Consulting: Consults initially with the regional medical director (RMD) on complicated Congenital Syphilis cases or HIV/STI cases as needed. Consults with Texas DSHS recognized medical experts on complicated Congenital Syphilis cases or HIV/STI cases as needed.
Emergency Preparedness and Response: Emergency response duties as assigned to include planning for a disaster event response, actively participating during a disaster response and/or recovery effort. Serving in a supporting role during a disaster response and/or recovery effort and assisting with agency continuity of operations during disaster response and/or recovery efforts.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

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