Congenital Syphilis Nurse Consultant

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Harlingen, TX

86d • $4,801 - $6,281

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/SII 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

• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish).
• Experience working with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be registered as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas with an active, unrestricted license.
• Current and valid driver's license for the State of Texas.

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.
• Provides 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ensures statutory disease reporting, achievement of program performance standards, and abides by the DSHS DIS guidelines, DSHS Congenital Syphilis guidelines and HHS HR manual.
• Consults initially with the regional medical director (RMD) on complicated Congenital Syphilis cases or HIV/STI cases as needed.
• Consults secondarily with Texas DSHS recognized medical experts on complicated Congenital Syphilis cases or HIV/STI cases as needed.
• Emergency response duties as assigned to include planning for a disaster event response, actively participating during a disaster response and/or recovery effort.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree