Congenital Syphilis/STI Nurse

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Lubbock, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us. Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs. Under the direct supervision of the Nurse IV, Director of Nursing and the medical supervision of the Regional Medical Director, performs complex nursing work that may include the delivery of congenital syphilis and HIV/STI services and for the areas designated; to include the coordination of services, technical consultation and clinical support for Communicable Disease, in particular, HIV/STI activities. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, community education, patient care, reporting/documentation, and disease intervention activities. 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. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment. May provide additional PHN direct services as needed for Communicable Disease Support. Safe operation of either a state-owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business, and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of 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.
Current and valid driver's license for the State of Texas.
RN licensed in Texas or compact license equivalent (Required)
Registered Nurse with a minimum of two years’ experience with at least one year experience within the last five years working with persons at risk for HIV/STD. (Required)

Nice To Haves

BSN (Preferred)
Bilingual in Spanish and English (Preferred)
Graduation from a Nursing Program accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners. (Preferred)
Experience in working with communities. (Preferred)
Experience in developing and/or providing health education presentations/training. (Preferred)
Experience with computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, electronic health/medical records systems and the internet. (Preferred)

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.
May 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.
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.
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. 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.
Consults with the regional medical director and Texas DSHS recognized medical experts on complicated Congenital Syphilis cases or HIV/STI cases as needed.
Emergency response duties as assigned may 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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