LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE II - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH - NURSING TB

Cook County, IL•Chicago, IL

30d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Public Health Nurse IV, participates as a team member in the care and management of clients with active tuberculosis (TB) disease in a variety of community settings including but not limited to client homes, places of employment, schools, and clinics. Provides directly observed therapy (DOT) in the community. Assists in TB screening and education activities.

Requirements

Licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Illinois.
A minimum of one (1) year of full-time clinical experience.
Experience with entering data into an electronic medical record (EMR).
Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Must be able to travel to work sites and throughout Cook County.
Must be available, as needed, to work evenings, nights, and weekends.
Must participate in assigned trainings, including on-line training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to obtain the mandated certifications.
Must be available for "on-call" duty as required.
Fundamental knowledge of the principles of public health nursing including maternal and child health, epidemiology of communicable and chronic diseases, considerable knowledge of relevant social, cultural and economic forces and group relationships, and disease prevention/health promotion strategies to protect the health of individuals and the community.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to communicate disease prevention and control concepts to others in a culturally sensitive manner.
Ability to make accurate nursing assessments make independent judgments where appropriate in accordance with nursing and public health principles.

Responsibilities

Provides DOT to clients diagnosed with TB in community settings administering oral and IM (Intramuscular) medications.
Assesses clients receiving DOT for actual and potential side effects associated with medication regimen.
Reviews care plan with assigned RN Case Manager for scheduled clinic visits, submission of sputum specimens, and medications and reinforces care plan with client during encounters.
Reports any side effects, medication issues, and/or concerns to RN Case Manager.
Applies and accurately reads Tuberculin Skin Tests to contacts of active TB cases in community settings.
Performs venipuncture procedure to obtain routine blood specimens for the diagnosis and management of TB.
Prepares clinic site or community site for clinic operations that support optimal client flow, privacy/confidentiality, and infection control.
Performs clinic duties as assigned according to established clinic guidelines and protocols.
Implements clinician orders for medication administration and procedures within the scope of LPN practice.
Assesses the home, work and social environment of clients who are to receive directly observed therapy in the clinic, community setting, or home for the safe and effective management of TB medications in the home or other setting according to protocol.
Provides ongoing health education on the control and management of TB in the community setting including infection control, respiratory hygiene practices, medication, and vaccinations.
Plans with and exchanges information with other health workers for effective care and coordination of the individual client/case.
Ensures that patients have necessary supplies for collection of sputum specimens.
Maintains OSHA guidelines, infection control standards, established quality control standards for clinics.
Documents communications, interventions and activities in client records on a timely basis to ensure communication with the clinic team and accurate record of contacts.
Delivers and administers medications to clients as ordered.
Maintains Pharmacy logs for the delivery of medications and/or written prescriptions and inventory control purposes.
Assists in investigations, attempts to locate and communicate information and public health orders and directives to clients.
Assists with clinics conducted to test and counsel individuals regarding tuberculosis disease, including TB screening of County and other personnel as assigned.
Participates in Public Health Emergency Preparedness training and response activities. Selects and administers appropriate prophylactic medications based on Emergency Preparedness Protocols.