Tb Licensed Vocational Nurse

Cameron County•Brownsville, TX

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the supervision of the TB Supervisor or designee, this role performs public health nursing for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program. The nurse is responsible for performing routine technical nursing duties and assists with other related duties, including providing patient care in the tuberculosis department. This position ensures TB services provided are consistent with TB Standing Delegation Orders, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

Licensed to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for the State of Texas.
One (1) year of experience in providing general health services.
Knowledge and ability to perform nursing procedures for which the licensed vocational nurse has been trained in the nursing program.
Performance of work will be limited to the work nurse has been prepared for.
Knowledge and ability to observe general physical condition of patients to detect signs of abnormalities.
Knowledge and abilities to record observations completely, concisely, and legibly.
Knowledge of accepted procedures for disposing of used supplies.
Knowledge to exercise judgment in the application of nursing care.
Knowledge and skills in computer software.
Maintain objective attitude and exercise tact and initiative.
Ability to record observations completely, legibly, and concisely.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to follow safety rules on the job and use of protective personal equipment.
Knowledge of the geographic area of Cameron County.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to evaluate information accurately and objectively.
Must have a valid Texas Driver's License.
Must comply with State of Texas driving laws.
Must maintain an acceptable driving record.
Must have reliable transportation.
Must be bilingual (English/Spanish).
Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours, and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays).
Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

Responsibilities

Accurately document all time worked.
Ensure TB services provided are consistent with TB Standing Delegation Orders, policies and procedures.
Assess, plan, coordinate, evaluate, and delegate the delivery of skilled patient care to meet the goals and objectives of the TB Program.
Conduct home visits, chart audits, hospital visits, and other duties deemed necessary for complete TB patient care.
Supervise the maintenance of patient records, keeping them complete and accurate.
Assist with initial phone or in-person contact with new patients as needed.
Monitor patient care to ensure quality and appropriateness of services.
Provide assistance in locating high priority and difficult TB cases, suspects, and contacts, ensuring their delivery of adequate treatment including DOT/DOPT, including home visits.
Contact private physicians and hospitals' infection control nurse to ensure confirmed TB cases/suspects are reported within 1 working day.
Perform Quality Improvement for case management and cohort reviews.
Interpret the care plan and demonstrate appropriate procedures as necessary to licensed vocational nurses, medical assistants, community service aides, and other personnel.
Lead the team in identifying the needs for modification and implementation of the plan of care for the TB Elimination Program.
Perform and provide direct patient care as appropriate and needed and inform physician of changes in client needs or services requested.
Participate in coordinating total client services in the interest of the patient.
Assist in making referrals to in-state or out-of-state on TB cases/suspects or prophylaxis clients.
Obtain quarantine documentation on TB case/suspects (warning letter).
Interview patient or relatives to obtain appropriate health history and TB patient's status.
Assist with Quality Assurance of TB patient records and help with follow-up of referrals (incoming and outgoing).
Prepare, administer, and record medications as agency policies permit.
Contribute to the attainment of goals set by the agency by utilizing contact with individuals and the community to establish relationships that contribute to public awareness and understanding of health services provided.
Perform tuberculin skin testing, take vital signs and measurements of clients.
Prepare equipment and supplies for clinic session or outside satellite clinics.
Clean and maintain clinic equipment and dispose of used supplies carefully and correctly.
Administer injections according to agency policy and procedure guidelines.
Work closely with TB community service aide in ensuring proper procedures are followed while administering Direct Observed Therapy TB patients.
Collect blood samples, natural sputum or induced sputum specimens, perform pregnancy tests, and follow procedures for labeling and storing specimens as recommended by policy and procedure guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.