NURSING PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 64000538

State of Florida • Sanford, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a member of the Tuberculosis (TB) Program healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care, and implement healthcare and public health interventions. The role functions as an advanced, autonomous public health nursing position responsible for TB case management, clinical coordination, and epidemiological support. The incumbent is required to work beyond normal hours during emergencies, natural disasters, outbreaks, pandemics, or terrorist events, performing necessary nursing and public health responsibilities. The employee will report to work in Sanford, FL to complete job duties. Remote work will not be considered.

Requirements

• Ability to determine work priorities and ensure proper completion of work assignments.
• Ability to effectively communicate and actively listen.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to understand and apply public health laws, clinical protocols, and program-specific policies and procedures.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret clinical and epidemiological data.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Knowledge of the theories and concepts of preventive health care.
• Knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and techniques in specialized areas.
• Knowledge of community resources and organizations.
• Skill in the application of nursing theory in specialized areas.
• Ability to perform clinical assessments and interpret diagnostic results (labs, imaging, TST/IGRA, sputum testing).
• Ability to conduct field investigations, home visits, and healthcare facility assessments safely and professionally.
• Ability to manage infectious disease cases and apply principles of isolation, infection control, and disease transmission.
• Skill in implementing and monitoring treatment plans, including medication management and adherence strategies.
• Knowledge of epidemiological principles and communicable disease investigation practices.
• Ability to use clinical judgment to escalate concerns and consult with physicians or medical directors appropriately.
• Ability to provide patient education in a culturally competent manner.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation in multiple electronic systems.
• Ability to work in emergency response situations, including after-hours or surge operations.
• Skill in maintaining confidentiality and protecting patient health information.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook), Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, HMS, TAP, Florida SHOTS, and Infinitt.
• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with Chapter 464, Florida Statutes or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Florida Administrative Code 210-8.22 or 8.27, HIV 500/501 certification, BLS certification.
• Up-to-date BLS Certification
• HIV 500/501 certification or obtains this certification within 90 days of hire.
• Willing to physically come into the office daily and / perform field work as needed.
• Willing to work before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency.
• Able to perform phlebotomy on adults and children.
• Ability to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited higher education institution.
• Experience working in a Tuberculosis, Refugee Health or Epidemiology Program at a tribal, local, or territorial health department.
• Experience in direct patient care, using electronic health records, and administering injectable medications.
• Knowledge of and skill in using Health Management System (HMS) and the Florida State Health Online Tracking System (FL SHOTS).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Receiving referrals from community providers, hospitals, and laboratories for individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI) or suspected or confirmed active TB disease.
• Coordination with hospital infection preventionists for medical records requests, along with comprehensive medical record abstraction to obtain history of present illness, risk factors, test results, comorbidities, and other pertinent epidemiological information for investigation.
• Performance measures are completed within guidelines established by the State TB Control Section (TBCS) and maintained through accurate, timely documentation and case management.
• Regular communication with TBCS and the TB Physicians Network (TBPN) to consult on and implement diagnostic and treatment plans for clients with active or suspected TB disease or LTBI.
• Ordering initial medication and refills under authorized standing orders, protocols, or physician direction and issuing medications to clients as needed.
• Monitoring clinical progress, treatment compliance, and symptom changes related to TB and comorbidities, with concerns escalated to TBPN and TBCS.
• Support to the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) regarding directly observed therapy (DOT), including performing DOT when necessary.
• Assistance in organizing contact investigations in household, occupational, and other settings.
• Collecting data from laboratory reports, patient charts, medical providers, schools, and other facilities to complete case and contact investigations.
• Obtaining and organizing laboratory sample collection, such as blood, sputum for AFB/culture, therapeutic drug levels, and isolation-clearance specimens, to support diagnosis and treatment.
• Performing and interpreting Tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) as needed, and reviewing laboratory results to guide further action.
• Conducting healthcare facility and home visits to complete investigations, observe environmental conditions, counsel clients and families on disease transmission, and recommend preventative measures.
• Documenting all clinical services in HMS, the TB Application Portal (TAP), and/or other systems required under TBCS guidelines.
• Maintaining clinical and office supply inventory.
• Attending assigned state and local TB meetings.
• Providing education to healthcare facilities and providers on TB epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
• Conducting targeted outreach in communities or populations at increased risk for TB or LTBI, offering education, testing, and coordination with TBPN for treatment when indicated.
• Cross training across all nursing service departments to conduct health histories and initial assessments for programs including Refugee Health, Immunizations, HIV, STD, and Family Planning, as needed.
• Conducting chart audits at the request of supervisors, including the Director of Nursing (DON), Assistant DON, or Epidemiology Program Supervisor.
• Providing appointment scheduling support as needed, and ensuring all documentation meets state and federal standards.
• Monitoring medication inventories and temperature logs to ensure samples, vaccines and medications are protected from loss, waste, or inventory discrepancies.
• Training staff and assigned students on clinical workflows and documentation standards.
• Maintaining attendance at all required state and local meetings.
• Participating in community outreach as requested.
• Serving as the employee health nurse, delivering orientation on bloodborne pathogens, OSHA, employee health, and program overviews.
• Performing other duties as assigned and providing scheduled agency on call services as required.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level