Congenital Syphilis Nurse
About The Position
Under the direct supervision of the Communicable Disease Program manager, the Public Health Nurse II performs complex nursing work that includes 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, particularly 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 ensure 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- Experience with computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, electronic health/medical records systems and the internet.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
- Experience in working with communities is preferred.
- Experience in developing and/or providing health education presentations/training 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 specimens for laboratory testing to include urine, blood via venipuncture or fingerstick, and self-collection swabs.
- Maintains detailed records of patient encounters in state databases.
- Serve 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 their commendations 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 people 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.
- 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
- insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
