Congenital Syphilis Public Health Nurse II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Arlington, TX

74d

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. The location of this new position is negotiable based on the selected candidate’s address and available clinic space. The Public Health Nurse II performs complex (journey-level) public health nursing work in a clinical or non-clinical setting. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works under Standing Delegation Orders (SDO's) as directed by the Regional Medical Director (RMD). Duties include: the delivery of Congenital Syphilis (CS) and HIV/STI clinical and case management services for the areas designated; the coordination and provision of PHN direct patient care services for immunization, tuberculosis and other activities as determined by the regional Public Health Nursing program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, community education, direct patient care (including case management), reporting/documentation and disease intervention activities. The Public Health Nurse II is responsible for direct client services in the region, including participation in current and long-range planning for HIV/STI prevention and intervention in assigned areas. In coordination with the assigned supervisor, ensures program goals and objectives are met. This position is office based, but is expected to travel independently throughout the State of Texas and out-of-state to complete essential job functions. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards. Must be able to reliably work, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Department of State Health Services HIV/STI Program standards of operation, policies and procedures; the CDC HIV/STI treatment protocols and guidelines; current social, economic and public health issues; HIV/STI epidemiology and transmission, and case management techniques. Knowledge of and ability to comply with Texas DSHS confidentiality guidelines; the Texas DSHS Infectious Disease Prevention Division that includes Tuberculosis, Immunizations and HIV/STI Programs; behavioral change theories and their application
Skill in: performing basic/abbreviated adult and pediatric physical assessment and obtaining relevant clinical history; case analysis and providing clinical case management services; interpreting treatment, radiographic and bacteriological data; communicating effectively with others (internal / external) both orally and in writing; performing phlebotomy; obtaining and processing specimens; administering medications and immunizations; using a personal computer and applicable software programs.
Ability to: interpret public health laws and regulations; understand and follow written and oral instructions; utilize components of the nursing process to evaluate the physical, emotional, and psychosocial health status of clients, families, and communities; direct and conduct contact and outbreak investigations; apply time management principles to tasks; maintain effective working relationships with the public and medical community using tact and diplomacy; work independently exercising sound judgment; work well and effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver's license, or equivalent license from another state with the intent to obtain a Texas driver's license.
Must be currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
A minimum of one-year experience in nursing

Nice To Haves

3 years, preferred.

Responsibilities

Evaluates patients for CS risk factors, clinical presentation, and screening results in various settings (e.g. patient’s home, public health clinic or wherever they may be found for hard-to-reach populations).
Works under Standing Delegation Orders to develop treatment plans, establish mutual goals, and monitor the patient’s treatment response.
Engages patients in behavior modification to promote treatment adherence.
Provides 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 and the patient record.
Independently performs detection, intervention, reporting, notification, and referral activities related to persons with CS infections and their contacts, persons at high risk for CS transmission or other HIV/STI cases as needed.
Provides direct client services for the prevention of communicable disease via immunization and tuberculosis intervention.
Ensures statutory disease reporting, achievement of program performance standards, and abides by the DSHS Congenital Syphilis Guidelines.
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 CS, as well as other STIs and HIV.
Provides education for healthcare facilities, county correctional facilities, residential substance abuse facilities, and other community agency facilities.
Communicates with private healthcare providers in the community to provide specific and detailed clinical guidance according to the recommendations given from the CDC.
Participates in or leads multidisciplinary meetings and trainings to review all aspects of CS case management; provides guidance and recommendations to promote consistent and optimal patient care.
Consults initially with regional nursing management in conjunction with the RMD on complicated CS cases or HIV/STI cases as needed. May participate with the RMD in additional consultation with Texas DSHS recognized medical experts on complicated cases as needed.
Applies epidemiological principles and methods to assess, prevent, and control disease and promote health.
Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery as well as any activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan which could require an alternate shift assignment and/or work location.
Participates in other regional assignments or program related duties and special initiatives, including activities requested by Central Office.
Maintains compliance with all DSHS Policies including but not limited to Fleet Operations Management & Procedures and Standards including holding a current valid Texas Driver's License.
Maintains a valid and current Registered Nursing License from the Texas Board of Nursing or recognized compact state.

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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