TB Nurse Case Manager

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Houston, TX

71d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Tuberculosis (TB) program manager, the TB Nurse II works with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment; performing highly specialized, ongoing clinical management, and comprehensive tuberculosis nurse consultation services in Public Health Region 6/5S, ensuring appropriate, thorough, and coordinated care to patients diagnosed with tuberculosis disease and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). In collaboration with the lead TB Nurse Consultant, develop treatment plans for TB cases, patients suspected of TB, and individuals with TB infection. Provide extensive case management, assuring adherence to timeframes and treatment protocols, under Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Tuberculosis Control Standards for Prevention and Control; Standing Delegation Orders (SDOs); Standing Medical Orders (SMOs); and Texas Tuberculosis Work Plan, set forth by the DSHS Tuberculosis and Hansen’s Disease Unit. Will provide technical assistance and education with local health agencies, health care providers, community action groups, correctional facilities, DSHS clinics, hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, and other agencies providing TB-related screening/prevention activities and case/contact management. Actively participates in Regional TB Program quality assurance activities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of professional nursing theory and process, including cultural, social, and economic forces in family, community, and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of Texas State Board of Nursing Practice Rules and Regulations.
• Knowledge of Public Health Principles, practices, epidemiology, disease prevention, and health promotion.
• Knowledge of current treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TB guidelines.
• Knowledge of infection control practices to prevent the spread of tuberculosis infections and case management techniques.
• Knowledge of Department of State Health Services Tuberculosis Program standards of operation, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge and ability to use personal computers, network hardware, and operating systems including printers, copiers, fax machines, and Microsoft Office.
• Skill in conducting clinical assessments and case analysis for case management purposes.
• Skill in reviewing medical cases and providing concise summaries with pertinent information.
• Skill in communicating effectively with others (internal/external) both orally and in writing in establish positive rapport.
• Skill in interpreting treatment, radiographic and bacteriological data.
• Skill in performing basic adult and pediatric physical assessment and obtaining relevant clinical history.
• Skill in performing phlebotomy; obtaining and processing specimens; conducting diagnostic procedures including TB skin test; administering medications and immunizations.
• Skill in using a computer and applicable software programs (Microsoft Office and Adobe).
• Ability to perform nursing skills.
• Ability to interact and maintain effective working relationships and collaboration with public, local officials, physicians, and local agency personnel.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the coworkers, public and medical community using tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to demonstrate independent judgment in appraising clinical situations and correctly interpret findings.
• Ability to comprehend program goals, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and demonstrate leadership.
• Ability to apply time management principles to tasks.
• Ability to multitask and organized.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with Department of State Health Services guidelines.
• Ability to be cross trained.
• Ability to work well and effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to travel.
• Must be Registered Nurse in Texas or registered in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• At least one (1) year of nursing experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a RN working independently with Tuberculosis patient care or disease case management (preferred).

Responsibilities

• NURSE CONSULTATION (25%) – Performs comprehensive, complex TB case management service: Provide high-quality public health nursing services. Provide expert consultation to regional and local health department nurses on DSHS treatment standards, case management protocols, and contact investigations activities. Provide clinical monitoring and case management of confirmed and suspected cases of tuberculosis, drug-resistant TB cases, individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and their contacts within the DSHS Health Service Region 6/5 South. Oversee and evaluate the delivery of TB services to individuals and families within assigned jurisdiction. To ensure a thorough and complete TB patient assessment is provided by implementing and coordinating interventions identified in a case management plan. Deliver continuous TB care by linking patients with appropriate service providers. To ensure ongoing evaluation of the case management plan regarding patient treatment adherence and adjust the plan accordingly. Implement the TB case management plan in an appropriate manner consistent with public health laws and regulations.
• CASE MANAGEMENT/INVESTIGATIONS (25%) – Make clinical/field/ home visits to patients to aid in determining adherence. Utilizes appropriate software for managing pharmacy inventory and ordering patient medications. Prepares, maintains, and reviews patient records, program reports, patient’s assessment, and monitors activities and their progress—assists in evaluating services provided to clients and makes recommendations for improvements. Provide supervision for field nurses and other members, as appropriate, to ensure effective case management practices. Works with regional Infection Control Practitioners to assure anyone positive for acid-fast (AFB) and/or positive TB cultures are reported on a TB-400 form. Contacts local hospital infection control nurses and labs in the region to ensure all suspects and positive sputum are reported to the local health departments. Assists local and regional health department personnel, clinicians, and/or private providers to institute appropriate TB regimens, monitor laboratory results, and follow disease reporting guidelines.
• EMPLOYEE HEALTH (20%) – Oversee regional employee health. Works with Regional Medical Director and Regional Managers to address employee health. Performs annual FIT testing and training to DSHS regional staff. Serves as the Regional Safety Officer during Regional Health and Medical Operations Center activations. Develops safety messaging for the region, as needed. Provides Training for staff performing directly observed therapy (DOT) in collaboration with Lead Contact Investigator.
• QUALITY ASSURANCE (15%) – Participates in Quality Assurance activities through record audit observations and on-site visits to regional and local health department (LHD) clinics to ensure all TB patients, suspects, contacts, and positive reactors managed appropriately. Ensure clinic compliance with TB Program guidelines, protocols and standing delegation orders (SDO). Monitor and report TB surveillance activities within HSR 6/5 South standards are met within assigned jurisdictions.
• COMMUNICABLE DISEASE SUPPORT (10%) – Assist epidemiologic investigations, including response to outbreaks and congregate screening. Participate in seasonal flu clinics serving as a vaccinator in coordination with Community Health or as needed. Provide clinical care for disease response as requested by the Regional Medical Director. Signs and adheres to regional standing delegation orders, including those outside of the TB program as needed.
• OTHER DUTIES (5%) – Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Willingness to work after or before regular hours of Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees