HIV/STD Public Health Nurse II

HIV/STD Public Health Nurse II

Under the supervision of the HIV/STD Program Manager, independently performs public health nursing services in a clinical and non-clinical setting, including: patient assessments, testing (including but not limited to venipuncture and rapid HIV and syphilis testing), treatment, case management and interviewing/counseling. Provides nursing services to individuals who are at risk of, have been diagnosed with, or exposed to HIV/STDs. Serves as a technical consultant and resource to the public and medical professionals by providing information on CDC/DSHS standards regarding the current testing, diagnoses and treatment of STDs and HIV. Provides HIV/STD services to all Region 8 populations in need of HIV/STD follow up, including men who have sex with men, injection drug users, homeless persons, sex industry workers, and other hard to reach populations. Follows established Texas laws, rules and regulations, and maintains confidentiality in all aspects of duties. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

During public health emergencies, including pandemic responses such as COVID-19, all PHR 8 employees are expected to provide support related public health or emergency response services. This may include response, recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities. This participation may require a change in shift, location and/or supervisor

 

Essential Job Functions:
(40 %) PATIENT CARE: Provides assessment, testing, treatment, and counseling for individuals who have been exposed to or diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases in a clinical and non-clinical setting, in accordance with Region 8 standing delegation orders and current CDC testing & treatment guidance. Client services may be provided by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Collects specimens for laboratory testing, including but not limited to: urine specimens, blood collected via venipucture, finger-stick, and self-collected swabs. Interviews patients in the field to determine relevent risk-factors, medical history and conducts partner elicitation. Coordinates with Disease Intervention Specialists and provides follow-up contact tracing, partner notification, and case management to all Region 8 populations. Participates in community screening events. Maintains up-to-date and thorough records of patient encounters. Conducts monthly inventonry on clinical supplies and medication reconciliation. Abstracts and reviews medical charts to determine the appropriate course of treatment for each patient. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times and strictly adheres to HIPAA standards. Provides individualized care according to policy, procedure, program standards, physician orders, and standing delegation orders. Participates in the develoment and revision of policies, procedures, and standing delegation orders.

(25 %) CASE INVESTIGATIONS: Conducts timely case investigations in accordance with HIV/STD Program Operating Procedures. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with a wide variety of partners including, but not limited to: local health departments, infection preventionists, physicians, laboratories, and others involved in public or private healthcare. Abstracts information from medical charts to gather patient histories, including: clinical presentation, current and historical lab results, and treatment information.

(25 %) TRAINING AND EDUCATION: Develops and delivers training programs/presentations targeting the improvement of testing, diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of sexually transmitted diseases in accordance with current CDC guidance and DSHS policy. Supports programmatic efforts to improve disease reporting and awareness through the preparation of articles and reports. Promotes preventative measures of sexually transmitted diseases through community education of residents, city and county officials, and other partners. Serves as a subject matter expert and program liaison to healthcare providers, offering recommendations for appropriate testing and treatment procedures.

(10 %) OTHER DUTIES: Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to 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. Safe operation of a state-owned, rental or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS policy. Must comply with the DSHS immunization policy.

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