Public Health Nurse II

Job Description :

Public Health Nurse II

Under the supervision of the HIV / STD Program Manager, independently performs complex, specialized and comprehensive HIV / STD, and public health nursing services.

Work involves planning, developing, and coordinating nursing activities for the care of individuals, families, and communities in the rural / frontier areas of Public Health Region 9 / 10.

Services are conducted in both clinical and non-clinical settings for populations in need, including men who have sex with men, injection drug users, homeless persons, sex industry workers, and other hard to reach populations.

Provides direct client care and case management services. Participates in disease control and prevention, community education, quality assurance, and program administration activities.

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.

Maintains and operates a Class D Pharmacy. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Augments Tuberculosis (TB) Program in Tom Green County and surrounding areas. Provides direct client care, including but not limited to Directly Observed Therapy (DOT), collection and shipment of lab specimens, patient assessment and education.

This position will conduct activities during public health emergencies and pandemic responses. This participation may require a change in shift, location and / or supervisor.

Essential Job Functions :

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

60%) Operates clinics at both Midland and San Angelo offices. Provides assessment, testing, treatment, education, and counseling for individuals who have been exposed to or diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases in accordance with standing delegation orders and current CDC testing & treatment guidelines.

Collects specimens for laboratory and rapid testing, including urine, and blood collected via venipuncture or finger-stick.

Interviews patients to identify relevant risk-factors and obtain medical history to provide individualized care according to policy, procedure, program standards, and standing delegation orders.

Maintains up-to-date and thorough records of patient encounters. Always maintains patient confidentiality and strictly adheres to HIPAA standards.

Coordinates with Disease Intervention Specialists to conduct public health follow-up investigations. Conducts regular inventory and ordering of medication and supplies.

15%) Develops and delivers HIV / STD training programs / presentations to meet the needs of the department and other service providers.

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.

Serves as a subject matter expert and program liaison to healthcare providers, offering recommendations for appropriate testing and treatment.

Organizes and leads team at community events, providing HIV / STD education, testing, treatment, and MPox vaccinations.

10%) Participates in the development and revision of policies, procedures, and standing delegation orders. Participates in collection of data, data analysis, program evaluation and assists with recommendations and program reporting.

Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with regional officials, agencies, and individuals who impact the program, including co-workers.

Serves as a liaison with community-based organizations and assists with activities to identify target groups.

10%) Trains and evaluates HIV / STD team members on phlebotomy, point of care testing, and standard precautions. Identifies and provides additional education and training to enhance team’s knowledge base.

Assists with the occupational care of staff, such as annual testing and vaccinations.

5%) Other duties as assigned - includes, but not limited to, assisting other communicable disease programs as needed and supporting the agency’s obligations for disease outbreak and disaster response.

This may include needs assessments, outreach, preparedness planning, education, data management, coordination with partners from other programs, divisions, agencies, and organizations, community support, and other duties as assigned appropriate to their skills set.

Safe operation of either a state-owned, rental, or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business. An acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-, Fleet Operations and Management and procedures and standards developed by Texas Department of Public Safety.

Must comply with the DSHS immunization policy.

Knowledge Skills Abilities :

Knowledge of :

Nursing theory and processes

Texas State Board of Nursing practice rules and regulations

Public health principles and practice, disease prevention, and health promotion

Educational program development and implementation

Quality assurance practices and improvement principles

Medical terminology and laboratory tests

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Infection Control / Standard Precautions

Knowledge of or ability to gain knowledge of :

Case Management

State laws pertaining to disease reporting and the prevention and control of STDs

Natural history and epidemiology of TB

Customer service principles

Contact investigations and client interviewing techniques

HIV / STD testing and treatment guidelines

Pharmacy and CLIA rules and regulations

Skill in :

Communicating effectively both orally and in writing

Public speaking

Use of a personal computer and basic applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Power Point

Ability to :

Provide direct client care

Train, coach, and mentor others

Analyze situations and determine courses of action

Work independently and exercise sound judgement

Travel

Wear an N-95 respirator

Prepare and maintain medical records

Handle conflict in a professional manner

Follow written and oral instructions

Apply time management principles

Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment and maintain effective working relationships

Perform basic nursing skills

Meet physical demands of the job functions