HIV Registered Nurse

Under the supervision of the HIV Clinical Services Nursing Manager, the HIV Registered Nurse collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team to provide patient-centered healthcare in the following specialty departments : Gender Affirming Medicine and Sexual Health (GeMS), HIV, and Infectious Disease.

• This position is responsible for providing direct patient care according to the RN scope of practice. The HIV RN utilizes co-visits to facilitate timely access to care;
• completes in person and telephone triage; schedules new patients and completes the RN intake process for all patients establishing HIV care;

supports department projects and initiatives that are designed to improve patient healthcare outcomes. Additional responsibilities include building collaborative relationships with internal and external departments, including the San Diego County Public Health Department and multi-ethnic organizations in the HIV and Transgender communities.

This position consists of both clinical and administrative duties.

Essential Functions of the Job :

• Supports daily clinic operations by providing direct patient care, and completing clear, concise, and timely documentation.
• Recognizes symptoms and prioritizes nursing care interventions that are consistent with the patient's condition; utilizes strong decision making and critical thinking skills during triaging to identify the need for escalation of clinical care.
• Stores, prepares, and administers medications per manufacturer guidelines, San Ysidro Health policies, and as directed by physician orders.
• Ensures access to healthcare for HIV, PrEP / PEP, GeMS and Infectious Disease visits; collaborates with various members of the clinical team, coordinated services team, and the HIV prevention team.
• Addresses clinical tasks which include but are not limited to assisting patients with scheduling appointments, providing refills according to the approved process, communicating lab results as directed by the provider, triaging / assessing for symptoms, and completing follow-up on specialty care referrals.
• Identifies patient learning needs and provides teaching / education based on individual patient literacy level and best practices.
• Follows mandated reporting requirements by completing and submitting the Confidential Morbidity Reports to the San Diego County Public Health Department.

Engages in direct communication with the San Diego County Public Health Department Nurses for Tuberculosis cases and STI reporting.

• Ensures that care delivered to people living with HIV is consistent with the standards established by the Ryan White Care Act, and all internal / external regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develops and fosters trusting rapports with patients to promote their ongoing engagement in care; incorporates a Trauma Informed Approach during interactions with patients and team members.
• Provides support and professional guidance for the Medical Assistants, escalating concerns with the RN Manager as needed.
• Manages department clinic use medication inventory by ordering when appropriate to maintain PAR levels, and verifies expiration dates at the beginning of each month.
• Participates in staff development opportunities to remain abreast of the latest treatment options, resources, and guidelines in the fields of : LGBTQ+ and Transgender care, HIV treatment and prevention, and Infectious Diseases.
• Addresses quality care metrics and actively contributes to department continuous quality improvement projects.
• Provides support to achieve and maintain viral suppression for people living with HIV, as they move through the care continuum.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains a flexible schedule to allow for coverage at various clinics, including evening and occasional weekend work as well as emergency coverage of shifts to meet the needs / demands of clients and related activities and events.
• Upholds San Ysidro Health’s policies and procedures, core values, competencies and applicable state, federal and local laws.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and applies safety principles as identified by San Ysidro Health policies and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
• Utilizes effective communication methods and skills.
• Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own professional practice.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Experience Required :

• 2 years of experience working as a Registered Nurse
• 1 year of work or lived experience in the following communities : LGBTQ+, Transgender, people living with HIV, people experiencing substance use disorder, or people with mental health conditions.

Experience Preferred :

• Previous experience working in an outpatient community healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of STI, HIV, Infectious Disease transmission and prevention
• Experience with addressing health inequities and the social determinants of health that commonly impact people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ communities.

Education Required :

• High School Diploma / GED
• Associate Degree of Nursing

Education Preferred :

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Certifications Required :

• Basic Life Support certification (American Heart Association).
• Current California Registered Nurse License

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job :

• Bilingual (English / Spanish)
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and communicate medical information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to provide empathetic care.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job :

Competence in Microsoft Office Suite programs

Equipment Used :

Computer, phone, cell phone, copy machine, fax machine

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements :

• Continuous standing / walking / twisting
• Occasionally lifting, pushing and / or transferring of patients
• Possible exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries, and illness)
• May be required to work evenings and / or weekends.
• Reliable transportation is necessary for traveling to various San Ysidro Health clinic sites.

Universal Requirements

Pre employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs.