Hybrid Public Health Nurse, TB at MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT

Description

SUMMARY

Performs public health nursing services under the supervision of the TB Case Manager or designee.  The nurse is responsible for performing nursing duties related to providing patient in-person or telephonic care to active, latent and suspected tuberculosis patients. This role includes use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, fit tested, N95 masks. Participates in public health emergency response activities and drills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

•  Responsible for ensuring TB services provided are consistent with TB Standing Delegation Orders (SDOs), policies and procedures

•    In the absence of or in conjunction with the Clinic TB Case Manager, plans and prioritizes appropriate care for patients with TB or LTBI.

•    Provides direct patient care as appropriate and informs TB Case Manager and/or physician of changes in client needs or services requested. 

•    Conducts home visits, chart audits, hospital visits and other duties deemed necessary for the complete TB patient care.

•    Collects, labels and packages blood specimen samples and sputum samples for delivery to the laboratory

•    Collaborates with TB Case Manager to follow-up on referrals, abnormal lab values and test results.

•    Prepares, administers and records medications according to TB SDOs.

•    Provide assistance in locating high priority and difficult TB cases, suspects and contacts ensuring their delivery of adequate treatment including       DOT/DOPT, home visits and follow up with physicians

•    Interviews patient or relatives to obtain appropriate health history and TB patient's status.•    Schedules and provides follow-up of outpatient services and referrals

•    Cleans and maintains clinic equipment and disposes of used supplies carefully and correctly.

•    Competently and consistently completes accurate, concise and legible documentation on medical records

•    Ensures that reports are submitted to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in a timely manner 

•    Schedule outpatient services and referrals

•    Keep inventory of medications and other supplies.

•    Maintains training and continuing education to provide TB services.

•    Promotes and participates in community outreach events 

•    Other duties as assigned.

EMERGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Participates in disease surveillance and investigation as needed in Montgomery

     County

•    Responds to bioterrorism attack or disease outbreak incidents in Montgomery

•    County as needed
•    Performs related duties as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•    Associate or Bachelor’s degree in nursing.

•    Current LVN or RN licensure or valid permit to practice professional nursing in Texas is required.

•    Proficient word processing, database, spreadsheet skills, email, and internet skills required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

•    Valid Texas license to practice professional nursing as a Licensed Vocational Nurse or Registered Nurse

•    Current Texas Driver’s License

•    Remain insurable by the current insurance vendor of MCHD.

•    Completes CDC Self-Study Modules 1- 5 on TB within 30 days of hire.

•    Completes CDC Self-Study Modules 6-9 on TB within 60 days of hire.

•    Required NIMS Training as referenced in the Safety & Emergency Management Policy SEM 27-201

PHYSICAL DEMAND CATEGORY:

•   Medium work: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Audio-Visual & licensing Demands:

•   Vision (Avg)

•   Color Discrimination (Avg)

•   Peripheral Vision (Avg)

•   Depth Perception (Avg)

•   Hearing (Avg)

•   Required License/Certification: Valid Driver's License

Specific Actions Required:

In an eight hour day, this job may include:

• Standing/Walking: 4-6 Hours
• Sitting: 4-6 Hours
• Driving: Occasional 

Work Environment

This job may include:

• Chemicals
• Cold
• Dampness
• Fumes/Gases
• Heat/Humidity
• Height
• Radiation

Repetitive Motions:

This job may include:

• Simple grasping
• Fine Manipulation
• Pushing & Pulling
• Finger Dexterity
• Foot Movement

Repetitive Motions:

This job may include:

• Occasional: Bending, Squatting, Climbing, Twisting, Reaching

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications