Public Health Nurse I

Job/Position DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the HIV/STD Program Manager the Public Health Nurse provides routine public health nursing. Work involves providing public health nursing clinical and case management work focusing on Communicable Diseases (CD) in the HIV/STD, Tuberculosis, and Zoonosis programs. The Public Health Nurse performs case management and provision of therapy for the care, treatment, and general welfare of patients exposed to or diagnosed with communicable diseases including TB/Syphilis/Rabies, as well as COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases. Primarily focuses on the 5 South region which includes Hardin, Orange, Jefferson, and Chambers counties. In accordance with physicianand#146;s orders, including standing delegation orders (SDOs), administers medications or observes patients taking medications, including pediatric and high-risk clients. Administers Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (HRIG and vaccines) according to ACIP recommendations. Provides direct HIV/STD clinical services including Bicillin administration, collects specimens and packages and ships or transports specimens to drop off locations. Performs patient management and data entry/data management into an electronic health record and/or THISIS. Serves as a subject matter expert and provides education on clinical topics related to HIV/STD as well as technical assistance to HIV/STD clinical care providers. Assist HIV/STD Program Manager in the planning, creation, and implementation of increased HIV/STD preventative services including increased testing, expedited partner therapy, and biomedical prevention modalities. Performs contact investigations and disease intervention work as well as conducts and participates in QA reviews within the region and those conducted by the Central Office and as requested. Provides training for patients, providers, and community; promotes public health prevention/promotion within community. Provides administrative support and participates in response activities to COVID-19 and other emerging diseases to include testing, screening, case investigation and vaccination. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Travel is required; must maintain an acceptable driving record that meets the standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and safely operate either a state-owned or personal vehicle to conduct state business in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations Management and Procedures, and Texas motor vehicle, traffic, and driving licensing law.Essential Job FunctionsAttends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.Client Services/Case Management (35%)Performs public health nursing clinical and case management. Contacts newly assigned patients and communicates written medication/treatment plan developed. Delivers prescribed medications to patients at pre-arranged times and locations as agreed upon with the patient. Administers orally or by injection and/or observes patients taking medications. Monitors VDOT. Performs thorough assessment of the patientand#146;s needs, living and employment conditions and preferences. Performs screening tests. Assists medical staff with examining patients either in person or via telehealth. Prepares and monitors patients for tests, therapy, or treatments. Delivers testing/sampling materials to patients and providers as directed and provides written https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/jobprofile.cfm?szOrderID=619037 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.