Registered Nurse (RN) - Med Surg
Hays County, TX
San Marcos, TX

Registered Nurse - TB

Description Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, include the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics listed below. This list of responsibilities is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.) Other duties may be assigned. Must complete HIPAA privacy and security training within 30 days of employment. Must complete any additional training within 30 days of notice. Summary Under general supervision, this position performs a variety of public health nursing functions for Hays County residents. This position is responsible for developing, directing, and providing technical services for the Tuberculosis Elimination and other infectious diseases to meet the regional and state objectives in accordance with CDC's guidelines. Develops program policies, procedures, disease prevention strategies, priorities, and standards for achieving program goals. Integrates communicable disease activities and surveillance into a comprehensive public health system. Performs educational, consultative, advisory, and technical assistance to coordinate and integrate local, regional, and state resources to reduce the morbidity and mortality of TB and infectious diseases. Delivers case management, contact investigation, and disease intervention activities. In addition, plans and organizes departmental nursing and support staff. This position affects the physical well being of the citizens of Hays County. Responsibilities §Assists in preparing and monitoring the program budget comprised of state funds to assure funds are available to effectively diagnose, treat and prevent TB and infectious diseases. §Develops monthly program performance measures and evaluates the TB and Infectious Disease programs. §Analyzes program statistical data and reports to identify trends and populations at risk, problem areas, and to direct resources for proper operational response. §Establishes and maintains a cooperative working relationship with State, Regional, other local Health Departments, public health officials, correctional facilities, and other community health care providers to maximize the effectiveness of each component of the Tuberculosis Control program so that appropriate case management and disease prevention occurs. §Provides medical consultation utilizing knowledge of current medical practices of screening and diagnostic procedures and treatment guidelines and arranges for the expert physical consultation services for complex TB cases (Multi Drug Resistant TB and pediatrics). §Reviews and evaluates the epidemiological (contact investigations) procedures and provides guidance and instruction to community health care providers on conducting sound epidemiological disease investigations and contact management. §Reviews, monitors, and analyzes epidemiological disease investigations; reviews and prioritizes "high-risk" cases and suspects to ensure that all contacts are identified, screened, examined, and appropriately followed according to standard of care to ensure the prevention and control of transmission. §Provides community health care providers with current medical and epidemiological guidelines, state and regional policies, and resources and distribute current TB and infectious disease literature. §Develops and provide education and training for Health Department staff, physicians, community health care providers, community outreach workers, and other external organizations to assure technical and skill development for professionals and nonprofessionals providing TB activities and infectious disease surveillance. §Serve as a consultant and resource contact. §Provides clinical case management, contact investigation, and disease intervention in the field and clinical settings. §Performs patient assessment, diagnostic tests, implement prescribed drug therapy, and provide client education. §Provides consultation and technical assistance to community health care providers, correctional facilities, and other health care providers that serve populations at risk to ensure standard of practice of TB control activities and infectious disease surveillance. §Identifies, networks, and coordinates local, regional, and state resources to ensure the provision of client services. §Provides immunizations to the public as needed and/or mandated. §Educates families and individuals on vaccines, immunization theory, related risks, and side effects. §Responds to telephone inquiries from individuals with questions about illnesses. §Advises callers on a variety of health issues, including medications, immunizations, pregnancy, rabies, head lice, birth control, insurance issues, infant feeding, sexually transmitted diseases, test results, and when to call/see a physician. §Performs a variety of routine medical tests such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, and pregnancy tests. §Counsels and educates patient on results. §Consults with and advise other health care professionals and community groups on public health issues, such as immunization schedules and initiatives, and public health trends and treatments. §Receives laboratory reports and test results; determines follow-up actions based on established protocol. §Assists in reporting, investigating, and containing communicable disease outbreaks following established protocol. §Refers clients and families to other services or for follow-up treatment based on assessment of health care needs. §Teaches and counsels clients on disease prevention and health maintenance. §Maintains complete and accurate records of client status and care provided. §Responds to client complaints. §Coordinates with other supervisory staff, as needed, to establish work assignments and priorities in relationship to staff available. §Directs and coordinates the work of assigned nursing and support personnel. §Assists in planning educational programs for nurses, and other clinical staff to meet needs of the department. §Assists in preparation of grant applications and budget proposals. §Compiles program statistics and reports. §Responds to inquiries concerning clinic information and/or inquiries on policies and procedures. Takes 24 hour call on a rotating basis. §Oversees the County's HIPPA program. §Performs all other duties as assigned. Education and/or Experience * Bachelor's degree or equivalent training in the area of nursing or public health administration or related field * Graduation from an accredited school of nursing. * A minimum of four years of clinical or public health nursing preferred. * A minimum of one year of supervisory experience preferred. Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations * Registered Nurse license to practice in the State of Texas. * Ability to obtain certifications in CPR, Texas Health Steps, HIV Counseling, Vision Screening, and Scoliosis Screening. * Must complete HIPAA training within 7 days of employment.