HD Advanced Practice Registered Nurse I

Nurse Practitioner

Division: Clinical Services

Direct Supervisor: Clinical Services Director

This position performs highly advanced (senior level) clinical nursing work for the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). Work involves direct health services; assessing, planning, and providing comprehensive client care independently or in collaboration with other health care professionals; promoting client advocacy through inter/intra agency collaboration; informing and educating the community on public health-related topics; and utilizing nursing expertise in implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and productive work environment. The Nurse Practitioner is expected to maintain an updated knowledge base on services provided at WCCHD, as well as other local community health resources. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is grant funded through November 30, 2027, employment beyond that date is not guaranteed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Data Analytics/Assessment

• Obtains and records appropriate medical history and physical data on clients
• Interprets and integrates data to determine appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic plan utilizing principles of prevention
• Maintains and reviews client records, charts, assigned reports, and other pertinent information, utilizing the electronic medical record to document services rendered
• Participates in identification and interpretation of health/social needs in the community
• Implements and monitors a comprehensive medical case management service plan for clients and families, and serves as a resource for other case workers
• Participates in Peer-review and may audit medical records and client assessments to determine compliance with policies and procedures; correctness of assessment; and/or to evaluate plan of care and quality of service
• Maintains medical records in accordance with state laws

Policy Development/Program Planning

• Follows Texas DSHS / DFPS reporting laws and when necessary, reporting abuse and neglect to appropriate authorities
• Follows Standing Delegation Orders and Standard Operating Guidelines for Tuberculosis Elimination, Immunizations, STD/HIV, and the Class D Pharmacy Rules and Regulations
• Acknowledgement of each SDO and policies with signature annually
• Assist in the creation and nurturing of a culture of Quality Improvement within the program and division.
• Assist in the facilitation of QI activities, monitor staff QI activities and support and guide staff in their work with QI.
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures concerning compliance including privacy of protected health information

Public Health Sciences

• Orders appropriate laboratory and diagnostic procedures within the scope of services
• Interviews and advises clients regarding sexual health, vaccination status, communicable disease, chronic disease and health promotion
• Provides TB related services including screening, routine assessment, contact investigation and Direct Observed Therapy
• Instructs clients and family regarding medications and treatments
• Follows infection control guidelines
• Demonstrates EMR/EHR proficiency; specifically, in areas related to labs, diagnostic imaging, billing and coding, and creating and revising clinical templates
• Manages medical emergencies in a calm and efficient manner

Communication and Cultural Competency

• Consult with Medical Director, DSHS region 7 STI/HIV team and DIS team, PHN nurses as needed, the consulting physician, local health authority, and regional staff as needed.
• Refers clients with health conditions outside of the scope of WCCHD services to their primary care provider or to other appropriate entity
• Provides outreach and health education to individuals, families and community as needed

Community Partnership

• Works cooperatively with WCCHD staff and other agencies for prevention, promotion, and education in the community regarding health issues
• Identifies community resources and makes referrals to health care and related services
• Represents the agency on inter- and intra-agency work groups and task forces on local, regional, or state-wide level, as assigned

Management and Finance

• Manages the clinical aspect of the WCCHD STI Program, working closely with the Medical Director and Division Director of Clinical Services to achieve preventive health services program goals
• Develops and provides in-service training and educational programs for agency staff and the community as directed from Medical Director and/or Clinical Services Director
• Participates in training and orientation of new nursing staff, volunteers, and students
• Serves in a project management capacity when assigned to promote clinical services
• Offers input related to clinical staff performance and provides technical assistance/training when applicable for clinical/support staff

Leadership and Systems Thinking

• Demonstrates ongoing professional growth through participation in relevant educational endeavors and appropriate associations
• Serves as a resource and subject matter expert on related public health topics
• Attends required meetings and in-services, and participates in committees as requested

Other

• May participate on a WCCHD committee or task force
• In the event of a public health emergency, employees may be called upon to support WCCHD's response in ways that are outside the usual scope of their job responsibilities. This may involve working hours that are outside the employee's usual work hours. Employees will not be required to perform duties that are outside of their competence or professional licensure.

Education, Licensure, Certifications, Experience

• Master of Science in Nursing required
• Graduation from an accredited Advanced Practice Registered Nursing graduate or post-graduate program, with a focus in Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner required
• Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner certification required
• Minimum of 3 years' experience with testing and treating STI's, performing Pap Smears, pelvic exams, or other forms of contraception, preferably in a clinic or community/public health setting required
• RN registered to practice in the state of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact required
• Minimum 3 years of EMR/EHR experience required
• CPR certified or willingness to obtain certification if not required
• Valid Texas driver's license and access to reliable transportation to all assigned work locations required
• Public Health experience preferred
• Selected candidates in the Clinical Services Division, Environmental Health Division, and WIC Division, will receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon the candidate passing a pre-employment-controlled substances screening test. The candidate must be tested and receive a negative result before starting to work.
• All selected candidates are required to pass a background check as a condition of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.

• Knowledge of public health services
• Knowledge of accepted current medical practice and standards
• Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations and procedures to administer patient care
• Knowledge of and ability to use medical equipment and instruments to administer client care
• Knowledge of and skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of advanced practice nursing in the fields of STI's and Women's Health Care to provide patient care
• Knowledge of current trends/changes in advanced practice nursing, and where relevant, translates these finding into clinical practice
• Skill in assimilating medical history and physical findings into a clinical assessment or diagnosis
• Skill in formulating a comprehensive treatment plan
• Skill in preparing and maintaining records (electronic form, writing reports, and responding to correspondence)
• Skill in recognizing, and accomplishing consultations or referrals for complicated cases beyond individual or facility scope of care
• Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance and quality control standards
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, coworkers, and the public
• Skill in exercising initiative, listening, judgment, discretion, and decision-making to achieve preventive health services goals