Public Health Nurse 1 - STI Clinic

POSITION: Public Health Nurse 1 – STI Clinic

JOB CATEGORY: VCHD 12

DEPARTMENT: Communicable Disease – Clinical Services

SUPERVISOR: Supervisor of Clinical Nursing

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Clinic – Primary Assignment

• Provides nursing services to patients on a walk-in and appointment basis in the STI Clinic.
• Performs nursing assessments, physical examinations, initial evaluations, and allergy screening in accordance with established protocols.
• Performs diagnostic and treatment procedures within the scope of professional nursing practice, Department protocols, and applicable orders.
• Performs phlebotomy and other specimen-collection procedures as required.
• Provides STI testing, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services according to Department protocols and applicable public health guidance.
• Explains diagnoses, laboratory results, disease transmission, treatment recommendations, prevention measures, and follow-up requirements in a clear and non-judgmental manner.
• Provides HIV pre-test and post-test counseling and education regarding behaviors that increase risk for HIV and other infections; maintains confidential records.
• Consults with the Health Officer or other appropriate clinical personnel when indicated and facilitates referral to specialists or other health care providers as recommended.
• Provides appropriate referrals to community agencies and other resources for services
• Maintains infection-control practices, including appropriate handling and disposal of bodily waste and potentially infectious materials, in accordance with written protocols.
• Completes accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation, reports, and required program records.

Immunization Clinic and Other Clinical Coverage

• Provides coverage in the Immunization Clinic as needed, including administration of adult and childhood immunizations.
• Reviews immunization records and assists with scheduling and follow-up activities.
• Enters immunization information into CHIRP and the electronic medical record
• Provides tuberculin skin testing and/or other tuberculosis screening services as assigned.
• Provides Directly Observed Therapy and case-management support for patients with LTBI and TB disease as assigned.
• Works with other nursing staff to maintain clinic coverage during periods of high patient volume and scheduled or unscheduled staff absences.

Communicable Disease, Education, and Community Health

• Assists with disease investigation activities for reportable diseases in accordance with Indiana Department of Health requirements and Department protocols.
• Provides client and provider education regarding communicable diseases, laboratory results, transmission, treatment, prevention, and follow-up.
• Participates in health fairs, community outreach, educational workshops, and public health activities involving STIs, immunizations, tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases.
• Develops, recommends, and assists with methods of presenting and interpreting health information for patients, target populations, community groups, and other partners.
• Provides health education, information, support, guidance, and appropriate referrals based on assessment findings and identified client needs.
• Supports and assists other Health Department programs and resource agencies as needed

Documentation, Quality Assurance, and Professional Responsibilities

• Maintains timely, complete, accurate, and confidential documentation in the electronic medical record and other required reporting systems.
• Participates in quality assurance activities to support continuity, accuracy, and improvement of clinical services and documentation.
• Participates in team meetings and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure continuity and consistency of service delivery.
• Assists with orientation and education of new employees, nursing students, medical students, and other learners as assigned.
• Attends continuing education, seminars, conferences, meetings, and required training to maintain current nursing and public health knowledge.
• Adheres to nursing standards of practice and all Department policies, procedures, protocols, grants, program standards, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient, medical, investigation, and Department records.
• Participates in public health emergency response activities when assigned, which may include duties outside the regular assignment, evenings or weekends, and deployment to other location within the county.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.