NURSING PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Nursing Program Specialist - 64006587

This is professional work providing essential services as a member of an integrated team providing all aspects of care to the HIV/AIDS client. The Ryan White Nurse Program Specialist will be responsible for assuring all clinical services provided are consistent with recommended protocols and are of the highest quality. Responsible for ensuring all clients are enrolled where appropriate and staff are in compliance with program's regulations. Assists in providing orientation and conducting initial patient education and needs assessment at initial enrollment. Creates patient nursing care plans. Works cooperatively with the Part B case manager in ensuring that each client accesses comprehensive services in accordance with the individualized plan of care. Responsible for the accuracy of client's medical records and tracking laboratory results. Provides follow-up services to clients exiting the program and those lost to care. Conducts phone assessments of patients and triages appropriately. Prepares patients for and assists with examinations. Orders, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition. Prepares rooms, equipment, supplies, and assists physician. Discusses cases with physician. Informs physician of patient's conditions. Instructs clients on topics, such as health education, medication adherence, disease transmission prevention, and develops health improvement plans based on individual client needs. Monitors the quality of care or standards of practice to ensure compliance with state and federal mandates. Assists in the development of policies and procedures for the Ryan White Program. Serves as the nurse case manager for specialty care services referrals. Determines in collaboration with the physician, appropriate specialty referral resources for patients and arranges patient consultation appointments. Contacts and arranges referrals utilizing the contracted service providers in Okaloosa or Walton County per the Purchase Order/Contract guidelines and use of the Volunteer Healthcare Provider program. Provides continuity of care by monitoring and tracking all referrals to other medical or health related specialties, records requests, and client adherence, and providing these for physician reference. Refers patients to community agencies furnishing assistance and collaborates with agencies. Develops and maintains Specialty Care Referral Log. Follows up with physicians to obtain visit reports and recommendations for care. Documents all activities clearly as required in the medical record or the computer data management system. Assists FDOH-Okaloosa Linkage Coordinator with new HIV cases and all linkage to care efforts. Enrolls new patients, and emphasizes program eligibility, requirements, and adherence issues. Assists in maintaining accurate client database in accordance with State of Florida, ADAP, HIV/AIDS Bureau policy and procedures. Assists in the coordination and implementation of all Outreach components within the HIV/AIDS program (Ryan White Program). Assists in the coordination of HIV related special events. Coordinates with test sites, providers, and community groups to ensure individuals living with HIV receive appropriate services. Assists supervisor and helps coordinate care for all new HIV positive clients, to include coordinating with Area 1 surveillance officer and DIS, and out of state agencies as appropriate. This includes all follow-up on testing, reporting, and recording lab results, and patient contact for retesting if needed. Participates in quality improvement activities to assess program effectiveness and ensure program guidelines are met. Provide ongoing assessment of community resources and provide community education at private and public sites for the identified population. Attends and participates in staff meetings, case reviews and in-services. Participates in workshops, in services, conferences, meetings and other activities related to public health. Participates in cross training and staff development activities for the purpose of career development. May be called upon to work in disaster shelters in time of natural disasters/emergencies and perform other emergency work as required. Performs all other duties as assigned in support of the Agency's mission and vision.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of nursing principles and techniques, human anatomy and physiology. Ability to work with patients, to interpret and follow medical instructions, to observe patients' symptoms and reactions to treatment, to demonstrate manual dexterity and to administer medications. Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Knowledge of computer functions by using programs, setting up functions, writing software, or otherwise communicating with computer systems. Possesses problem-solving and analytical skills. Communicates effectively in writing and speaking. Knowledge of the principles and processes of strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques and behavioral competencies. The ability to manage and control emotional reactions and conflict in a productive manner.

Qualifications: Minimum: Licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in accordance with Chapter 464, Florida Statutes. Valid U.S. Drivers License