TB LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE

TB LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE

(Grant-Funded)

Salary:

$48,087 .00 SECTION

I-JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the TB Supervisor or designee. Performs public health nursing for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program. The nurse is responsible for performing routine technical nursing duties and assists with other related duties including in providing patient care in the tuberculosis department. Responsible for ensuring TB services provided are consistent with TB Standing Delegation Orders, policies and procedures

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Employee will accurately document all time worked. Responsible for ensuring TB services provided are consistent with TB Standing Delegation Orders, policies and procedures. The LVN is responsible for assessing, planning, coordinating, evaluating, and delegating the delivery of skilled patient care to meet the goals and objectives of the TB Program. The LVN conducts home visits, chart audits, hospital visits and other duties deemed necessary for the complete TB patient care. Supervises the maintenance of patient records, keeping them complete and accurate. Assist with initial phone or in-person contact with new patients as needed. Monitors patient care to ensure quality and appropriateness of services. Provide assistance in locating high priority and difficult TB cases, suspects and contacts ensuring their delivery of adequate treatment including DOT/DOPT, including home visits. Responsible for contacting private physicians and hospitals infection control nurse to ensure confirmed TB cases/suspects are reported within 1 working day. Responsible for Quality Improvement for case management and cohort reviews. Interprets the care plan and demonstrates appropriate procedures as necessary to licensed vocational nurses, medical assistants, community service aides and other personnel. Leads the team in identifying the needs for modification and implementation of the plan of care for the TB Elimination Program. Performs and provides direct patient care as appropriate and needed and informs physician of changes in client needs or services requested. Participates in coordinating total client services in the interest of the patient. Assist in making referrals to in state or out of state on TB cases/suspects or prophylaxis clients. Responsible for obtaining quarantine documentation on TB case/suspects (warning letter). Interviews patient or relatives to obtain appropriate health history and TB patient's status. Assists with Quality Assurance of TB patient records and helps with follow up of referrals (incoming and outgoing). Prepares, administers and records medications as agency policies permit. Contributes to the attainment of goals set by the agency by utilizing contact with individuals and the community to establish relationships, which contribute to the public awareness and understanding of health services provided. Performs tuberculin skin testing, takes vital signs and measurements of clients. Prepares equipment and supplies for clinic session or outside satellite clinics. Cleans and maintains clinic equipment and disposes of used supplies carefully and correctly. Administers injections according to agency policy and procedure guidelines. Works closely with TB community service aide in ensuring proper procedures are followed while administering Direct Observed Therapy TB patients. Collects blood samples, natural sputum or induced sputum specimens, performs pregnancy tests, and follows the procedures for labeling and storing specimen as recommended by policy and procedure guidelines. Other duties as assigned

SECTION II-JOB REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Licensed to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for the State of Texas and one (1) year experience in providing general health services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge and ability to perform nursing procedures for which the licensed vocational nurse has been trained in the nursing program. Performance of work will be limited to the work nurse has been prepared for. Knowledge and ability to observe general physical condition of patients to detect signs of abnormalities. Knowledge and abilities to record observations complete, concise and legible. Knowledge of accepted procedures for disposing of used supplies. Knowledge to exercise judgment in the application of nursing care. Knowledge and skills in computer software. Maintain objective attitude and exercise tact and initiative. Ability to record observation completely accordingly, legible and concisely. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability follow safety rules on the job and use of protective personal equipment. Knowledge of geographic area of Cameron County. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to evaluate information accurately and objectively.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas driving laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Must have reliable transportation. Must be bilingual (English/Spanish). Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency, extended hours and non-traditional work schedules (i.e., Saturdays and Sundays). Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position. If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

SECTION III-JOB DIMENSIONS CONTACTS

EXTERNAL

CONTACTS

Occasional contact with other health, social and educational care agencies and outside organizations. Frequent contact with CCPH staff and other county departments. Communication is via telephone, written communication and face to face.

INTERNAL CONTACTS

Utilizes tact when dealing with County employees, health, social and educational care providers, and clientele regarding operations issues. Constant contact with Human Resources Office. Communicating is primarily face-to-face, via telephone and through written communication.

RESPONSIBILITY

Comply with Cameron County and Department of State Health Services rules/regulations and display a positive public image. As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every client shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding.

DIFFICULTY

Judgment is required to ensure completion of job activities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or designee. Uses discretion to achieve work goals. Initiative is constantly required to achieve work goals.

GUIDANCE

As assigned by immediate supervisor or designee. It is the responsibility of the employee to know and maintain contact with their immediate supervisor or designee.

WORKING CONDITION

Working conditions are primarily in a clinic, office, community center or field setting.