Public Health Nurse 1 – STI Clinic

Duties and Responsibilities:

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.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Current unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Indiana.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred but not required.
• One year of nursing experience is preferred.
• Working knowledge of professional nursing principles and practices, public health nursing, communicable disease prevention and control, and clinical assessment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients regarding sensitive medical conditions, sexual health, testing, treatment, and prevention.
• Ability to provide education to individuals from diverse backgrounds in a culturally responsive and non-judgmental manner.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of medical and communicable disease records.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, critical thinking, and sound clinical decision-making within established protocols and scope of practice.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision and effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational, documentation, interpersonal, written, verbal, and public relations skills.
• Proficiency with computers and electronic medical record systems; Microsoft Office proficiency is expected.
• Ability to perform injections and venipuncture and to process/package specimens.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle when travel is required.
• Pass a drug screen and criminal background check.

Licensing/Certification:

• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle when travel is required
• Indiana Registered Nurse license required.
• BLS/CPR certification preferred/required as applicable to Department policy.
• Additional clinical certifications or competencies may be required based on assigned program duties.

Physical/Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a clinical/office environment, with potential travel to offsite clinics, community events, or other locations as assigned.
• Requires sufficient manual dexterity to process and package specimens, administer injections, draw blood, and perform other clinical procedures.
• May require lifting up to 35 pounds
• Will be required to receive vaccinations per OSHA for Healthcare workers
• Employee may be in contact with patients, blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials and must follow appropriate infection-control and safety practices.
• May occasionally encounter patients who are argumentative, distressed, or potentially violent.

Our benefits make Vanderburgh County Health Department an exceptional place to work. We offer:

• Starting salary: $64,272
  • 6-month salary: $67,320
• Comprehensive benefits package, including: 5 vacation days after the first 6 months and 10 per year with additional vacation time earned after 5 years of employment, personal and sick time including 15 paid holidays annually; medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability insurance; life insurance.
• Work hours; 40-hour/week, usual hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., M–F, with lunch breaks. May be required to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• A guaranteed pension plan after meeting pension benefit requirements, Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERF).
• Opportunities for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for eligible workers.
• Vanderburgh County Health Department is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Vanderburgh County Health Department will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Vanderburgh County Health Department at 812-435-2400.