Communicable Disease Public Health Nurse; CDPHN

Position: Communicable Disease Public Health Nurse (CDPHN)

Detailed Overview

The Communicable Disease Public Health Nurse (CDPHN) is responsible for communicable disease management for cases and their contacts including the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of services to individuals, families, communities and population groups. Applies knowledge, skills and abilities specific to communicable disease cases, contact follow up and prevention/immunization strategies. Plans, organizes, implements and evaluates health services for individuals, families, groups and communities in schools, homes, communities and outreach locations.

Responsibilities Applies epidemiological principles and knowledge of disease process to investigate communicable diseases including outbreak management in accordance with established policies and protocols. Coordinates and participates in providing health services and follow up related to cases of vaccine preventable diseases, Tuberculosis, Influenza and other communicable diseases as outlined in the List of Reportable Diseases in BC. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, provides health information, counselling ad referrals related to communicable diseases, immunizations and disease prevention and control via telephone or in person as required.

Promotes behavior changes to a healthy lifestyle and encourages responsibility for health. As part of an interdisciplinary team within Fraser Health, establishes working relationships and partnerships with other professionals, community members, and agencies; informs about positive social and environmental change including quality of life, wellness and disease prevention; advocates for healthy public policy and services. Contributes to the quality of program and practice by identifying needs, issues and solutions by actively organizing/participating in interdisciplinary teams, organizational strategic planning processes based on determinants of health, best practice literature, current nursing theory and community assessment.

Participates in orientation and mentoring to new health professionals and provides feedback as requested on individuals' progress and promoting optimal support to clients. Provides preceptorship and mentorship experiences for nursing students as opportunity arises. Maintains related records: documents observations, interventions and outcomes; collects statistics; prepares reports as required Contributes to Fraser Health planning processes related to communicable diseases. Participates in research studies, surveys and focus groups as needed to improve service.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications

Education and Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Graduation from an approved school of nursing including public health nursing component. One year'''s public health nursing experience or related nursing experience providing Communicable Disease services including those related to vaccine preventable diseases, TB, Hepatitis B and C and outbreak management.

Valid BC driver's licence and access to a personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge and skill in applying the principles of health promotion, community development, and population health (including planning collaborative initiatives, building partnerships, group facilitation, health education). Comprehensive knowledge of Aboriginal health approaches, protocols, cultural issues and community resources and agencies. Demonstrated ability to interact professionally and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with various stakeholders with tact and diplomacy. Demonstrated knowledge of epidemiology and communicable disease follow up.

Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate using the nursing process. Ability to promote a team environment. Ability to organize and problem solve. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated teaching skills. Ability to operate related equipment, including a personal computer and related software. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. About Fraser Health…