HD Public Health Nurse III

TB Nurse

Division:
Clinical Services

Direct Supervisor: TB Program Manager

This position performs complex public health nursing work involving management of overall tuberculosis program and individual patient case management of active cases. Follows and assists in development/updating of Standard Operating Guidelines and Procedures for surveillance, case investigation and tuberculosis care and treatment. Addresses local health needs in consultation with stakeholders and professional organizations, advocacy, and consumer groups. As a subject matter expert and programmatic resource for tuberculosis, provides support to clinical services staff.

Provides patient care as it pertains to disease investigations and prevention including blood draws, sputum collection, TB screening (skin and/or blood testing, radiology), and treatment for clients with tuberculosis. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is funded through September 23, 2027. Employment beyond that date is not guaranteed.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations maybe made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. This job description outlines the primary duties of the role; however, additional related duties may be assigned.

Data Analytics/ Assessment Skills

• Conducts investigations and follow-up of reported and suspected cases.
• Assists in investigations of case contacts.
• Oversees collection and reporting of TB data.
• Works with TB Program Manager on compiling data, sharing data, and sending out reports for tuberculosis.
• Interviews and triages clients referred for positive TB screening.

Policy Development/ Program Planning Skills

• Ensures systems are in place and working to:
• Identify persons who have clinically active TB according to Department of State Health Services (DSHS) guidelines.
• Manage persons who have or who are suspected of having TB disease.
• Identify and manage persons infected with M.tuberculosis.
• Differentiate infections caused by M.tuberculosis from those caused by Nontuberculosis Mycobacterium (NTM).
• Provide laboratory and diagnostic services for TB.
• Responsible for education, assessment, and consultation for initiation of treatment for inmates with TB and LTBI at the Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto if agreements are made for such services.
• Participates in quality assurance activities related to tuberculosis.
• Participates in developing and implementing plans to improve reporting from local providers and other reporting sources.
• Ensures systems are in place and working to meet reporting requirements of DSHS and CDC for TB.

Communication/Cultural Competency Skills

• Works to educate Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto staff on tuberculosis screening, identification and treatment.
• Assists Public Information Officer (PIO) in responding to media inquiries.

Community Partnership

• Serves as a subject matter expert regarding tuberculosis for our community partners to answer basic to intermediate questions regarding tuberculosis.
• Works to develop effective working relationships with centers or facilities with high-risk populations to screen and identify those with latent and active TB.
• Maintains contact with DSHS regarding disease surveillance.
• Attends meetings as needed or requested to provide updates and guidance related to tuberculosis.
• Acts as a resource for Williamson County Jail and T. Don Hutto with respect to TB control.

Public Health Sciences

• Provides or coordinates DOT (directly observed therapy).
• Provides direct patient care for clients suspected of or diagnosed with TB in Williamson County.
• Acts as a resource for WCCHD staff for the coordination of TB patient treatment plans and education regarding program requirements.

Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills

• Participates in required training related to tuberculosis
• Provides training and orientation to new staff, volunteer and students

Other

• May participate on a WCCHD committee or task force
• In the event of a public health emergency, employees may be called upon to support WCCHD's response…