TB Nurse Clinical Prevention Services Job Vancouver area,BC Canada,Nursing

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient and employee safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The TB Nurse, using specialized nursing skills, expert communication and interpersonal skills, provides assessment, case management, treatment and counseling of clients presenting with risk of Tuberculosis (TB) and/or related diseases, and any necessary contact tracing. The incumbent participates in the training of other healthcare providers in the specialty of TB management; acts as a resource, coordinates client referrals, and participates in program planning and research within the service line of Clinical Prevention Services.

Duties/Accountabilities

Provides nursing care, education and counselling using a health promotion, harm reduction and trauma informed approach.

Provides nursing services related to the assessment of clients presenting with or at risk for TB by methods such as interviewing clients and taking history, gathering data appropriate to clinical assessment and diagnosis, involving client in a risk assessment for TB, determining appropriate timing of tests to produce valid test results, and assessing client’s anxiety related to their risks and their ability to deal with positive test results.

Performs nursing procedures to assist physician in diagnosis including tuberculin skin testing and reading, obtaining specimens and preparing requisitions for laboratory testing such as sputum, serology, urine, cytology and visual acuity; assisting physician with physical examination and dressing change; examines clients for signs and symptoms of infection, lymph node and skin exam and chest auscultation; uses aseptic technique and accepted safety measures to collect specimens required for diagnostic confirmation which may include venipuncture.

Administering appropriate treatment according to appropriate clinical guidelines and Decision Support Tools by methods such as assessing the information gathered to determine action required regarding treatment and client follow-up, interpreting test results to clients. Arranges for referral of clients to private physicians, clinics, support services or specialists as necessary which may require clinic physician consultation, assisting clients to locate community resources appropriate to their needs, and ensuring client is aware of and understands any need for follow-up.

Provides education and counseling using a health promotion approach to clients and their families regarding topics such as risk behaviours with a goal of reducing risk behaviours, the transmission and treatment of tuberculosis both at home and/or admission to hospital.

Administers prescribed medications and performs medication reconciliation by methods such as ensuring doctor’s orders are met in regard to medication, return examinations and follow-up; distributing anti-tuberculous medications as ordered, and monitoring for compliance and counselling for side-effects.

Prepares and maintains client records by methods such as documenting client assessments, interventions, evaluations, modifications and client goals, charting client information, documenting significant events/unusual occurrences, noting referrals, recording contact with client/family and health care staff, preparing progress notes and reports in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures to regulatory requirements and provide evidence and rationale that support findings and intervention plan.

Carries out contact tracing duties for all clients with TB to ensure contact notification and document adequate treatment or arranging follow up by Interviewing clients in person or by telephone to collect all available information regarding contacts for a specific period of time, using information collected and investigative skills when information is limited to find named contacts, and informing named contacts by telephone or visit what infection they may have been exposed to and what…