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 Outreach Nurse works in an unstructured environment with vulnerable/marginalized clients and communities, who are at high risk for Communicable Diseases with a focus in STI, Hepatitis, HIV and TB in an effort to prevent and control communicable infections and diseases, and to assess, treat and refer for related and other health conditions. Working in outreach settings, clinical services are provided through education, supportive counselling, screening, evaluation, treatment, follow-up and referral. The Outreach Nurse participates in relevant research, new and ongoing project initiatives, and the development and delivering of educational and program planning.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Provides screening, diagnostic, prophylactic or therapeutic services to outreach clients by collaborating with other community-based agencies to reach populations at high risk for acquiring communicable diseases (included are street-involved persons, sex workers, problematic substance users, street youth, men who have sex with men); interviewing clients and making clinical assessment; carrying out physical examinations; screening and testing including taking specimens; administering appropriate treatment, consulting with physicians and other health professionals; locating resources for clients and arranging follow-up; identifying clients to be placed on Direct Observed Therapy Program; and providing tuberculin skin testing and interpreting results. Takes blood tests (venipuncture), provides basic first aid, which includes CPR; and provides harm reduction teaching and supplies including condoms and needles.

2. Administers medications as ordered by divisional physicians, provides information on side effects of medication, and monitors patients for compliance and side effects of the medications.

3. Provides clinical and supportive counselling services to persons in outreach locations including agencies, correctional settings, detox centres, street clinics, drop ins, hotels, parks and the street; and providing pre- and post-test counselling for the HIV antibody test, providing test results, and ongoing support and referral to meet the physical and psychosocial needs of HIV+ clients.

4. Provides health education and promotion services to target individuals and groups to increase knowledge and promote behaviour change to prevent the transmission of Communicable Diseases by providing current information, harm reduction education, supportive counselling from a nursing perspective on issues relating to Communicable Diseases in non-traditional settings (e.g. gay bars, drop-ins, and on the street); applying techniques of marketing, principles of teaching and use of audio-visual aids; assisting others in developing educational workshops, materials and pamphlets for specific targeted groups presenting individual or group sessions including community groups and those in professional practices; participating in the in-service education of health and community agency personnel and delivering public presentations regarding the prevention of STIs, HIV, TB and Hepatitis.

5. Carries out contact tracing duties for all clients with reportable STIs, Hepatitis or TB to ensure contact/partner notification and document adequate treatment or arranging follow up by interviewing clients in person or by telephone to collect all available information regarding sexual contacts for a specific period of time; using information collected and investigative skills when information is limited to find named contacts; informing named contacts by telephone or visit what infection they may have been exposed to and what action is required of them, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained at all times; and following up with contacts to document required testing and treatment.

6. Participates in the coordination of Outreach Nursing Services with those of community services and agencies related to STIs, HIV/AIDS, TB and Hepatitis by methods such as cooperating with community-based agencies or other organizations to plan, implement and deliver preventive educational material workshops and programs to targeted groups; liaises with and referrs to physicians, hospitals, counselors, teachers, social workers, and other community services and agencies; participating in community or professional committees, advisory boards, meetings with the targeted population; identifying gaps in existing service and participating in the planning and development of community health resources and health services; suggesting changes to program policies where required.

7. Maintains and updates own clinical knowledge within area of practice and participates in workshops and conferences to keep current on trends, practices and techniques.

8. Participates in quality and safety initiatives, medication reconciliation, accreditation, imPROVE and other PHSA initiatives.

9. Provides field experience and education for health professionals and students through mentorship.

10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Vancouver – STI Clinic: Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Certification in Reproductive Health (STIs) with British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP)
• One (1) year recent related experience in the designated clinical area (STI/Hepatitis/HIV).
• Venipuncture certification or equivalency.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license to operate a vehicle within the Province of British Columbia. Ability to access fleet vehicles or access to a vehicle for local area travel.

Vancouver & New Westminster – TB Clinic: Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• One (1) year recent related experience in the designated clinical area (Tuberculosis).
• Venipuncture certification or equivalency.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interviewing skills.
• Broad knowledge and demonstrated ability to apply case management principles
• Knowledge in outreach healthcare delivery and community resources
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with patients, staff and public.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust to unexpected events, problem-solve, and deal with conflict.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in working with patients with TB, HIV/STD, Hepatitis C, addiction and/ or mental health in marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated ability in making decisions based on independent judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative manner as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position