Tuberculosis Control Nurse

Introduction

GRADE

19

LOCATION OF POSITION

Howard County Health Department 8930 Stanford Blvd. Columbia, MD 21045

POSITION DUTIES

The main purpose of this Community Health Nurse II (CHN II) position is to provide communicable disease prevention, surveillance, and control activities in both a community and clinical setting with a primary focus on tuberculosis. This position provides nurse case management, contact tracing, tuberculosis treatment and prophylaxis, direct observation therapy, follow-up, and education to tuberculosis patients and suspects in Howard County. Also assists with surveillance activities to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. This position assists in the daily operations of Howard County Health Department (HCHD) providing direct nursing care to patients in various community settings and HCHD clinics. The work may be performed at patients' homes, schools, and other community settings to provide community health nursing services to individuals, families, and the community. Provides assessment, education, and assistance to patients in understanding present health status with consideration for social determinants and provides counseling, guidance, referral, and treatment of physical, mental, and emotional health needs to patients, their families, and other caregivers. TB Case Manager (85%) Coordinates the care of a selected caseload of patients for referred services. Provides outpatient clinical care; managing active TB cases or outbreaks; Conducts patient home visits as needed for TB treatment. Undertakes epidemiological investigations of infectious diseases (tuberculosis) reported to the health department using Maryland Department of Health (MDH) protocols and standards in order to control infectious diseases in the county. Ensures that tuberculosis case investigations are initiated and completed using HCHD/MDH workflow, protocols, forms, and data systems. Completes electronic database records of tuberculosis cases, ensuring record review of cases for accuracy and completeness. Ensures that reports are completed per HCHD and MDH guidelines and protocols. Provides guidance for isolation measures to affected individuals, families, community members as needed. Tracks treatment progress of patients with infectious illness - tuberculosis per HCHD/MDH guidelines and processes. Functions as a HCHD SME for HCHD/MDH/CDC recommendations, protocols, and public health management of infectious diseases - tuberculosis. Phlebotomy as needed as related to CD functions Administers injections to adults and children as related to CD functions. Quality Assurance and Reporting (10%) Assists in the compilation of materials needed and works in collaboration with the TB supervisor in the preparation of reports Collects and analyzes data to support planning and program development, as directed Participates in internal meetings, chart review process, audits and case study presentations to monitor services and ensure standards of best practice Other (5%) Participates in continuous nursing education and training that enables community health nurses to fully function under nursing COMAR regulations to promote public health through prevention education, chronic disease management or community outreach programs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university. Experience: None. Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and one year of experience as a Registered Nurse for the required education. 2. Candidates may substitute two years of experience as a Registered Nurse for the required education. 3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Nursing classification or Nursing or Health Care Specialist specialty codes in the Nursing field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Desired Qualifications -Case management background -Tuberculosis knowledge -Background working with diverse population -Clinical experience (interviewing, addressing clinician orders, med administration, phlebotomy skills)

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland State Board of Nursing, 4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. 2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this classification will be required to provide the facility with a telephone number at which they can be reached.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted. If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251. If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.