Public Health Nurse - Memphis

Position Summary   · The rape crisis Public Health Nurse works under the general supervision of the Director of Nursing, providing follow-up nursing services to victims of sexual violence served by CVRCC at the time of assault or in relation to the assault, thereby promoting publ ...

Job description

Position Summary  
The rape crisis Public Health Nurse works under the general supervision of the Director of Nursing, providing follow-up nursing services to victims of sexual violence served by CVRCC at the time of assault or in relation to the assault, thereby promoting public wellness, preventing disease, and reducing the risks of STI transmission within the population through evidence-based care and education.
 

Pay Grade: 52H 
 

Minimum Qualifications  

• Two (2) years of full-time generalized nursing experience and AD/Diploma from an accredited School of Nursing; OR
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited Nursing program; and
• Active, unrestricted licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of Tennessee (OR application for license transfer to TN must be in process for consideration).
• Crime victim or forensic nursing experience preferred.
• PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.
   

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Provides age-appropriate nursing care, regulated by the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act.  
• Provides prophylactic treatment for certain STDs and pregnancy, utilizing standard medical protocol.  
• Collaborates with CVRCC colleagues, hospital clinicians, local law enforcement agencies, and allied agencies in the comprehensive care of the sexual assault patient.  
• Coordinates and manages lab testing and results for CVRCC patients, including coordination with both the State of TN and Shelby County Health Departments.  
• Processes, interprets and communicates clinical information received from reporting laboratories, health care providers, community partners, and clinics involving care for the sexual assault patients.  
• Notifies patients of positive STI results and verifies the treatment and follow-up information.  
• Schedules follow-up visits for patients at 4-6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, as indicated.  
• Communicates follow-up appointments to CVRCC Advocacy and Counseling teams for further connection at time of appointment.  
• Provides or coordinates appropriate follow-up case management activities to promote a continuum of care through referrals (as indicated) to connect patients with appropriate resources and services based on needs and availability.  
• Maintains supply levels in the exam room and assist with ordering supplies.  
• Assists in triaging and responding to nursing team phone calls.  
• Assists in compiling patient records and faxing and copying records for law enforcement, the district attorney general's office, and the Department of Children's Services.  
• Conducts regular peer review of patient records and participates in multi-disciplinary case staffing each week.  
• Maintains confidential case files with appropriate documentation and physical security systems.  
• Maintains necessary CEU requirements for RN licensure or SANE certifications.  
• Assists in designing, creating and conducting training on CVRCC procedure for various law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, Department of Children's Services, hospitals and other appropriate community agencies.  
• Attends community events as needed.  
• Performs related duties as assigned or directed.  
   

KSAs  

• Knowledge of principles of basic nursing and applied nursing procedures for specified health treatment activities.  
• Ability to assess victims of sexual violence and determine their physical and behavioral health needs.  
• Ability to provide individualized, compassionate, professional and culturally sensitive care to victims and make appropriate decisions in a timely manner.  
• Ability to function independently in a clinical setting and to intervene effectively in crisis situations (both with access to consultation).  
• Skilled in collection of pediatric and adult blood specimens.   
• Ability to operate and maintain medical and technological equipment, including colposcopies, digital cameras, digital recording systems and microscopes.    
• Ability to work with physicians, mental health professionals, law enforcement, attorneys, advocates, counselors as well as other staff and community partners as indicated.   
• Ability to accurately collect data, document and contribute to sound recommendations.   
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with victims, family members, law enforcement, personnel from other agencies and staff.   
• Ability to deal tactfully with the public and co-workers, exercise judgment in evaluating situations and make evidence-based decisions.   
• Ability to express ideas clearly, concisely and convincingly.  
• Ability to effectively manage time, organize, implement and maintain a tracking system to ensure clients' needs are met.  
• Proficient knowledge in the use of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or similar software.  
• Ability to function at a high level under pressure and adapt to changing priorities and external expectations.
   

Special Requirements   

• Maintains necessary CEU requirements for RN licensure or SANE certifications.  
• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license or secure one by date of employment.  
• Must have means of transportation to and from place of employment.  
• Must be able to work a modified schedule which may include nights, weekends and holidays if needed.  
• Must be able to be on call nights weekends and holidays as needed.  
   

Disclaimer 

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
 

Shelby County Resident Disclaimer  

All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment.  The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees.  This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department.  The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include Appointed positions with Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections or the Fire Department.